United Kingdom, April 30 -- Terrence Howard rejected the chance to play Marvin Gaye because he refused to kiss another man.

The 'Empire' actor admitted the "biggest mistake" of his career was turning down Smokey Robinson's personal request for him to play him in a separate project because he was already in talks with director Lee Daniels to play the 'Let's Get It On' hitmaker.

However, Terrence grew concerned when he heard rumours about Marvin - who married twice and had three children before being shot dead by his father in 1984 at the age of 44 - and his sexuality.

Speaking to Bill Maher on his 'Club Random' podcast, he recalled: "I was over at Quincy Jones's house, and I'm asking Quincy, 'I'm hearing rumours that Marvin was gay' and...