It’s not easy being an actor. Just ask Terrence Howard who recently admitted that his career has been a wild trip of ups and downs. But mostly downs.

During a recent interview for his new film Dead Man Down, Howard confessed that ‘I had to start all over: went from making $6 million a
movie, back to $60 thousand a movie. But as long as you don’t give up you are
able.”

Of course I’m sure my first reaction to that quote was the same as yours: “He got $6 million for movie???? HOW? WHY?”

Of course he’s referring to the first Iron Man film which many pepole may not know that Howard was the first to sign on for the film and was the highest paid actor on the film as well. Robert Downey Jr. was still, at that time, considered something of a risky bet, while Howard was riding the wave of popularity.

Unfortunately, when time came to negotiate contracts for Iron Man 2 you better believe that Downey wasn’t about to be paid less than anyone else on the film. However, Howard refused to budge on taking a lesser deal, and director Jon Favreau reportedly wasn’t happy with his performance.

So the result was, Howard was out and Don Cheadle was in.

Howard himself said in the interview that: “The worst thing I’ve witnessed was Iron Man killing my career…..I chose not to fight back, not to deal with the
allegations, but to continue to do what I had to do.  I’ll make $20 million soon. Because I have learned the lessons of yesterday.”

Well good that he’s all optimistic, But Howard isn’t the first actor, nor will he be the last, to realize that a huge ego will get you far in the business, but can seriously hurt you as well.