theGrio’s 100: Terrence ‘Terrence J’ Jenkins, the new prince of pop culture

theGRIO's 100 - Terrence J is a talented and ambitious TV personality who brings his personality and original style of storytelling to any news program that he is a part of...

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

Who is Terrence J?

Terrence Jenkins, better known as Terrence J, 30, became a household name hosting BET’s popular music video countdown show 106 & Park from 2006 until 2012. Originally from Queens, New York, Terrence spent most of his childhood growing up in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and graduated from North Carolina A&T State University in 2004 with a degree in Mass Communications.

After leaving  his seven-year stint at 106 & Park in June 2012, E! Network announced Terrence J would be the new co-anchor of E! News.

Why is he on theGrio’s 100?

Terrence J is a talented and ambitious TV personality who brings  his personality and original style of storytelling to any news program he is a part of. But he is not just a TV personality; In 2012 the 30-year-old entertainer appeared in his second film, “Sparkle.”

During an interview with theGrio, Terrence J revealed how he got into the acting business. “It’s been something that I’ve always wanted do,” Terrance J said. “I get a role and I’m very grateful and I try to take it seriously and I’ve just been really blessed to be a part of some amazing projects like “Sparkle.””

Terrence J says the biggest thing he learned over the seven years he was a host on 106 & Park was to have patience. “With patience and belief in God, luckily by the grace of God we’ve now been on for seven years, at a time when people thought the show would just disappear or get beat by ratings. To be able to have that type of longevity on [a] show like 106 & Park, it’s just remarkable. So patience is the biggest thing I’ve learned from this journey.”

What’s next for Terrence J?

Terence J can be seen hosting E! News weeknights on the E! Network. He also will appear in the new film “Baggage Claim,” a new comedy starring Paula Patton, Taye Diggs, Trey Songz, and Christina Milian, due to hit theaters later this year. During his interview with theGrio, Terrence J revealed some of Hollywood’s leading ladies that he hopes to appear on the big screen with in years to come. “I’ve always loved Angelina Jolie, Julia Roberts and I’ve seen Selita Ebanks in some good movies, ” he said. I also love Halle Berry, Jennifer Hudson and Charlize Theron.”

Follow Terrence J on Twitter at @TerrenceJ

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