Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson is a trailblazing Hollywood actress with a compelling expedition from a challenging childhood to stardom. She gained fame for her roles in “Baby Boy,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” and as Cookie Lyon in “Empire.” Beyond acting, she’s a dedicated advocate for mental health, founding The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation to support the African American community. With a net worth of $25 million, her story is as inspiring as her performances. Uncover more about her impactful life.

Early Life

Taraji P. Henson had a challenging upbringing, growing up in an apartment that was described as “one step up from the projects.”

In her early education, she initially chose to study electrical engineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Engineering State University but faced a setback when she failed a precalculus class, prompting her to change her path.

She then transferred to Howard University, where she pursued her passion for the arts and earned a BFA in Drama in 1995.

During her college years, Henson juggled two jobs to support herself and her newborn son, working as a secretary at the Pentagon and as a singing/dancing waitress.

After completing her degree, she moved to Los Angeles with the ambition of pursuing an acting career, taking an office job while auditioning for numerous roles in the entertainment industry.

Family Life

Taraji P. Henson is a devoted single mother to her son, Marcell Johnson, and places a high priority on family alongside her successful career.

As a single parent, Henson has navigated the challenges of balancing work and motherhood, often sharing her commitment to being present for Marcell.

Her experiences as a mother have profoundly shaped her values, which she emphasizes through her advocacy in mental health with The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, named in honor of her late father.

Henson is dedicated to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for Marcell, focusing on instilling resilience and strong values in him.

Career

Taraji P. Henson’s career took off with guest roles on diverse television shows, leading to her breakout performance in the 2001 film “Baby Boy.”

She garnered critical acclaim for her portrayal of a single mother in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008), earning an Academy Award nomination.

Henson is well-known for her iconic role as Cookie Lyon in the acclaimed television series “Empire” (2015-2020), where she received an Emmy nomination and won a Golden Globe for her outstanding performance.

In addition to acting, she has ventured into production, serving as executive producer for multiple projects.

Henson also highlighted her directorial skills in the 2022 anthology film “Tell It Like a Woman,” demonstrating her versatility in the entertainment industry.

Net Worth

Taraji P. Henson’s net worth is estimated at $25 million, primarily derived from her successful acting career.

Notable salaries from her top films include $175,000 per episode for her role as Cookie Lyon in “Empire,” $1 million for her role in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” $1.5 million for “The Best of Enemies,” $500,000 for “Hidden Figures,” and $750,000 for “Think Like a Man.”

Henson has also diversified her income through production work and her mental health nonprofit, The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation.