How Taraji P. Henson Got Into Acting
Taraji P. Henson is one of Hollywood’s most beloved and respected actresses, known for her electrifying performances in both film and television. From her breakout role in Baby Boy to her iconic portrayal of Cookie Lyon in Empire, Henson’s journey into acting is a story of resilience, determination, and undeniable talent. Raised in Washington, D.C., Henson’s path to stardom wasn’t always easy, but her passion for storytelling and her commitment to her craft led her to become one of the most celebrated actresses of her generation.
Early Life and Discovery
Taraji P. Henson was born on September 11, 1970, in Washington, D.C., to parents Boris and Bernice Henson. Raised in a working-class neighborhood, Henson’s upbringing was far from glamorous, but her mother recognized early on her daughter’s ability to entertain. “I was a kid who always loved to put on shows,” Henson recalled in a 2018 interview with People. “Whether it was singing, dancing, or acting, I always wanted to be the center of attention. My mom would say, ‘You’re going to be an actress.’”
Henson had a strong interest in the arts throughout her childhood, but it wasn’t until she was a teenager that she seriously began thinking about acting as a career. She attended the North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, where she studied theater. Although Henson initially wanted to become a dancer, she quickly realized that acting was where her true passion lay.
“I just fell in love with the process of creating a character,” Henson said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “I knew acting was what I was meant to do. It was the one thing that made me feel truly alive.”
Moving to Hollywood and Early Struggles
After graduating from high school, Henson made the bold decision to move to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of acting. Like many aspiring actors, she faced significant challenges in a city where the competition was fierce, and opportunities were scarce. To make ends meet, she worked various jobs, including as a waitress and a secretary, while auditioning for roles.
Henson’s early career was defined by small parts in television shows and films, but she was determined to keep going. In 1997, she landed a role on the television show Sister, Sister, followed by guest appearances on series like The Steve Harvey Show and ER. Despite these small roles, Henson struggled to find her big break and often questioned whether she had made the right decision by moving to Los Angeles.
In a 2019 interview with Vogue, Henson opened up about her early struggles: “There were times when I wanted to quit. I was broke. I had no money, no backup plan. I remember calling my mom crying and saying, ‘This is hard, I don’t know if I can do this anymore.’ But she’d always say, ‘Taraji, you have a gift. Don’t you give up on that.’”
Henson’s mother’s encouragement kept her going, and it wasn’t long before she landed her first major film role.
Breakthrough with Baby Boy and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Henson’s big break came in 2001 when she starred alongside Tyrese Gibson in Baby Boy, a film directed by John Singleton. In the film, she played Yvette, the girlfriend of Jody, a character struggling to find his way in life. Henson’s performance was praised for its emotional depth and authenticity, marking her as an actress to watch.
“That role gave me confidence,” Henson said in a 2020 interview with Essence. “It was a turning point. I finally felt like I was being taken seriously as an actress.”
Following Baby Boy, Henson’s career continued to rise. She appeared in supporting roles in films like Hustle & Flow (2005) and The Family That Preys (2008), but it was her role in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) that truly propelled her into the spotlight. In the film, Henson portrayed Queenie, a kind-hearted woman who takes in the titular character, played by Brad Pitt, and raises him as her own.
Her performance in Benjamin Button earned Henson critical acclaim, and she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Reflecting on the role in a 2009 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Henson shared, “I knew this was my big moment. It was an opportunity to show people that I could do more than just the roles I had been getting. Queenie was such a warm, loving character, and I loved playing her.”
The film’s success catapulted Henson into Hollywood’s elite, and she soon became one of the most in-demand actresses in the industry.
Empire and Iconic Role as Cookie Lyon
While Henson’s film career was flourishing, it was her role as Cookie Lyon on the hit television series Empire (2015–2020) that truly solidified her status as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Playing the brash, fierce, and loyal matriarch of the Lyon family, Henson became a cultural icon, earning multiple award nominations and wins for her portrayal of Cookie.
“Cookie is everything I’ve wanted to play,” Henson said in a 2015 interview with USA Today. “She’s strong, bold, and unapologetic. She speaks her mind and doesn’t care what people think. I saw something of myself in her, and that made playing her so special.”
Henson’s portrayal of Cookie Lyon earned her numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama. The role also made her one of the most recognizable actresses on television, and she quickly became known for her bold, fashion-forward style and unforgettable one-liners.
“I think Cookie resonated with so many people because she wasn’t afraid to be herself,” Henson explained in a 2017 interview with The New York Times. “She was unapologetic about her flaws, her strength, and her ambition. People saw themselves in her, and that’s what made her so powerful.”
Expanding Her Career
In addition to her work on Empire, Henson continued to build her film career, taking on a diverse range of roles. She starred in Hidden Figures (2016), portraying mathematician and engineer Dorothy Vaughan, and the film became a major critical and commercial success. Henson’s performance earned her nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Award and the Critics’ Choice Award.
Henson also founded her own production company, TPH Entertainment, and has been dedicated to producing projects that highlight diverse stories and perspectives. In 2019, she starred in and produced the comedy-drama What Men Want, a gender-swapped remake of the 2000 film What Women Want.
“I’ve always wanted to be more than just an actress,” Henson said in a 2019 interview with Forbes. “I want to tell stories that matter and show the world that women, especially women of color, have stories worth telling.”
Conclusion
Taraji P. Henson’s journey into acting is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and a willingness to take risks. From her humble beginnings in Washington, D.C., to her breakout roles in Baby Boy, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and Empire, Henson has proven time and again that she is a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. Her career continues to thrive, and her legacy as an actress, producer, and advocate for diversity in the entertainment industry is just beginning to unfold. As she continues to break boundaries and tell powerful stories, there is no doubt that Taraji P. Henson’s impact on Hollywood will be felt for years to come.
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