Taraji P Henson Then and Now

Taraji P Henson Then

Taraji P. Henson, born on September 11, 1970, in Washington, D.C., experienced a formative childhood that shaped her resilient and driven character. 

Her parents divorced when she was just two years old, yet she describes both as loving and attentive figures in her life. 

Her father, Boris, in particular, played a significant role in her upbringing. 

Despite facing hardships, including living in his van after being laid off from his job as a metal fabricator, Boris remained a steadfast source of moral support for Henson, instilling in her the values of perseverance and determination.

As a teenager, Henson aspired to attend a performing arts high school but was not accepted. Undeterred, she enrolled at Oxon Hill High School, where she graduated in 1988. 

Her initial foray into higher education saw her pursuing a degree in electrical engineering at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. 

However, after encountering difficulties with pre-calculus, Henson made a pivotal decision to transfer to Howard University. 

This move marked the beginning of her dedicated pursuit of a career in the arts.

At Howard University, Henson shifted her focus to theater, where she immersed herself in the study of singing, dancing, and acting. 

Balancing her academic pursuits with financial responsibilities, she worked two jobs: one as a secretary at the Pentagon and another as a cruise ship entertainer. 

This period of her life was marked by hard work and determination, as she juggled her demanding schedule to achieve her dreams.

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Her efforts were recognized with the prestigious “Triple Threat Scholarship,” awarded to students excelling in multiple disciplines of the performing arts.

Henson’s time at Howard University was instrumental in honing her talents and preparing her for a successful career in the entertainment industry. 

Her diverse experiences, both personal and professional, contributed to the development of her versatile skill set and unwavering work ethic. 

The challenges she faced and overcame during her formative years laid a strong foundation for her future achievements, propelling her to become one of the most respected and accomplished actresses in Hollywood today.

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Taraji P Henson Acting Career

After graduating in 1995 with a degree in theatre from Howard University, Taraji P. Henson made a bold move to Los Angeles, bringing her infant son along in pursuit of her acting dreams. 

This significant life change quickly paid off, as she began landing roles on television. 

Notably, she secured recurring roles as a police inspector on “The Division” from 2002 to 2004 and as an associate lawyer on “Boston Legal” from 2007 to 2008.

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However, it was her portrayal of Detective Joss Carter in the TV crime series “Person of Interest” (2011-2013) that truly captured the audience’s attention.

As the show’s moral compass, Carter’s untimely death in a shoot-out with a corrupt cop during season three sparked an emotional response from fans, highlighting Henson’s impactful performance.

During this period, Henson also ventured into film. Her big-screen debut came in 1998 with “Streetwise,” but it was her roles in John Singleton’s “Baby Boy” (2001) and “Hustle & Flow” (2005) that marked her breakthrough. 

In “Baby Boy,” she played Yvette, the beleaguered girlfriend of the protagonist, while in “Hustle & Flow,” she portrayed Shug, a pregnant prostitute, opposite Terrence Howard.

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Henson’s multifaceted talent was further showcased as she sang backup vocals on the film’s Academy Award-winning song, “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp.” 

Her collaboration with Howard continued on the hit TV series “Empire,” where she insisted on his casting as Lucious Lyon, the ex-husband of her character, Cookie Lyon.

Henson’s career soared with her role as Queenie in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008), earning her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

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She continued to demonstrate her versatility with performances in “Talk to Me” (2007), “Not Easily Broken” (2009), “I Can Do Bad All by Myself” (2009), “No Good Deed” (2014), and “Term Life” (2016). 

In 2016, Henson took on the role of mathematician Katherine Johnson in “Hidden Figures,” a film that celebrated the contributions of African-American women at NASA during the 1960s. 

Her portrayal of Johnson was met with critical acclaim and further solidified her status as a leading actress in Hollywood.

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In 2018, Henson starred in the thrillers “Proud Mary” and Tyler Perry’s “Acrimony,” showcasing her ability to tackle diverse genres. 

The following year, she played a sports agent who gains the ability to hear men’s thoughts in the comedy “What Men Want” (2019), a remake of the 2000 film “What Women Want.” 

Later in 2019, she appeared in “The Best of Enemies,” portraying civil rights activist Ann Atwater, who forms an unlikely friendship with C.P. Ellis, a leader of the Ku Klux Klan.

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Henson’s role as Cookie Lyon in the musical TV drama “Empire” (2015-2020) remains one of her most iconic performances. 

Cookie, a fiercely outspoken and flashy character, returns from prison after serving 17 years for drug trafficking, demanding her share of the family’s hip-hop music empire. 

Henson’s portrayal of Cookie was widely praised, earning her a Golden Globe Award in 2016. The show’s sixth and final season aired in 2020, ending early due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In 2021, Henson took on the role of Miss Hannigan in the TV movie “Annie Live!,” continuing to showcase her versatility and talent across different mediums.

