Taraji P. Henson has won 38 awards and been nominated 76 times1. She is a top star in Hollywood. Her big break was in “Hustle & Flow” in 20051.
She has won a Golden Globe, a Critics’ Choice Television Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award1. She’s also been nominated for an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Tony Award1. In 2019, she got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame1.
Taraji P. Henson is known for her amazing acting. She’s starred in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “Hidden Figures,” and “Empire.”1 “Empire” won her a Golden Globe1. Her work has inspired many black actresses and influential women in Hollywood.
Taraji P. Henson: A Hollywood Trailblazer
Taraji P. Henson’s rise to fame is truly inspiring. Born on September 11, 1970, in Washington, D.C., she studied acting at Howard University2. She started with small roles in TV and movies, even becoming a SAG member in the early 1990s2.
Breakthrough Roles in Films Like Hustle & Flow
In 2005, Henson landed the role of Shug in Hustle & Flow. Her role in this film was a game-changer, leading to more significant parts2.
“I always knew I had a gift. I always knew I was going to be a star. I just didn’t know how it was going to happen.”
Henson’s hard work and talent have made her a standout in Hollywood. From her early days in Washington, D.C., to her roles in Hustle & Flow, she has become a Hollywood trailblazer. Her acting has inspired and captivated many3.
Acclaimed Performances and Award Recognition
Taraji P. Henson has won many awards for her amazing acting. Her role in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button in 2008 got her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress4. She also shined in Hidden Figures as Katherine Johnson in 2016.
Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice Wins for Empire
Her standout role was as Cookie Lyon in Empire. This earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series and a Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series4. Her talent in making characters come alive has made her a top actress today.
“Taraji P. Henson is a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood, and her award recognition is a testament to her exceptional talent and hard work.”
taraji p. henson
Taraji P. Henson is a top actress in Hollywood, known for her amazing performances. She played Cookie Lyon in Empire, a role that made her a household name5. Her acting in Empire got her lots of praise and made her a big name in the industry.
She also played Katherine Johnson in Hidden Figures6, showing the impact of black women in space. Her role as Shug Avery in The Color Purple in 2023 will likely be another hit. She brings to life a character known for her strength and courage.
“Taraji P. Henson’s versatility as an actress is truly remarkable. She has the ability to captivate audiences with her portrayals of strong, influential characters that inspire and empower.”
Henson is known for playing complex black women on screen6. Her talent has won her a Golden Globe and many Emmy nominations. Her work has helped bring more diversity to movies and TV, showing the power of black women’s stories.
Mental Health Advocacy and Activism
Taraji P. Henson is a strong voice for mental health awareness, especially in the Black community. In 2018, she started the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF). It aims to help African-American students in mental health, support urban school youth, and reduce prison recidivism rates7.
Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
The foundation works to remove mental health stigma and increase access to culturally competent care for Black people8. It partners with kate spade new york to offer free mental health services at HBCUs8. Henson also helps BIPOC communities worldwide where mental health help is often shunned8.
Henson has shared her battles with depression and anxiety. In 2020, she co-hosted “Peace of Mind with Taraji” on Facebook Watch7. She stresses the need for culturally sensitive mental health care and accessible resources for everyone7.
“I think it’s important to have open conversations around mental health, especially in the Black community where we’ve been taught to just ‘pray it away.'”
Henson’s efforts have earned her a spot among the Verywell Mind 25 champions of mental health7. Despite funding hurdles, she stays dedicated to her mission. She’s seen progress in mental health advocacy and the positive effects of her foundation7.
Through the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, Taraji P. Henson keeps advocating for mental health awareness and access. She inspires others to value their well-being and seek help when needed789.
Versatile Talent: From Drama to Comedy
Taraji P. Henson has shown she can do both drama and comedy well. She has impressed many with her acting skills10. Her work in both genres has won her a lot of respect and fans.
Roles in Films Like What Men Want and Ralph Breaks the Internet
Taraji P. Henson has also shown her funny side in movies like What Men Want and Ralph Breaks the Internet11. In What Men Want, she played a sports agent who can hear men’s thoughts. Her performance was both funny and touching12. In Ralph Breaks the Internet, she voiced Belle Bottom, showing her range.
