Even supposing Gaye was once no longer openly though-provoking, Howard believes filmmakers would've desired to explore his rumored homosexuality in the biopic. To score a deeper sense of Gaye's character, the Fight Night actor acknowledged he spoke to his “What's Going On” collaborator Quincy Jones—who died from pancreatic most cancers in November—prior to in the close passing on the role.

“I used to be once over at Quincy Jones' dwelling and I'm asking Quincy, 'I’m listening to rumors that Marvin was once delighted,' and I’m handle, 'Used to be he delighted?'” Howard recalled. “And Quincy's handle, ‘Sure.'”

However for Howard, the “ideal mistake” of his profession was once turning down the role of Smokey Robinson in yet any other movie.

“Smokey Robinson brought me over to advance own dinner with him, and he wanted me to play his lifestyles,” Howard shared, explaining he had to circulation on the provide on yarn of he was once already in talks with the producers of the Gaye biopic on the time.

“On yarn of I had given my notice as a man,” he continued, “Smokey, I had to speak him on the desk—and it broke his coronary heart.”

Whereas Howard ended up passing on both biopics, retain reading to look at the stars who did play right-lifestyles stars.