Taraji P Henson Biography
Taraji P Henson is an American actress. Henson gained recognition for playing a prostitute in Hustle & Flow and a single mother in David Fincher’s The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. She has taken on roles in films such as Baby Boy, The Karate Kid, Think Like a Man, Acrimony, What Men Want, The Best of Enemies, and The Color Purple.
Taraji P Henson Age / Birthday
As of 2023, Henson is 53 years old, she was born on September 11, 1970, in Washington, D.C., in the United States of America. She celebrates her birthday on September 11 every year.
Taraji P Henson Height / Measurements
Henson is of average body stature and stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 4 inches tall.
Taraji P Henson Partner / Husband
Henson is currently not married. She was previously engaged to former NFL player Kelvin Hayden, but they called off the engagement in 2020.
Taraji P Henson and William LaMarr Johnson
Henson and William LaMarr Johnson had a complex and challenging relationship. They met while Henson was studying at Howard University and became romantically involved. In 1994, they welcomed their son, Marcell. Their relationship experienced difficulties, including physical abuse, as Henson revealed in her memoir. They eventually separated before Johnson’s tragic death in 2003. Johnson was murdered in a confrontation with his neighbors.
Taraji P Henson Kids / Children
Henson has one son, Marcell Johnson, born on May 10, 1994, to her high school sweetheart, William LaMarr Johnson. Sadly, William was murdered in 2003 when Marcell was just nine years old. Marcell has followed in his mother’s footsteps and pursued a career in acting.
Taraji P Henson Son
Henson has one son, Marcell Johnson, who was born on May 10, 1994. His father was Henson’s high school sweetheart, William LaMarr “Mark” Johnson. Marcell has shown interest in the entertainment industry, pursuing both acting and modeling. He has appeared in short films and music videos and has also signed with a modeling agency.
Taraji P Henson Family / Relatives
Taraji’s mother Bernice worked as a corporate manager at Woodward & Lothrop, a department store chain. She is described as a strong and supportive presence in Taraji’s life. Taraji’s father Boris Lawrence Henson was a metal fabricator and janitor. He had some struggles in life, including periods of unemployment, but Taraji has spoken about the love and support he provided her. Taraji has half-siblings but has not publicly shared much information about them. She has mentioned having a brother and sister through her father, but details about their lives are kept private.
Taraji P Henson Twin Sister
Henson does not have a twin sister. However, she has referred to two other people as her “sister from another mister” throughout her career. Actress and singer Mary J. Blige: The two have been close friends for years and have often collaborated on projects. In 2020, Henson posted a photo of them together on Facebook with the caption “Me and my SISTER FROM ANOTHER MISTER for @tmagazine I love you Queen @therealmaryjblige FOR LIFE!!!”
Actress Tamara Mowry: Henson and Mowry are both successful actresses who have known each other since they were teenagers. In 2017, Henson posted a photo of them together on Instagram with the caption “Sis from another mama @tamara mowry you my girl for life! Love you boo boo!!”
Taraji P Henson Education
Henson completed her high school education at Oxon Hill High School in Oxon Hill, Maryland, in 1988. She initially pursued electrical engineering at North Carolina Agricultural. Technical State University but later shifted her focus to drama at Howard University. To support her college expenses, she took on the role of a secretary at The Pentagon in the mornings. Additionally, she worked as a singing-dancing waitress on the dinner cruise ship, the Spirit of Washington, during the evenings.
Taraji P Henson Early Career
Henson earned her SAG membership card in the early 1990s by taking on three background roles. Her breakthrough came with the 2001 comedy-drama film Baby Boy, where she played the character Yvette alongside singer Tyrese Gibson. Over the years, she made guest appearances on various television shows, such as Smart Guy, House, and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Henson also had a role in the independent film Hustle & Flow in 2005. Additionally, later appeared in David Fincher’s The Curious Case of Benjamin Button in 2008. Earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Her collaboration with Tyler Perry included roles in The Family That Preys (2008) and I Can Do Bad All By Myself (2009). In 2010, she featured in the remake of The Karate Kid with Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan. One notable role was in the Lifetime Movie Network film Taken from Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story (2011). Portraying Tiffany Rubin’s real-life struggle when her son was abducted to South Korea. In 2012, she joined the ensemble cast of Think Like a Man. A film based on Steve Harvey’s book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man. She reprised her role in the sequel, Think Like a Man Too, released in June 2014.