Her ability to switch between drama and comedy has made her very popular12. Her movies have an average Rotten Tomatoes rating of 72.2%, with some as high as 93%10. She’s also known for her TV work, like in Person of Interest and Empire.
“I don’t care what genre it is, as long as it’s a good story and a good character. I just want to work.”
– Taraji P. Henson
Henson’s dedication to her craft has made her a standout in the industry11. She has shown her talent in many roles, including voice acting101112.
Taraji P. Henson: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Taraji P. Henson is a top talent and a big name in acting. She has13 six Emmy nominations and13 two Academy Award nominations. Her work and awards have made her a big deal in Hollywood13.
Black women in Hollywood face big challenges, like tough salary talks13 and pay gaps14. But Henson’s success and her fight for good causes inspire many. She’s a role model for young artists and a strong voice in the industry.
Henson started acting in the late ’90s14. She’s played many roles that have won fans and critics over. From Hustle & Flow to Empire, she’s shown her range and depth14.
Some actresses on big shows still work day jobs to make ends meet14. But Henson’s hard work and talent have earned her lots of respect. She’s a true star in the industry.
Henson keeps taking on new and exciting roles, like in Hidden Figures and The Color Purple13. Her impact and ability to draw in viewers will only grow13. She’s also inspiring by starting her own hair-care line, showing her entrepreneurial side13.
The entertainment world is complex, with big taxes and commissions taking a big chunk of an actor’s pay13. But Henson’s success and fight for fair pay will keep her as a major force in Hollywood.
Source Links
- List of awards and nominations received by Taraji P. Henson – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_awards_and_nominations_received_by_Taraji_P._Henson
- Exploring The Life And Career Of Taraji P. Henson: A Journey Of Resilience And Talent – https://madamemunchie.com/socialmediabuzz/taraji-henson.html
- Taraji P. Henson on Why Black Women ‘Have to Stick Together’ – https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a46026507/taraji-p-henson-women-in-hollywood-speech-transcript-2023/
- BET Awards 2024: Taraji P. Henson: 5 Stellar Performances That’ll Have You Glued to Your Seat – https://www.bet.com/article/m0bdag/bet-awards-2024-tarajip-henson-best-roles-show-host
- Taraji P. Henson | Biography, Movies, & Facts | Britannica – https://www.britannica.com/biography/Taraji-P-Henson
- Taraji P. Henson – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taraji_P._Henson
- Taraji P. Henson Wants You to Remember You’re Deserving of Joy – https://www.verywellmind.com/taraji-p-henson-wants-you-to-remember-you-re-deserving-of-joy-8638948
- Taraji P. Henson Wants You to Fight for Yourself – https://www.wondermind.com/article/taraji-p-henson/
- Taraji P. Henson Leads Black Mental Health Initiative At 2024 Symposium – https://www.forbes.com/sites/imeekpo/2024/05/18/taraji-p-henson-leads-black-mental-health-initiative-at-2024-symposium/
- Taraji P. Henson’s Phenomenal Movies And TV Shows – Blavity – https://blavity.com/entertainment/taraji-p-henson-movies-and-tv-shows
- Happy Birthday Taraji P. Henson: Exploring Her Top 10 Movies As Actress Turns 54 – https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/hollywood/happy-birthday-taraji-p-henson-exploring-her-top-10-movies-as-actress-turns-54-1347012
- Taraji P. Henson’s Phenomenal Movies And TV Shows – https://www.yahoo.com/news/taraji-p-henson-phenomenal-movies-034617364.html
- Taraji P. Henson talks about battling pay disparity in Hollywood: ‘The math ain’t mathing’ – https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2023-12-20/taraji-p-henson-pay-disparity-hollywood
- Taraji P. Henson Broke Down In Tears Over Pay Disparity And, Quite Frankly, I’m Sick Of It! – https://www.yahoo.com/news/taraji-p-henson-broke-down-120004789.html
