'Empire' Star Terrence Howard Talks Parenting, Makes Amends For 'Terrible Mistakes'

"Empire" actor Terrence Howard is making amends. The actor, who has five children, admits he's made terrible mistakes as a parent and a husband but he's trying to better his ways, especially with his younger children.

Howard told People of his tough life growing up in a violent household that affected his relationships as an adult. In 2001, Howard's first wife Lori McCommas accused him of beating her up. In 2013, his second wife Michelle Ghent sought a restraining order from him for also hitting her.

The "Empire" star, however, expressed he's making up for past mistakes with his third wife Mira Pak and his children. The actor acknowledged his relationship with his older kids — Aubrey, Heaven and Hunter —wasn't ideal.

"I didn't really put the time into my [older] kids," Howard said, as per ABC News. "I called them every day and they said they saw me more than enough, but I feel like I missed out on a lot of personal time with them," he said, adding he's more present now as a father to Quirin, nearly 2, and Hero, 7 months.

This doesn't mean, however, Howard cared less for his older children. In 2008, the actor spoke about his kids in an NPR interview. He said he taught his boy carpentry and home renovation, and remarked at the fact that Hunter was interested in science just like him when he was a kid.

Howard credited Pak for his transformation and turning over a new leaf. His wife told People they do not have fights in their effortless marriage. When stressed about work and the daily grind, the actor said he would seek relief and calm from nature instead of turning violent.

Howard revealed he received beatings from his father as a little boy until he turned 14. "I was raised believing the man is in charge, but I've realized marriage should be an equal partnership," he said. "I've made terrible mistakes throughout my life."