Taraji P Henson Net Worth
Through Henson’s career as an Actress, she has been able to accumulate a net worth that ranges between $12 Million and $ 15 Million.
Taraji P Henson Career
In 2015, Taraji P. Henson took on the lead role in the Fox series Empire, a musical drama set in the hip-hop recording industry. Her portrayal of Cookie Lyon alongside Terrence Howard received positive critical reviews and achieved significant commercial success. The pilot was ordered by Fox in May 2014, and the series premiered on January 7, 2015.
In January 2018, she starred in the thriller-drama film “Proud Mary,” produced by Sony Screen Gems. The movie revolves around a hitwoman whose life takes a turn when she encounters a young boy, awakening a maternal instinct she never knew she had. Following this, Henson played a lead role in Tyler Perry’s film “Acrimony” in March 2018. Portraying a faithful wife who becomes enraged when she believes she has been betrayed by her husband.
In July 2020, news surfaced about a spin-off series from Empire centered around Henson’s character, Cookie Lyon. Henson, producing and starring in the spin-off, aimed to address sensitive topics and foster emerging voices. However, FOX eventually decided not to proceed with the spin-off, currently putting the project on hold. Additionally, Henson took on the role of Shug Avery in the 2023 film “The Color Purple,” acting alongside Danielle Brooks, who portrayed Sofia. The film was released on December 25, 2023.
Taraji P Henson Empire
Henson is best known for her iconic portrayal of Cookie Lyon in the hit musical drama series Empire. Cookie is a fierce, outspoken, and determined woman who returns to her ex-husband Lucious Lyon (played by Terrence Howard) after serving 17 years in prison for drug trafficking. She is determined to reclaim her rightful place in the Lyon family and empire, and she doesn’t let anything stand in her way.
Critics and audiences alike widely praised Henson for her portrayal of Cookie. She earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama in 2016, and she received Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2015 and 2016.
Taraji P Henson Hidden Figures
Henson starred in the 2016 biographical drama film Hidden Figures, which tells the true story of a team of African-American women mathematicians who played a crucial role in NASA’s early space missions. Henson portrayed Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician who calculated the trajectory for John Glenn’s historic orbital mission in 1962. Henson’s performance in Hidden Figures was widely praised, and she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. The film was also a critical and commercial success, grossing over $230 million worldwide.
Taraji P Henson What Men Want
Henson stars in the 2019 romantic comedy film “What Men Want”, a loose remake of the 2000 film of the same name. Henson plays Ali Davis, a successful sports agent who is constantly underestimated and overlooked by her male colleagues. After a chance encounter with a witch, Ali gains the ability to hear men’s thoughts, which she uses to her advantage to close deals and get ahead in her career.
However, Ali soon realizes that having this power comes with a price. She starts to question her relationships with the men in her life, including her best friend, her brother, and the love interest she’s been pursuing. The film explores themes of gender, relationships, and self-discovery, with Henson delivering a hilarious and nuanced performance as Ali.
Taraji P Henson Proud Mary
Henson plays the titular character, Mary Goodwin, in the 2018 action thriller film Proud Mary. Mary is a skilled and ruthless hitwoman working for an organized crime family in Boston. Henson’s portrayal of Mary is complex and nuanced. She is both cold and calculating when carrying out her duties, but also shows glimpses of a softer side, particularly when she becomes unexpectedly responsible for the young boy, Danny, whose father she inadvertently kills during a job gone wrong.
