Taraji P. Henson

Taraji Penda Henson is an American actress, producer, singer, and entrepreneur born on September 11, 1970. Henson’s successful career started in 1992. You may know her from her breakthrough film “Baby Boy” (2001) or in the Fox drama series “Empire.” However, with an extensive filmography, Henson has proven she’s a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. She’s a talented actress, which is why we’re celebrating her special day today!

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Taraji Penda Henson

Nickname:

Cookie

Birth date:

September 11, 1970

Age:

53

Zodiac Sign:

Virgo

Height:

5' 4"

Relationship Status:

Single

Net Worth:

$25 million

Taraji's Social Media:

Background

Taraji P. Henson was born in Southeast Washington, D.C. Henson’s mother was a manager at Woodward & Lothrop, while her father was a janitor and metal maker. She’s of African-American descent and a Virgo. Henson attended Oxon Hill School in Maryland in 1988. She enrolled in North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University to study electrical engineering but transferred to Howard University, majoring in Drama.

In 2001, after several background performances, Henson got her first big role in “Baby Boy.” Several films later, Henson played Shug in “Hustle & Flow” (2005), where she made her singing debut. Her role in this film landed her two Academy Award nominations, of which she won one. In 2008 she appeared in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” with Brad Pitt. Henson went on to star in “The Family That Preys” (2008), “I Can Do Bad All By Myself” (2009), and the “Karate Kid” remake in 2010. She appeared in “Think Like A Man” (2012) and “Think Like a Man Too” (2014). Henson starred in the 2016 film “Hidden Figures,” which was a box-office success. She received multiple nominations and won the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. In 2018, Henson starred in “Proud Mary” and Tyler Perry’s “Acrimony.” Henson is stupendously talented, and she also starred in “What Men Want” (2019), amongst other films.

Her television career includes appearances on “Sister Sister” (1997), “House” (2005), the people’s favorite “Empire” (from 2015 to 2020), and many others. Henson has an enviable career within and outside Hollywood. She has her production company, TPH Entertainment, a haircare line called TPH by Taraji, and several other ventures. She’s a mogul, an entertainer, and a black woman of substance. She shares her success with her son Marcell, family, and friends. Henson’s personal life has been somewhat public. She got engaged to Kelvin Hayden but announced they split in October 2020. She is presently single.

Career timeline

2001
The First Prominent Role

Henson lands a role as Yvette in “Baby Boy.”

2005
The Singing Debut

Henson makes her singing debut in the movie “Hustle and Flow.”

2008
The Best Supporting Actress Nomination

Henson receives an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”

2012
The Role in “Think Like A Man”

Henson appears in this film alongside other big names.

2016
The Win for Best Actress in “Empire”

Henson receives a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series.

Why We Love Taraji P. Henson

  1. She is super talented

    Henson’s talent is exemplary. From movies to music and entrepreneurship, Henson has made a name for herself in multiple industries.

  2. She’s an activist

    Henson has contributed to diverse causes from H.I.V./AIDS to PETA, the L.G.B.T. community, etc. Aside from using her platform to advocate for these organizations, she makes financial contributions too.

  3. She loves animals

    Henson decided to support PETA. She’s also a vegan and made the diet switch in 2017.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. She reveres Tyler Perry

    Henson revealed that Perry is the only filmmaker in Hollywood that paid her what she’s worth.

  2. Her two names are Swahili

    Henson’s first and middle names mean ‘hope’ and ‘love’ in Swahili.

  3. She worked at The Pentagon

    Henson worked as a secretary at The Pentagon to pay for her college education.

  4. Her high school sweetheart was murdered

    Henson’s high school sweetheart and father of her son Marcell, William LaMarr Johnson, was murdered in 2003.

  5. She’s on President Biden’s Board of Advisors

    Biden appointed Henson to the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Taraji P. Henson FAQs

What illness does Taraji P. Henson have?

Henson suffers from a stomach illness.

Did Taraji P. Henson date Common?

Henson and Common dated from October 2005 to February 2007.

Are Taraji P. Henson’s hair products vegan?

TPH by Taraji is cruelty-free, vegan, and color-safe.

Taraji P. Henson’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2024September 11Wednesday
2025September 11Thursday
2026September 11Friday
2027September 11Saturday
2028September 11Monday

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