Lori McCommas: The True Story of Terrence Howard’s First Wife and Her Quiet Life Today
Lori McCommas is best known as the first wife of American actor and musician Terrence Howard, but her story goes far beyond being connected to a celebrity. Born on June 22, 1969, in New York City, she has lived a life built on family, faith, and quiet strength. Lori was raised in a caring home, studied at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, and met Terrence there before he became famous.
The two married twice and had three children together — Aubrey, Heaven, and Hunter. Though their marriage faced many challenges, including separation and public attention, Lori chose privacy over fame and peace over publicity. Today, she lives a calm and private life in California, away from social media and the spotlight, focusing on her children, grandchildren, and personal happiness.
Early Life and Background
Lori McCommas was born on June 22, 1969, in New York City, United States. She grew up in a quiet and caring middle-class family that valued discipline, respect, and education. Her childhood was calm and simple, surrounded by love and structure. Lori was originally raised in a Jewish household, but as she grew older, she converted to Christianity and at one time practiced as a Jehovah’s Witness.
These early teachings shaped her strong moral foundation and her calm, respectful way of living. From a young age, she learned the importance of emotional balance, honesty, and family loyalty. She attended Henderson High School, where she was known for being a thoughtful and kind student. Her life as a child was peaceful and steady, providing her with the strength and calmness that would later help her through some of the most difficult experiences in her adult life.
Age and Appearance
Lori McCommas was born on June 22, 1969, in New York City, which makes her 56 years old as of 2026. She has a natural and graceful look that reflects her calm personality. Lori stands about 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs around 58 kilograms. She has warm brown eyes and brown hair, which she keeps simple and natural. Even though she lives a private life away from the spotlight, Lori’s appearance shows her quiet confidence and inner peace. She has always preferred modesty and comfort over glamour, carrying herself with elegance and dignity.
Education and Meeting with Terrence Howard
After finishing high school, Lori attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, which is well-known for its creative and artistic programs. It was at Pratt where her life took a turn that would define much of her future. During her time there, she met a young and ambitious student named Terrence Howard. At that time, Terrence was not yet famous. He was a young man with dreams of acting and music, full of creativity and determination.
Lori and Terrence quickly became close, drawn together by shared interests, youthful passion, and genuine affection. Their connection grew stronger as they spent more time together, and soon they fell in love. Lori admired Terrence’s ambition and energy, while he was drawn to her calmness, intelligence, and warmth. What began as a college romance soon turned into a deep and serious relationship.
Marriage and Family Life
Lori and Terrence got married on June 28, 1989, when they were still very young. Their marriage was built on love, hope, and the desire to create a happy life together. During their early years, they did not have much money, but they had each other, and that was enough for them. Lori supported Terrence as he began chasing his dreams in acting, while she focused on building a warm and stable home.
The couple soon welcomed three children into their lives — their eldest daughter, Aubrey, in 1993, their son Hunter in 1995, and their youngest daughter Heaven in 1997. Lori devoted herself to raising her children and providing them with a loving and peaceful upbringing. She worked hard to create a stable environment, even as Terrence began to find success in Hollywood. While he traveled and worked long hours on sets, Lori managed the home, took care of the children, and ensured that their family life remained strong.
Who Is Terrence Howard?
Terrence Howard is a well-known American actor, singer, and producer who has appeared in many popular films and television shows. He was born on March 11, 1969, in Chicago, Illinois, and began his acting career in the early 1990s. Terrence gained wide recognition for his powerful roles in movies like Hustle & Flow, Crash, and Iron Man, and later became famous for his leading role as Lucious Lyon in the hit TV series Empire.
Over the years, he has earned critical praise for his talent and emotional performances. Despite his success in Hollywood, Terrence’s personal life, including his relationships and marriages, has often drawn media attention.
Challenges in Marriage
As Terrence Howard’s fame began to grow, the pressures of public life and the entertainment industry started to affect their marriage. Fame brought not only financial success but also long periods of separation, busy schedules, and constant attention from the media. These changes created emotional distance between Lori and Terrence, who struggled to keep their relationship stable while managing the new demands of fame.
Over time, arguments and misunderstandings became more frequent. What had once been a peaceful and loving marriage turned into one filled with tension and pain. Lori tried to remain patient and supportive, but the stress of fame, personal struggles, and differences in lifestyle made it difficult to maintain harmony at home.
The Domestic Violence Incident and First Divorce
In 2001, Lori and Terrence’s marriage faced a heartbreaking and public challenge. Reports surfaced about a violent incident between them, during which Terrence was accused of physically assaulting Lori at her home. The situation was traumatic, especially since their children were reportedly present during the event. Terrence was later arrested and faced legal consequences, though the case was settled with a lesser charge.
For Lori, it was a deeply painful experience that forced her to make difficult choices about her future. Despite the public nature of the incident, Lori refused to speak out against Terrence in the media. She chose silence, protecting her dignity and focusing on the safety and emotional well-being of her children. In 2003, she filed for divorce, officially ending their first marriage. It was a painful but necessary decision that allowed her to rebuild her life away from the turbulence and emotional strain she had endured.
Life After Divorce and Attempt at Reconciliation
After their first divorce, Lori focused on healing and raising her three children. She lived quietly, away from the public spotlight, and tried to provide her kids with as much normalcy as possible. During this period, Terrence realized how much he had lost and made efforts to reconnect with his family. He even bought a home near Lori’s residence in Pennsylvania so that he could be close to his children and have a chance to rebuild his relationship with her.
