Lori McCommas is widely recognized as the first wife of award winning actor Terrence Howard, yet her own story carries far more depth than a single line in a celebrity biography.
She built a private, grounded life centered on family, faith, and personal strength, even while her marriage played out under public attention.
This article looks closely at who Lori McCommas really is, her background, her years with Terrence Howard, and how she lives today.
Personal Details
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Lori McCommas |
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1969 |
| Birthplace | New York City, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Profession | Former casting professional, private individual |
| Known For | First wife of actor Terrence Howard |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Children | Three, Aubrey, Heaven, and Hunter |
| Religion | Raised in a Jewish and Jehovah’s Witness household |
| Residence | United States, keeps location private |
Early Life and Background
Lori McCommas was born on June 22, 1969, in New York City. She grew up in a close, disciplined household that placed strong value on respect, education, and modesty. Her upbringing combined Jewish heritage with Jehovah’s Witness teachings, which shaped her quiet, grounded personality from a young age.
Not much detail exists about her parents or extended relatives, largely because Lori herself has always treated personal matters as private, a value she carried into adulthood. What is publicly known is that she grew up with a brother named Michael, and her childhood environment taught her the calm resilience she would later rely on.
Age and Appearance
As of 2026, Lori McCommas is in her mid fifties. Despite the years of public interest surrounding her, she has never presented herself as a public figure focused on image. She maintains a natural, understated look, and there are very few recent photographs available since she avoids media appearances and public events almost entirely.
Education and Meeting with Terrence Howard
Lori completed her early schooling at Henderson High School before enrolling at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, a respected school known for art and design programs. It was during her time at Pratt Institute that she met a young Terrence Howard, long before he became a recognized Hollywood name.
Their connection began simply, built on shared experiences as students rather than fame or public attention. Lori knew Terrence as an ordinary young man chasing his dreams, not yet the actor audiences would come to know from major films and television.
Marriage and Family Life
Lori McCommas and Terrence Howard first married on June 28, 1989. Their early years together were focused on building a family and supporting one another as Terrence pursued his acting career. Over time, the couple welcomed three children:
- Aubrey Howard, daughter
- Hunter Howard, son
- Heaven Howard, daughter
The couple raised their children largely away from Hollywood glamour, with Lori taking on a steady, nurturing role at home while Terrence balanced early career struggles with family responsibilities.
Who Is Terrence Howard?
Terrence Howard is an American actor and musician recognized for his performances in films such as Hustle & Flow and Iron Man, along with his long running role in the television series Empire. He has received major award nominations for his acting work and is considered one of the more prominent names in modern Hollywood.
Before his rise to fame, Terrence was simply a young man studying alongside Lori, and their relationship predates almost all of his professional recognition. This history is part of why Lori is often referred to as the person who knew him before the world did.
Challenges in Marriage
Life with a rising actor came with real difficulties. As Terrence’s career gained momentum, the couple faced growing strain, including reported struggles with alcohol and communication breakdowns. Financial pressure, long working hours, and the demands of raising three children added further tension to the relationship.
Despite these challenges, both Lori and Terrence tried repeatedly to keep their family together, reflecting a bond that went beyond simple celebrity romance.
The Domestic Violence Incident and First Divorce
One of the most publicized events involving the couple took place in 2001, when Terrence Howard was arrested following a domestic dispute with Lori. Reports at the time indicated the argument escalated and resulted in physical harm, and Terrence was taken into custody on related charges. He later pleaded guilty to a lesser offense connected to the incident.
In a 2015 interview, Terrence publicly acknowledged the event, admitting that he had lost control during an argument and that his actions were wrong regardless of the circumstances. This incident placed significant strain on the marriage and contributed heavily to the couple’s first divorce, finalized around 2003.
Life After Divorce and Attempt at Reconciliation
Following their separation, Terrence reportedly made consistent efforts to win Lori back, including small gestures of support around her home and continued involvement in their children’s lives. Over roughly two years, the couple slowly rebuilt trust.
Their efforts led to a second marriage on May 25, 2005, as both hoped to give their family another chance at stability. This reconciliation surprised many who were aware of their earlier struggles, but Lori reportedly believed real change was possible for the sake of their children.
