The reluctant star of Hustle & Flow works his way onto Hollywood’s A–list

Patrick Carone Terrence Howard was originally so uninterested in Hustle & Flow that he lied to the film’s producer about reading the script. “I assumed it was just another exploitative piece of trash,” he says of the movie, about a Memphis pimp turned rapper. “So I told her I read it even though I didn’t.” The producer was persistent, however, and Howard buckled. “I finally read it, and right away I began to scramble to make sure I could still get the job,” he says, laughing. “This is the kind of work I want to do.”

Howard’s initial hesitation is understandable, considering he’s built his career with nuanced rolesin nearly 30 films, including memorable turns in The Best Man, Dead Presidents and Ray, in which he flaunted his jazz guitar skills. He’s utilizing that talent again in My Life In Idlewild, the upcoming OutKast musical. “Big Boi has a great comedic sense,” says Howard. “And Andre 3000? it was like being able to watch Jimi Hendrix work for the very first time.”

At age 36, Howard is poised for a career breakout. In the new Four Brothers, directed by John Singleton, Howard stars opposite Mark Wahlberg and, again, Mr. 3000. He recently wrapped Get Rich Or Die Tryin’, the 50 Cent movie helmed by Jim Sheridan, in which Howard plays 50’s manager. And rumor has it that Spike Lee is after him to star in a Joe Louis biopic. Pretty impressive, Terrence, but back to the Hustle & Flow producers—did they know you were lying about reading the script? “Oh yeah,” he says, smiling. “They all said they knew the whole time.”

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