TARAJI P. HENSON (Female Actor of the day)

 

Taraji P. Henson was born on September 11, 1970, in Washington, D.C., and raised in a working-class family. Her mother, Bernice Gordon, was a corporate manager, and her father, Boris Lawrence Henson, was a janitor and metal fabricator. Despite her parents divorcing when she was young, Taraji found strength in her close-knit family and credits her upbringing for the resilience and tenacity that would later define her career. 

She initially pursued electrical engineering at North Carolina A&T State University but transferred to Howard University to study acting. While at Howard, she worked multiple jobs, including as a secretary at The Pentagon and as a cruise-ship entertainer, to support herself and her young son, Marcell.

Henson's professional acting career began in the late 1990s with guest roles on television shows like Smart Guy and Sister, Sister. She gained widespread recognition with her breakout role as Yvette in John Singleton’s Baby Boy (2001), opposite Tyrese Gibson. 

This role opened doors for her in Hollywood, leading to appearances in critically acclaimed films like Hustle & Flow (2005), where she played Shug and performed the Oscar-winning song "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp." Her reputation as a dynamic and emotionally rich performer was further solidified with her Oscar-nominated role as Queenie in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), where she starred alongside Brad Pitt.

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Over the years, Henson built an impressive résumé that spans both film and television. She starred in major box office hits and culturally impactful films including Think Like a Man (2012), No Good Deed (2014), Hidden Figures (2016), and What Men Want (2019). Hidden Figures, in particular, was a milestone in her career, showcasing her range and leading to widespread acclaim as she portrayed real-life NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson. On television, her portrayal of Cookie Lyon in Fox’s Empire (2015–2020) earned her a Golden Globe Award and cemented her status as a powerhouse in both dramatic and comedic roles.

Taraji P. Henson's achievements go beyond acting. She has been an outspoken advocate for mental health, particularly in the Black community. In 2018, she founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in honor of her father to provide mental health support and eliminate the stigma surrounding therapy. 

She was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2016 and has also authored a memoir, Around the Way Girl (2016), which became a bestseller. Henson has received numerous accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2019, and she has hosted high-profile award shows like the American Music Awards and BET Awards.

Though generally admired and respected, Henson hasn’t been completely free from controversy. Over the years, she has occasionally made headlines for her outspoken nature, including a public apology in 2015 after accusing the Glendale, California police of racially profiling her son,an accusation later retracted when video footage showed otherwise. 

Despite this, she remains widely viewed as a down-to-earth and candid figure in Hollywood, known for speaking out on race, gender, and equity in the entertainment industry. Her assertiveness and authenticity have only added to her popularity and relatability.

As of 2025, Taraji P. Henson continues to act and produce while expanding her impact beyond entertainment. She has launched several business ventures, including a hair care line called TPH by Taraji, which caters to scalp health and natural hair care. She remains a sought-after actress and speaker, blending star power with social consciousness.

While not currently in a major television role, she’s rumored to be developing new projects behind the scenes and has expressed interest in directing. Taraji stands today as a symbol of perseverance, creativity, and unapologetic individuality an inspiration for aspiring artists and activists alike.