The Second Divorce and Moving Forward
Unfortunately, the reunited marriage did not last. Underlying issues resurfaced within roughly a year, and the couple ultimately filed for divorce again in 2006, with the process finalized in 2007. This marked the permanent end of their marital relationship, though both remained connected through their shared children.
After this final separation, Lori made a clear decision to step away from public life entirely, choosing privacy and stability over any connection to Hollywood attention.
A Private Life Away from Fame
Since her divorce from Terrence Howard, Lori McCommas has intentionally avoided the spotlight. She has not pursued media interviews, public appearances, or a career built around her past marriage. There is no confirmed active social media presence tied to her name, which is uncommon for someone connected to a well known celebrity.
This choice reflects her long standing personal value of privacy, something she maintained even during years when public curiosity about her life was at its highest.
Being a Mother and Grandmother
Family remains the center of Lori’s life. She raised her three children largely outside of the public eye, prioritizing stability and normalcy despite their father’s fame. Today, she is also known to be a proud grandmother, embracing that role with warmth and consistency.
Her children have grown into adults who, much like their mother, tend to keep their personal lives private rather than leaning into any association with celebrity culture.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Lori McCommas has never pursued a high profile career, so exact financial figures are not officially confirmed. Based on available estimates and her divorce settlement, her net worth is generally believed to fall between $500,000 and $2 million. She lives comfortably but modestly, focusing on family wellbeing rather than material visibility.
Her lifestyle reflects simplicity, family time, personal peace, and staying grounded, rather than luxury or public display.
Personal Values and Strength
What stands out most about Lori McCommas is her quiet resilience. Despite public attention surrounding her marriage, including difficult and painful moments, she chose forgiveness, privacy, and family focus over public commentary or controversy. Her approach reflects strong personal discipline and emotional steadiness built from her upbringing.
Current Life and Legacy
As of 2026, Lori McCommas continues to live a peaceful, low profile life. She stays away from media attention and public events, choosing instead to focus on her children, grandchildren, and personal happiness.
While she will likely always be known publicly as Terrence Howard’s first wife, her real legacy is that of a devoted mother who prioritized her family’s wellbeing above fame.
Physical Stats
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 6 inches |
| Build | Average, natural |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Overall Appearance | Simple, private, not image focused |
Lori McCommas Hobbies
- Spending time with children and grandchildren
- Valuing quiet, faith centered living
- Maintaining personal privacy and family routines
- Supporting close family relationships over public engagement
Key Facts
- Born June 22, 1969, in New York City
- Met Terrence Howard at Pratt Institute
- Married Terrence Howard twice, in 1989 and 2005
- Shares three children, Aubrey, Heaven, and Hunter
- Final divorce finalized in 2007
- Lives privately with no public social media presence
- Known for quiet strength and family devotion
Frequently Asked Question
Who Is Lori McCommas?
Lori McCommas is best known as the first wife of American actor Terrence Howard, whom she married twice between 1989 and 2007.
How Many Times Did Lori McCommas and Terrence Howard Get Married?
The couple married twice, first in 1989 and again in 2005, before their final divorce in 2007.
Does Lori McCommas Have Children with Terrence Howard?
Yes, she shares three children with Terrence Howard, daughters Aubrey and Heaven, and son Hunter.
What Does Lori McCommas Do for a Living?
Lori has largely stayed out of public career spaces, keeping her professional life private rather than public facing.
Is Lori McCommas Active on Social Media Today?
No, Lori McCommas does not maintain a known public social media presence.
What Is Lori McCommas Doing Now?
She currently lives a quiet, private life focused on her family, especially her children and grandchildren.
Conclusion
Lori McCommas’s story is far more than a footnote in Terrence Howard’s public biography. From her early years in New York to meeting Terrence at Pratt Institute, through the joys and hardships of a marriage that ended twice, Lori has shown consistent strength, dignity, and devotion to family.
Today, her choice to live privately, away from fame and public commentary, stands as a quiet reminder that a meaningful life does not require the spotlight, only purpose, resilience, and genuine connection with the people who matter most.
