The Incredible Career and Life of Actress Taraji P. Henson

The Talented Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson is one of the most talented actresses in Hollywood today. With an acting career spanning over two decades, Henson has shown incredible versatility and range as a performer. She first rose to prominence with her Academy Award nominated performance in David Fincher's The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Since then, her star has continued to rise with standout roles in hit films and TV shows like Hustle & Flow, Empire, Hidden Figures, and more.

Early Life and Background

Henson was born and raised in Washington D.C. As a child, she knew she wanted to be an entertainer and would put on plays and talent shows for her family. After high school, Henson studied theater at Howard University. She moved to Los Angeles in the mid 90s to pursue an acting career. Early on, she struggled to find roles and worked various jobs to make ends meet. Her first big break came in 2001 when she was cast in the sitcom Smart Guy. This opened the door for more TV opportunities in shows like Boston Legal and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.

Breakout Role in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

In 2008, Henson got the role of her career so far playing Queenie in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button opposite Brad Pitt. Her emotional performance as the mother figure to Pitt's character wowed critics and audiences. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, among other accolades. The role proved Henson was more than just a TV actor - she had serious skills that could captivate movie audiences too.

Success on TV

After Benjamin Button, Henson continued to thrive on the small screen. She had a memorable recurring role on the NBC drama Person of Interest. But her biggest success came in 2015 when she landed the lead role of Cookie Lyon on Fox's hip hop drama Empire. As the fierce matriarch of the Lyon family, Henson added layers of strength, vulnerability and humor to the character. Cookie quickly became one of the most popular characters on television thanks to Henson's magnetic performance. She earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for the role.

Dramatic Roles in Film

While starring on Empire, Henson also took on powerful film roles. She earned raves for her work in the indie drama Hustle & Flow and had a standout supporting turn in David O. Russell's comedy Joy with Jennifer Lawrence. But her biggest film success so far has been 2016's Hidden Figures. Henson starred as Katherine Johnson, the brilliant African American NASA mathematician who helped launch the first manned space flights. Hidden Figures was a box office hit and Henson garnered multiple award nominations for embodying Johnson's intelligence, strength and perseverance.

Awards and Acclaim

In addition to her Oscar, Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, Henson has won over a dozen awards for her acting including a Critics Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series and a Black Reel Award for Outstanding Actress for Hustle & Flow. She also has two NAACP Image Awards for Empire and a BET Award for Best Actress. In 2018, Henson received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, acknowledging her as one of the industry's most talented performers.

Advocacy and Philanthropy

Off screen, Henson uses her platform to give back and advocate for causes close to her heart. She founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation to provide support around mental health issues in the African American community. She has been a vocal supporter of the Time's Up initiative for gender equality and ending sexual harassment. Henson also works with several organizations that support youth arts education and anti-bullying programs.

What's Next

Now in her late 40s, Henson is entering a new phase of her career. She plans to continue showing off her dramatic chops in more mature, complex roles. In 2022, she starred in the Emmett Till biopic Till and received praise for her performance as Till's mother seeking justice for her murdered son. Upcoming, Henson will share the screen with Regina Hall and Terrence Howard in the Louisiana-set indie drama The Best of Enemies. She is set to play Shug Avery in the musical adaptation of The Color Purple, the role originated by Margaret Avery in Steven Spielberg's 1985 film. No doubt Henson will continue to choose projects that allow her to flex her acting muscles in new ways.

Conclusion

With undeniable talent, versatility and charisma, Taraji P. Henson has become one of the most dynamic actresses of her generation. She has shone in dramatic and comedic roles on both film and television. Henson brings authenticity, intelligence and power to every character she inhabits. Her performances have moved critics and audiences alike. At this rate, there is no doubt Henson will continue captivating fans with her work for years to come. She has more than earned respect for her accomplishments in Hollywood and her advocacy beyond it. Taraji P. Henson is a force to be reckoned with!

FAQs

What was Taraji P. Henson's breakout role?

Henson's breakout role was as Queenie in 2008's The Curious Case of Benjamin Button opposite Brad Pitt. Her emotional performance earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

What TV show made Taraji P. Henson a star?

Henson became a major TV star with her role as Cookie Lyon on the hit Fox series Empire starting in 2015. Her powerful performance earned her Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

What is Taraji P. Henson best known for?

Henson is likely best known for her acclaimed performances in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and on the TV show Empire. She is also recognized for starring in the hit film Hidden Figures.

What awards has Taraji P. Henson won?

Henson has won over a dozen major acting awards including a Critics Choice Award for Empire and a Black Reel Award for Hustle & Flow. She also has two NAACP Image Awards and a BET Award.

What causes does Taraji P. Henson support?

Henson advocates for mental health awareness in the Black community through her Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation. She also supports gender equality, anti-bullying efforts, and youth arts education.