Terence Howard was pretty annoyed when Don Cheadle replaced him as Col. James Rhodes (the man who would becomes the War Machine character) in the sequel to “Iron Man.” But he’s quite pleased with his with most recent role with Stand Up To Cancer and The National Colorectal Cancer Alliance. Just like Katie Couric, who led the charge after her husband Jay Monahan died of the disease a number of years ago, Howard’s reasons are also intensely personal. His mother battled the disease for six years before her death at age 50 last September. (Most people don’t get their first colorectal screening until they’re 50).
Howard is taking is crusade to the street and to our people in particular. Recently he visited a health program in a Boston housing project to share his story and stress the importance of screenings. He said:
“Open Doors is trying to increase colon cancer screening rates. I was able to share my family’s story. It’s particularly important to reach the African-American community as they are 20%-30% more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 30% more likely to die from it than Anglo-Americans.”
Howard is also using is Hollywood connections to organize a gala this fall to raise funds for this disease. Clearly, this move is from the heart and it’s a good look for him. And if he can help save some lives it will actually be more rewarding in the long-run than being in a hot film.
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