Terrence Howard is an American actor and musician, born on March 11, 1969, in Chicago, Illinois. He gained fame for his roles in films such as Hustle & Flow, where he won an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, and Iron Man, where he played James "Rhodey" Rhodes. Howard is known for his distinctive voice and versatile acting skills. In addition to acting, Howard has pursued a music career, releasing his debut album, Shine Through It, in 2008. He has also appeared in the television series Empire, where he played the lead role of Lucious Lyon. Throughout his career, Howard has been recognized for his contributions to film and television.