'Sparkle' Star Terrence J Talks Missed Opportunity with Whitney & More

The actor also talks about not shaving for a purpose

It wouldn't seem like Terrence J would have time for charity work considering that he's now established himself as a formidable TV personality and a burgeoning actor with the potential to take Hollywood by storm.  

Following the success of Think Like a Man, Terrence is gearing up for the August release of the anticipated Whitney Houston-led remake Sparkle, but he's also found a creative way to donate to a cause and it lies in his beard. He spoke to Loop 21 about his latest endeavors.

Loop 21: What attracted you to your 'Sparkle' role?

Terrence J: I’ve always been a fan of the movie. I thought the original was a classic and the chance to work with Mara and Salim Akil again was real attractive to me. I had worked with them previously on “The Game." The film is gonna be amazing. I really think people are gonna like it. Obviously there’s a lot of interest in it because of Whitney Houston so, I’m excited for people to see her last performance because it was brilliant. I play the club owner who first introduces the girls on stage. I have a really fun scene with Cee Lo Green. I’m just happy I got to work on such a legendary project.

Loop 21: Did you share any memorable moments with Whitney?

Terrence J: My first day on set, I had the scene with Cee Lo and I had to go into wardrobe and Jordin [Sparks] was upstairs so I went to go see her. I gave her a big hug and when I turned around, I bumped into Whitney. I remember her being super beautiful and super tall, and I wanted to take a photo with her but I thought it would be inappropriate because it was my first day on set. I thought to myself, 'I’ll see her at the red carpet premiere, so I’ll just wait until then.' And now I never got that opportunity so, for me, it’s always been a constant reminder when you meet people and you appreciate their work that you have to tell them then. A lot of times we celebrate people when they pass and we don’t give them flowers while they’re still living so, that’s just been a reminder to me that when I love somebody I’ll tell them that I love them.

[ALSO READ: Derek Luke: How He Prepped for 'Sparkle']

Loop 21: Aside from acting, you're involved with Shave With a Purpose. Tell us about it.