Taraji P Henson Think Like A Man
Henson plays the character of Lauren Harris. She is a successful and independent Chief Operating Officer of a Fortune 500 company. Strong-willed and determined, she knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. In a relationship with Dominic (played by Michael Ealy), but struggles with communication and understanding his perspective.
Initially, she feels comfortable in her relationship with Dominic but becomes frustrated by his inability to commit fully. When she discovers Dominic reading Steve Harvey’s book “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man,” she decides to use its strategies to understand men better. Through this process, she learns valuable lessons about communication, compromise, and trusting her partner. Ultimately, Lauren and Dominic’s relationship is tested, but they find their way back to each other through open communication and mutual respect.
Taraji P Henson Hustle & Flow
Henson played the role of Shug in the 2005 independent drama film “Hustle & Flow.” Shug is a pivotal character in the film, serving as both a love interest and confidante for the protagonist, DJay (played by Terrence Howard). Shug is a kind and gentle soul who is trapped in a difficult life. She is pregnant with DJay’s child, but he is a struggling pimp who can barely support himself. Shug works as a hairdresser and dreams of a better life for herself and her unborn child.
Despite the challenges she faces, Shug remains optimistic and supportive of DJay’s dreams of becoming a rapper. Critics widely praised Henson for her performance in “Hustle & Flow.” Her role earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, and she secured the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role.
Taraji P Henson Ethnicity
Henson is African-American. Her ancestry can be traced back to the Masa people of Cameroon through her matrilineal lineage, as confirmed by a mitochondrial DNA analysis. She has also mentioned that North Pole explorer Matthew Henson was “the brother of [her] great-great-grandfather.”
Taraji P Henson Name meaning
Taraji: This name is of Swahili origin and means “hope.” It perfectly embodies the tenacity and optimism Ms. Henson has shown throughout her career, chasing her dreams from Washington D.C. to Hollywood and becoming a celebrated actress.
Penda: Also of Swahili origin, Penda translates to “love.” Ms. Henson has often spoken about the importance of love in her life, especially towards her family and her craft. This name reflects her warm personality and the passion she brings to her roles.
Taraji P Henson Movies and TV Shows
Movies
- The Color Purple (2023): Henson recently starred in the musical drama “The Color Purple,” She plays Shug Avery, a free-spirited blues singer who becomes a pivotal figure in Celie’s journey of self-discovery.
- Hidden Figures (2016): Henson garnered widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Katherine Johnson, one of the brilliant African American mathematicians whose calculations were crucial to NASA’s early space missions.
- Baby Boy (2001): Henson delivered a breakout performance as Yvette, a struggling single mother, in this drama about a young man’s journey toward responsibility.
- The Karate Kid (2010): Henson took on a lighter role as Ms. Parker, the tough-talking single mother of Jaden Smith’s character in this remake of the classic martial arts film.
- Think Like a Man (2012): This romantic comedy, based on Steve Harvey’s relationship advice book, featured Henson in an ensemble cast as Lauren, a successful professional navigating the dating world.
TV Shows
- Empire (2015-2020): Henson’s most iconic television role is undoubtedly Cookie Lyon, the fierce and flamboyant matriarch of a hip-hop music empire, in this musical drama.
- Boston Legal (2005-2006): Henson had a recurring role as legal assistant Whitney Rome in this legal drama, showcasing her comedic timing and dramatic chops.
- Person of Interest (2011-2016): Henson played Detective Joss Carter, a tough cop who teams up with a mysterious computer program to prevent violent crimes, in this sci-fi crime drama.
- Queenie (2023): Henson created and starred in this comedy series about a hairdresser named Queenie Boulevardez who juggles life, love, and loss in New Orleans.
Taraji P Henson Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Henson is active on her social media accounts. She has about 11 million followers on her Facebook Page, about 5.3 Million followers on her Twitter account, and around 21.6 Million followers on her Instagram account.