Taraji P. Henson, a famous actress, was born on September 11, 1970, in Washington, D.C1. She started her career in 19921. Her talent and hard work have made her well-known.
She has been nominated for many awards, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award1. This shows her skill in acting.
Taraji P. Henson has played important roles in movies like “Hidden Figures” (2016) and “The Best of Enemies” (2019)1. Her website was first set up on April 14th, 2018, and updated on September 10th, 20232. This shows her growing popularity online.
Key Takeaways
- Taraji P. Henson is a talented actress with a wide range of film and television credits.
- She has received numerous award nominations, including an Academy Award and six Emmy Awards.
- Taraji P. Henson has been active in the entertainment industry for over 30 years.
- She has had leading roles in films like “Hidden Figures” and “The Best of Enemies”.
- Taraji P. Henson won a Golden Globe Award for her performance as Cookie Lyon in the television series Empire1.
- She has attended Oxon Hill High School, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, and Howard University3.
Early Life and Education
Taraji P. Henson was born on September 11, 1970, in Washington, D.C1. She grew up in this lively city. This upbringing helped lay the groundwork for her acting career.
Childhood in Washington, D.C.
As a teenager, Henson wanted to attend a performing arts high school. But, she wasn’t accepted. So, she graduated from Oxon Hill High School in 19883.
She had a son named Marcell and balanced school and motherhood. Henson chose to focus on her education and performances without any special treatment.
Educational Background
First, Henson studied electrical engineering at North Carolina A&T State University. But, she faced challenges and moved to Howard University. There, she graduated in theater in 19954.
This change marked the start of her acting journey.
Initial Pursuits in Performing Arts
To pay for school, Henson worked as a secretary at The Pentagon and as a singing-dancing waitress on a dinner-cruise ship1. Her love for acting led her to her first TV role in “Smart Guy.”
Then, she moved to Los Angeles with her son in 19963. At Howard University, she improved her acting, dancing, and singing skills. She even earned a “Triple Threat Scholarship”3.
Career Breakthroughs
Taraji P. Henson has made a big impact in the entertainment world. She has played many roles that show her talent and range. Her work in movies and TV shows has made her a big name in Hollywood.
Role in “Empire”
In the TV show Empire, Henson played Cookie Lyon. This role won her a Golden Globe and got her Emmy nominations. It made her famous and showed her talent in playing complex characters5.
Film Projects and Acclaim
Her first big role was in Baby Boy by John Singleton6. Then, in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, she got an Oscar nomination. She was paid very little compared to Brad Pitt65.
Her success continued with Hidden Figures, where she won a Screen Actors Guild Award5. She also starred in a movie that made over $67 million worldwide6.
Television Successes
Henson has also made a mark on TV, aside from Empire. In 2022, she signed a deal with BET Studios to create content for diverse audiences5. Her work in TV shows shows her talent in different areas of entertainment.
| Project | Role | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Baby Boy | Jody Summers | – |
| The Curious Case of Benjamin Button | Queenie | Academy Award Nomination |
| Empire | Cookie Lyon | Golden Globe Award, Emmy Nominations |
| Hidden Figures | Katherine Johnson | Screen Actors Guild Award |
| What Men Want | Ashley | – |
Advocacy and Personal Initiatives
Taraji P. Henson is more than just an actress. She’s deeply involved in causes that help communities. Her work on mental health awareness is key, starting The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in 2018. This group fights the stigma of mental illness in the African American community7.
Mental Health Awareness
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation offers free therapy and scholarships to Black individuals7. Taraji’s efforts, like The Can We Talk? Symposium and the One Million Hours Joy Challenge, have given over 150,000 hours of support8. She’s also spoken to Congress about the high rates of Black youth suicide, pushing for culturally relevant services7.
Women Empowerment Efforts
Taraji fights for gender equality, both in and out of Hollywood. She supports programs for young women and pushes for more opportunities for women of color. Her work helps women reach their goals without facing unfair obstacles.
Support for the Arts
Taraji believes in the arts’ power to change lives. She backs mentorship and education for the next artists. Her efforts help young talents grow and get noticed in the industry9.
| Initiative | Purpose | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation | Destigmatize mental health in the African American community | Provided over 150,000 hours of mental health services |
| One Million Hours Joy Challenge | Deliver free mental health services | Over 150,000 hours of support delivered |
| SheCare Wellness Pods | Support women’s mental health on HBCU campuses | Enhanced access to mental health resources for young women |
Awards and Recognitions
Taraji P. Henson has won many awards for her amazing talent and hard work.
Notable Awards and Nominations
She has won 38 awards, showing her skill in many roles10. Her performances have earned her 76 nominations, including 12 NAACP Image Awards10. She also has 6 BET Awards and 11 nominations, showing her big impact in the industry10.
She was recognized by the Golden Globes, winning once and nominated again10. She was also nominated for an Academy Award and a Tony Award10. In 2019, she got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking her place in entertainment10.
Impact on the Entertainment Industry
Henson has opened doors for other actors of color in Hollywood. Her work has inspired many performers and filmmakers. She has made the entertainment world more diverse and inclusive.
Legacy and Future Projects
Taraji P. Henson is working on new projects that will show her talent even more. Her legacy is not just about the awards she’s won. It’s also about being a trailblazer and advocate in the industry11. As she starts new projects, she will continue to make a lasting impact on entertainment.
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Source Links
- Taraji P. Henson – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taraji_P._Henson
- Taraji P. Henson Fan – https://tarajiphenson.org/
- Taraji P. Henson – Movies, Age & Facts – https://www.biography.com/actors/taraji-henson
- Taraji P. Henson | Biography, Movies, & Facts | Britannica – https://www.britannica.com/biography/Taraji-P-Henson
- Taraji P. Henson’s inspiring journey, from struggles to stardom – https://rollingout.com/2024/09/27/the-inspiring-journey-of-taraji-p-henson/
- Taraji P. Henson Opens Up About Shrewd Career Choices | Essence – https://www.essence.com/celebrity/taraji-p-henson-money-career-choices/
- 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 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/
- How Taraji P. Henson Is Helping Others Achieve Mental Wealth – https://www.futureofpersonalhealth.com/mental-health/how-taraji-p-henson-is-helping-others-achieve-mental-wealth/
- 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
- Taraji P. Henson Urges Black Creatives to ‘Keep Telling Your Truth, Because It’s All We Have’ – https://variety.com/2024/film/news/abff-honors-taraji-p-henson-jeffrey-wright-issa-rae-1235930099/