Over time, they began communicating more, and the bond they once shared slowly started to return. In 2005, Lori and Terrence decided to remarry, hoping that time and maturity would help them fix what had once been broken. For a while, their second marriage seemed to bring peace and stability. They spent time together as a family, and it appeared that they were finding their way back to each other.
The Second Divorce and Moving Forward
Unfortunately, the second marriage between Lori and Terrence did not last. By 2007, the couple had divorced again, this time permanently. The issues that had troubled their first marriage resurfaced, and they eventually realized that it was best to part ways for good. The second divorce marked the end of a long and emotional chapter in Lori’s life. However, rather than letting the pain define her, she once again chose grace and privacy.
She did not make public statements or participate in interviews about her relationship with Terrence. She quietly accepted the end of their marriage and focused on her future and her children’s well-being. After her final divorce, Lori completely stepped away from the public eye, preferring a life of privacy, peace, and emotional clarity.
A Private Life Away from Fame
Unlike many people who are connected to celebrities, Lori never tried to take advantage of fame or public attention. She rejected the idea of living a life under media scrutiny and instead built a quiet and peaceful world for herself and her children. She does not have public social media accounts, does not attend public events, and rarely appears in photographs.
Lori values her privacy and believes that true happiness does not come from public approval but from inner peace and family love. Her life is simple, modest, and grounded in everyday values. Those who know her describe her as kind, wise, and incredibly strong. She finds joy in simple moments and prefers to stay close to her family rather than seek attention or glamour.
Being a Mother and Grandmother
Throughout all of life’s ups and downs, Lori has always placed her children at the center of everything she does. Aubrey, her oldest daughter, grew up to become a breathwork coach and wellness guide who teaches others how to find peace and emotional balance. Heaven, her second daughter, has explored modeling and fashion, while her son Hunter prefers to live a quiet, private life away from public attention. Lori’s dedication as a mother has left a lasting impact on her children.
Her love, patience, and guidance helped them grow into independent and kind individuals. Lori is also a proud grandmother to two grandchildren, Hazel and Adrian, both of whom bring her great joy. Even though she avoids public life, she loves spending time with her family and supporting them in any way she can.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Lori McCommas lives comfortably but modestly. Her estimated net worth is around two million dollars, most of which reportedly came from her divorce settlement with Terrence Howard and her personal investments. Despite having financial security, she has never been the type of person to flaunt her wealth or live extravagantly. Lori’s lifestyle is simple, peaceful, and focused on family rather than luxury.
She lives in California, where she enjoys a quiet and private life surrounded by her loved ones. She finds happiness in small, meaningful things — spending time with her children, visiting her grandchildren, and enjoying the peace she has worked so hard to create.
Personal Values and Strength
What makes Lori McCommas truly special is her strength of character and moral values. She has faced pain, betrayal, and public scrutiny but has never lost her dignity or self-respect. Her ability to remain calm and composed through difficult times shows remarkable emotional strength. Lori believes in forgiveness, faith, and personal peace. She teaches by example that it is possible to go through hardship and still come out stronger.
Her quiet nature and refusal to seek attention make her story even more inspiring. She shows that you do not need to be in the spotlight to be strong and that real courage often means choosing silence and peace instead of anger and noise.
Current Life and Legacy
As of 2026, Lori McCommas continues to live a peaceful and private life in California. She stays away from the media and public events and has no active social media presence. She prefers spending her time with her family, enjoying simple pleasures, and focusing on her personal well-being. While she will always be known to many as Terrence Howard’s first wife, her true legacy is that of a strong, loving mother and grandmother who built her life on values of love, forgiveness, and peace.
Her story is a reminder that strength does not always come from fame or public recognition — sometimes it comes from quiet endurance and unwavering faith in oneself. Lori McCommas’s life is proof that it is possible to live with dignity and grace, even when the world is watching, and that true happiness often exists far away from the spotlight.
Conclusion
Lori McCommas’s life is a story of quiet strength, love, and dignity. From her early years in New York City to her marriage with actor Terrence Howard and her role as a devoted mother and grandmother, she has faced both joy and hardship with calm and grace. Even though her name is linked to a Hollywood star, Lori has always chosen a life away from fame, focusing instead on family, peace, and personal values.
Her journey shows that true happiness doesn’t come from attention or wealth but from living with honesty, faith, and self-respect. Today, she continues to live a peaceful life in California, surrounded by her loved ones, inspiring others through her example of simplicity, strength, and quiet confidence.
FAQs About Lori McCommas
1. Who is Lori McCommas?
Lori McCommas is best known as the first wife of American actor Terrence Howard. She was born on June 22, 1969, in New York City and is the mother of his three children — Aubrey, Heaven, and Hunter.
2. How old is Lori McCommas?
As of 2026, Lori McCommas is 56 years old. She was born on June 22, 1969.
3. How many times was Lori McCommas married to Terrence Howard?
Lori McCommas married Terrence Howard twice. They first married in 1989, divorced in 2003, remarried in 2005, and divorced again in 2007.
4. Does Lori McCommas have children?
Yes, Lori McCommas has three children with Terrence Howard — Aubrey Howard, Heaven Howard, and Hunter Howard. She is also a grandmother to two grandchildren named Hazel and Adrian.
5. Where does Lori McCommas live now?
Lori McCommas currently lives a quiet and private life in California, away from fame and media attention.
6. What is Lori McCommas’s net worth?
Lori McCommas’s estimated net worth is around $2 million, which mainly comes from her divorce settlement with Terrence Howard and personal investments.
7. Is Lori McCommas active on social media?
No, Lori McCommas does not use social media. She prefers to live privately and stays away from platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
