Trivia

He has 10 siblings.

At the age of 3, he witnessed his father stab a man in self-defense. His father served 11 months for manslaughter.

Had Bell's palsy for nine months while in high school.

Attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York City to study chemical engineering.

He was released from jail on August 18, 2000 after spending a night there in Cleveland. He allegedly grabbed a flight attendant's wrist (Cleveland-bound flight from Toronto) and shouted at her to get out of his way when she told him to remain in his seat while the plane's seat belt sign was on. He was reportedly taking his 3-year-old daughter, Heavenly, to the bathroom.

Another passenger assisted the flight attendant, who was not seriously hurt. On arrival in Cleveland, Howard was charged with assault and jailed overnight, but the charge was dismissed when the local prosecutor said he lacked jurisdiction and the incident was a federal matter. (August 2000)

Has two daughters and three sons: Aubrey (b. 1993), Hunter (b. 1995), Heavenly (b. 1997), Qirin Love (b. May 15, 2015), Hero (b. August 12, 2016). Has one granddaughter: Hazel Gayle (b. December 26, 2012) and one grandson: Adrian (b. February 2015).

Both of his parents are of African-American and Caucasian descent.

Great-grandmother, Minnie Gentry, was an actress in New York.

At age 15, he landed a role on The Cosby Show (1984) and he filmed an episode, but most of his scenes were deleted.

He appeared in Ashanti's first music video "Foolish" (2002).

He was considered for the role of Curtis Taylor Jr. in Dreamgirls (2006). However, Jamie Foxx was cast instead.

Grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, where he had a rocky childhood.

He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television at 6200 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on September 24, 2019.

In 2010, Howard was initiated into Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. as an Honorary Member.

Invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in 2006.

Was member of the dramatic jury at the Sundance Film Festival in 2006.

Attended the third annual Dubai International Film Festival in the United Arab Emirates in late December 2006 along with Oliver Stone, Yasiin Bey and Richard Gere.

Friends with Morris Chestnut and Jamie Foxx.

Currently resides outside Philadelphia in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania. (October 2005)

His mother had him at 16 years old.

Has a stunt driver teaching his son how to drive.