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Throughout her career, Taraji P. Henson has consistently demonstrated her ability to bring depth and authenticity to a wide range of characters, making her one of the most respected and influential actresses in Hollywood today. 

Her journey from a determined young woman with a dream to a celebrated actress and role model is a testament to her resilience, talent, and unwavering dedication to her craft.

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Taraji P Henson Movies

• Streetwise (1998) 
• Satan’s School for Girls (2000) 
• Baby Boy (2001) 
• Book of Love: The Definitive Reason Why Men Are Dogs (2002)
• Hair Show (2004) 
• Hustle & Flow (2005) 
• Four Brothers (2005)
• Animal (2005) 
• Something New (2006)
• Smokin’ Aces (2006) 
• Talk to Me (2007) 
• The Family That Preys (2008) 
• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) 
• Not Easily Broken (2009)
• Hurricane Season (2009)
• I Can Do Bad All by Myself (2009) 
• Date Night (2010) 
• The Karate Kid (2010)
• Peep World (2010) 
• Once Fallen (2010) 
• From the Rough (2011)
• Think Like a Man (2012) 
• Good Deeds (2012) 
• Think Like a Man Too (2014) 
• No Good Deed (2014) 
• Top Five (2014)
• Term Life (2016)
• Hidden Figures (2016) 
• Proud Mary (2018)
• Acrimony (2018) 
• Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018) – Yesss (voice)
• What Men Want (2019)
• The Best of Enemies (2019)
• Coffee & Kareem (2020)
• Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022) – Belle Bottom (voice)
• PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie (2023) – Victoria Vance (voice)
• The Color Purple (2023)
• Going To Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project (2024)

Taraji P Henson’s Personal Life

In her junior year of college, Taraji P. Henson faced a significant life challenge when she found out she was pregnant. 

Despite the potential for this news to derail her ambitions, Henson’s determination only intensified. 

She resolved to keep her baby and insisted that her theater professors not treat her any differently due to her pregnancy.

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Her insistence, “Don’t you bench me because I’m pregnant,” underscored her dedication to both her child and her craft, and her professors respected her wishes.

Henson’s resolve was put to the test as she continued to pursue her theater degree. 

Early in her pregnancy, she performed in a Greek tragedy, showcasing her ability to handle demanding roles despite her condition. 

By her second trimester, she was singing and dancing in “Dreamgirls,” further demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her education and passion for performance.

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After giving birth to her son, Marcell, Henson balanced motherhood with her studies and performances, often bringing her baby along to classes and rehearsals. 

Her perseverance paid off when she graduated from Howard University in 1995 with a degree in theater, achieving her goal against all odds.

In her personal life, Henson experienced a joyful milestone on May 13, 2018, when she got engaged to her boyfriend of two years, former Super Bowl star Kelvin Hayden.

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Sharing her happiness with her fans, Henson announced the engagement on Instagram, exclaiming, “I said yes y’all!!!” However, the couple’s journey did not lead to marriage. 

In October 2020, Henson confirmed that they had ended their engagement. 

Despite this setback, Henson continues to inspire with her resilience and dedication to her career and family.

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Taraji P Henson Now

Taraji P. Henson, at 53 years old, stands as a prominent American actress renowned for her powerful performances and versatile roles. 

Over her career, Henson has garnered significant acclaim, including a Golden Globe Award. 

She has also been nominated for prestigious awards such as an Academy Award, a Tony Award, and six Emmy Awards, highlighting her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft. 

Her influence extends beyond the screen, as evidenced by her inclusion in Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world in both 2016 and 2024, solidifying her status as a cultural icon and role model.

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In 2024, Henson’s career continues to thrive with her recent role in the movie “Going To Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project.” 

This film explores the life and work of Nikki Giovanni, a celebrated poet, activist, and educator whose impact on literature and social justice has been profound. 

Henson’s involvement in this project underscores her commitment to roles that reflect significant cultural and historical narratives, further cementing her reputation as an actress who chooses projects with depth and meaning.

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Henson’s journey to success has been marked by resilience and determination. 

From her early days balancing motherhood and education to her breakthrough roles in film and television, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to overcome challenges and deliver powerful performances. 

Her portrayal of strong, complex characters has resonated with audiences, making her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

In addition to her acting prowess, Henson is also known for her advocacy and philanthropic efforts. 

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She has been vocal about mental health awareness, particularly within the African American community, and has established the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in honor of her father. 

This foundation aims to provide resources and support for mental health services, showcasing Henson’s dedication to making a positive impact beyond her acting career.

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As Henson continues to take on new and challenging roles, her influence and legacy in the entertainment industry remain undeniable. 

Her ability to connect with audiences through her performances and her commitment to important social causes makes her a standout figure in Hollywood and an inspiration to many.

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Taraji P Henson’s Net Worth

Taraji P. Henson, an accomplished American actress and singer, boasts a net worth of $12 million, reflecting her successful career in both entertainment and music.