Actor Terrence Howard's personal life often overshadows his on-screen career, drawing intense tabloid scrutiny over his marriages, domestic disputes, and public feuds. Yet behind the headlines, the Empire star is a father of five children across two major relationships. Among them, his son Qirin Love Howard—frequently referenced in media spaces by nicknames like Qmilly—alongside his other children, paints a complex portrait of a Hollywood actor trying to balance past regrets with present parenting.
Understanding the actor's family dynamic requires looking beyond the turbulence of his public persona. From his early adult years with first wife Lori McCommas to his later life with Miranda Pak, Howard's five children represent different eras of his personal evolution.
The Five Children of Terrence Howard
Terrence Howard shares his five children with two primary partners: Lori McCommas and Miranda Pak. Each child occupies a different place in the actor's timeline, spanning from his early twenties to his more settled later years.
Children with Lori McCommas
Howard married Lori McCommas in 1989, and their relationship experienced multiple marriages and divorces over the years. Together, they welcomed three children:
- Aubrey Howard (born 1993): As Howard's eldest child, Aubrey made him a grandfather in her twenties. She works as a breathwork healer and holistic practitioner, largely staying out of mainstream Hollywood drama.
- Hunter Howard (born 1995): Howard's first son attended high-profile events with his father during the actor's rise to fame in the mid-2000s, including appearances at major award shows and film screenings.
- Heaven Howard (recent years active): Heaven pursued creative arts and acting, occasionally joining her father on red carpets and sharing insights into her artistic pursuits.
Children with Miranda Pak
Following his split from McCommas and subsequent relationships, Howard entered a relationship with model and entrepreneur Miranda Pak. They share two sons born close together:
- Qirin Love Howard (born 2015): Often referred to online or in casual circles by nicknames like Qmilly, Qirin is Howard's second son. His distinctive name stems from the Qilin, a mythical Chinese creature symbolizing prosperity and peace.
- Hero Valentino Howard (born 2016): Born six weeks premature, Hero surprised medical staff by arriving as one of the largest babies in the neonatal intensive care unit, eventually growing into a healthy toddler with frequent updates shared by his parents.
Shifting From Absentee Father to Hands-On Dad
Howard has been remarkably open about his early parenting failures. During interviews and public appearances, the Oscar-nominee has admitted that when he welcomed his first three children with Lori McCommas, he was too focused on building an acting career to be fully present. He famously noted that he was still trying to figure out his own identity while his eldest children were growing up.
By the time Qirin and Hero were born with Miranda Pak, Howard shifted his approach. He has described taking on night duty, handling feedings, and staying closely involved in their day-to-day upbringing. This sharp contrast highlights a common Hollywood narrative: a performer learning from early mistakes to become a more attentive father later in life.
Navigating Public Controversies and Family Life
Tabloid coverage frequently links Howard's domestic disputes and legal battles with his public image. However, his children have largely carved out independent identities. While internet sleuths and gossip columns conflate his off-screen legal troubles with his ability to parent, family milestones—such as Aubrey making him a grandfather and his younger sons growing up away from constant studio spotlights—show a more nuanced reality.
Howard's public feuds with industry contemporaries and unconventional personal philosophies often dominate news cycles, but his commitment to providing for his children remains a constant thread. As Qirin and his siblings grow older, they inherit a legacy defined as much by artistic success and eccentric intellect as by personal resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children does Terrence Howard have in total?
Terrence Howard is the father of five children. He shares three children—Aubrey, Hunter, and Heaven—with his first wife, Lori McCommas, and two sons—Qirin Love and Hero Valentino—with Miranda Pak.
Who is Qirin Love Howard?
Qirin Love Howard is Terrence Howard's fourth child and first son with Miranda Pak, born in May 2015. His name is inspired by the Qilin, a mythical creature from Chinese folklore.
What are the ages of Terrence Howard's children?
His children span a wide age range, with his eldest daughter born in 1993 and his youngest son born in July 2016.
Are Terrence Howard's children involved in acting?
Some of his children have explored creative arts, acting, or public-facing projects, while others, like his eldest daughter Aubrey, pursue alternative career paths such as holistic wellness and healing practices.
