49+ View Photos of Terrence Howard. Just ask terrence howard, who played the role of james "rhodey" . The 'empire' star opens up. Terrence howard was born in chicago, illinois, to anita jeanine williams (née hawkins) and tyrone. Howard is a respected actor who had been nominated for an oscar for hustle & flow (2005) following his acclaimed turn in crash (2004). Having his first major roles in the 1995 films .
