Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson Bio

Taraji Penda Henson (born September 11, 1970) is an American actress known for her powerful performances in film and television. Her accolades include a Golden Globe Award, alongside nominations for an Academy Award, six Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award. In 2016 and 2024, Time named Henson one of the 100 most influential people in the world. After studying acting at Howard University, she made her film debut in the crime film Streetwise (1998). Henson gained recognition for playing a prostitute in Hustle & Flow (2005) and as nursing home caretaker, Queenie, in David Fincher’s The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008). The latter earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. In 2016, she portrayed mathematician Katherine Johnson in Hidden Figures.

Early Life and Background

Taraji Penda Henson was born on September 11, 1970, in Southeast Washington, D.C. She is the daughter of Bernice Henson, a corporate manager, and Boris Lawrence Henson, a janitor and metal fabricator. Henson often cites the influence of her maternal grandmother, Patsy Ballard, who accompanied her to the Academy Awards when she was nominated. Raised in a Catholic household, she has spoken about her family’s support in her artistic endeavors. Henson’s first and middle names are of Swahili origin, meaning “hope” and “love,” respectively. She graduated from Oxon Hill High School in 1988 and initially attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University to study electrical engineering before transferring to Howard University to pursue drama. To support her education, she worked as a secretary at The Pentagon and as a singing-dancing waitress on a dinner-cruise ship.

Path to Hollywood

Henson’s career began in the early 1990s when she received her Screen Actors Guild membership for background roles. Her first prominent role came in the 2001 film Baby Boy, where she played Yvette, alongside Tyrese Gibson. She also guest-starred on several television shows, including The WB’s Smart Guy and the Fox series House. In 2005, Henson gained significant recognition for her role in Hustle & Flow, where she portrayed Shug, the love interest of the lead character. This performance showcased her singing talents and contributed to the film’s critical acclaim. In 2008, she starred in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, earning an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Queenie, Benjamin’s mother.

Taraji P. Henson Career

Early Career (1997–2014)

Henson’s early career was marked by a series of notable performances in both film and television. After her breakthrough in Baby Boy, she appeared in several Tyler Perry films, including The Family That Preys and I Can Do Bad All By Myself. Henson’s role in the CBS drama series Person of Interest from 2011 to 2013 further established her as a talented actress. In 2011, she starred in the Lifetime movie Taken from Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story, earning her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie. Henson’s versatility was evident as she transitioned between genres, showcasing her range as an actress.

Breakthrough (2015–present)

In 2015, Henson starred in the Fox series Empire, a musical drama set in the hip-hop recording industry. Her portrayal of Cookie Lyon garnered widespread acclaim, leading to a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama. The series became a cultural phenomenon, solidifying Henson’s status as a leading actress in Hollywood. In 2016, she starred in the critically acclaimed film Hidden Figures, which highlighted the contributions of African-American women to NASA during the Space Race. This role further showcased her ability to portray strong, complex characters. Henson’s work in Empire and Hidden Figures earned her numerous accolades, including the Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series.

Notable Works and Milestones

Taraji P. Henson’s career is marked by significant milestones, including her Academy Award nomination for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and her Golden Globe win for Empire. She has also received multiple Emmy nominations for her performances in various projects. Henson’s ability to tackle diverse roles has made her a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Taraji P. Henson Award Nominations

Throughout her career, Taraji P. Henson has received numerous nominations for her outstanding performances in film and television. Her work has been recognized by prestigious organizations, highlighting her talent and impact on the industry.

Taraji P. Henson Awards Won

Taraji P. Henson has won several awards, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama for her role in Empire. Her accolades reflect her dedication to her craft and her ability to resonate with audiences.

Taraji P. Henson Family

Taraji P. Henson has one son, Marcell, born in 1994. His father, Henson’s high school sweetheart, William LaMarr Johnson, was tragically murdered in 2003. Henson has often spoken about the challenges of raising her son as a single mother and the importance of family in her life.

Personal Life

Henson was engaged to former NFL player Kelvin Hayden from 2015 until their engagement ended in 2020. She is a Christian and considers acting to be a spiritual experience. Henson has also been an advocate for various causes, including animal rights and mental health awareness, founding The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in honor of her father. In 2026, Henson is set to make her Broadway debut in a revival of the August Wilson play Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, directed by Debbie Allen.