Taraji Penda Henson (born September 11, 1970) is an acclaimed American actress. She has earned numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe Award and nominations for an Academy Award, Tony Award, and six Emmy Awards. Henson’s breakthrough roles include portraying a prostitute in Hustle & Flow (2005) and Katherine Johnson in Hidden Figures (2016).
She starred as Cookie Lyon in Empire (2015–2020), winning a Golden Globe. Henson also wrote a best-selling autobiography, Around the Way Girl (2016), and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2019.
Table of Contents
Taraji P. Henson Net Worth
Taraji P. Henson has a net worth of $12 million. Known for her talent, versatility, and tenacity, Henson has been outspoken about salary disparities in Hollywood. A notable example occurred during the filming of “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008).
Initially offered $100,000, she negotiated for $500,000 but settled on $150,000. After taxes and agent fees, she revealed she only took home $40,000. In a 2021 appearance on “The Real”, she discussed the financial challenges she faced during the film.
Early life
Taraji Penda Henson was born in Southeast Washington, D.C., to Bernice and Boris Lawrence Henson. Her first and middle names, Taraji (“hope”) and Penda (“love”), are of Swahili origin. She has African heritage traced to the Masa people of Cameroon.
Henson graduated from Oxon Hill High School in 1988 and initially studied electrical engineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University before transferring to Howard University to pursue drama. She worked various jobs to fund her education, including as a secretary and waitress.
Career
After graduating from Howard University, Taraji P. Henson gained early recognition with her breakout role in Baby Boy (2001) alongside Tyrese Gibson. She followed up with Hustle & Flow (2005) and earned an Academy Award nomination for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008).
Henson starred in Hidden Figures (2016) and won a Golden Globe for her role in Empire (2015), where she gained widespread fame. Other notable works include Proud Mary, Acrimony, and voice acting in Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018).
Personal Life
Taraji P. Henson has one son, Marcell, born in 1994, whose father, Henson’s high school sweetheart, was tragically murdered in 2003.
In 2014, Marcell was detained by police after marijuana and Ritalin without a prescription were found in his car. Initially, Henson spoke out, claiming her son had been racially profiled. However, she later backtracked on her statements and publicly apologized to the police.
Is Taraji P Henson Swahili?
Taraji P. Henson’s first and middle names, Taraji (“hope“) and Penda (“love“), are of Swahili origin. Her mitochondrial DNA analysis traces her matrilineal heritage to the Masa people of Cameroon. Additionally, she has shared that North Pole explorer Matthew Henson was “the brother of [her] great-great-grandfather.”
Conclusion
Taraji P. Henson’s journey in the entertainment industry is a testament to her talent and hard work. Her significant net worth is reflective of her success as a versatile actress and an influential figure in Hollywood.
FAQs About Taraji P. Henson’s Net Worth
- What is Taraji P. Henson’s net worth? Taraji P. Henson has an estimated net worth of $25 million.
- How did Taraji P. Henson earn her wealth? She earned her wealth through her acting career in film and television, and as a writer.
- What are some of Taraji P. Henson’s notable roles? Her notable roles include “Baby Boy,” “Hustle & Flow,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” and “Empire.”
- Has Taraji P. Henson received any awards for her acting? Yes, she has received awards including a Golden Globe for her role in “Empire.”
- What other investments does Taraji P. Henson have? She has invested in real estate, owning properties in Chicago and Los Angeles.