Introduction

Taraji P. Henson is a name that resonates with talent, strength, and an incredible journey in Hollywood. From humble beginnings to becoming a household name, she has consistently showcased her versatility and dedication to her craft. This article takes a closer look at Taraji P. Henson’s net worth, her rise to fame, her early life, career milestones, and much more. Let’s explore the fascinating story of this extraordinary actress!

Who Is Taraji P. Henson?

Taraji P. Henson is an acclaimed American actress, singer, and author known for her powerhouse performances in both film and television. Born in Washington, D.C., Henson has made a name for herself as one of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile African American actresses. From iconic roles like Cookie Lyon in the hit TV series Empire to her unforgettable portrayal in Hidden Figures, Henson has proven her ability to captivate audiences with her raw talent, charisma, and undeniable presence.

Henson’s journey to stardom wasn’t easy, but her determination and resilience have made her an influential figure in the entertainment industry. Her incredible achievements, including an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe Award, are a testament to her talent and hard work.

What Is Taraji P. Henson’s Net Worth?

Taraji P. Henson’s net worth is estimated to be around $25 million, a remarkable figure that reflects her decades-long career in Hollywood. This wealth has been accumulated through her work in film, television, voice acting, and other ventures, including her autobiography and endorsement deals. Her role in Empire alone catapulted her earnings, as she reportedly earned around $175,000 per episode, showcasing her status as a top-tier actress in the industry.

Beyond her acting roles, Taraji’s net worth is also bolstered by her real estate investments, endorsements, and other business ventures. She has proven that she is not only an exceptional actress but also a savvy businesswoman who knows how to manage and grow her wealth.

Early Life

Taraji Penda Henson was born on September 11, 1970, in Washington, D.C., to Bernice Gordon and Boris Lawrence Henson. Her early life was marked by challenges, but she found inspiration and support from her family, particularly her maternal grandmother, Patsy Ballard. Patsy instilled values of hard work and perseverance in Henson, which became the foundation for her future success.

Growing up, Henson faced financial struggles, but that didn’t stop her from dreaming big. She worked multiple jobs to support herself and her son, Marcell, whom she had with her high school sweetheart, William LaMarr Johnson, who tragically passed away in 2003.

Education

Henson attended Howard University, one of the most prestigious historically black colleges in the United States. She worked two jobs to pay for her education, including a stint at the Pentagon, where she worked as a secretary in the mornings and as a singing and dancing waitress on a cruise ship in the evenings. Her time at Howard University was crucial in honing her acting skills, setting the stage for her future career.

Film Career

Taraji P. Henson’s film career is nothing short of impressive. She made her breakthrough in 2001 when she starred alongside Tyrese Gibson in the urban classic Baby Boy. This role showcased her raw talent and opened doors to more significant opportunities.

One of her most iconic roles was in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), where she starred alongside Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. Henson’s portrayal of Queenie earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, cementing her status as a powerhouse performer. She continued to impress in films like The Family That Preys directed by Tyler Perry, and Hidden Figures (2016), where she played mathematician Katherine Johnson, alongside Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe. Her role in Hidden Figures earned her and her co-stars a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.

Television Career

Taraji’s television career skyrocketed with her role as Cookie Lyon in the hit Fox series Empire. This character became an instant fan favorite, earning Henson a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series. Her portrayal of Cookie, a fierce, outspoken, and determined woman, became one of the most iconic roles in television history, showcasing her incredible range and ability to captivate audiences.

Henson also starred in television movies like Taken From Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story, for which she received a Primetime Emmy nomination. Her television work solidified her as a versatile actress who could excel in any role.

Personal Life

Despite her fame, Taraji P. Henson remains grounded and committed to her family. She is a loving mother to her son, Marcell, who is her greatest motivation. In recent years, Henson has been open about her mental health journey and advocates for mental health awareness, particularly in the African American community.

In 2018, she got engaged to former NFL player Kelvin Hayden, but they later decided to part ways amicably in 2020. Taraji is also passionate about fitness and follows a vegan diet, which she credits for maintaining her energy and staying in shape.

Real Estate

Henson’s real estate portfolio reflects her financial success. In 2017, she purchased a beautiful home in the Hollywood Hills for around $6.4 million, which features luxurious amenities and stunning views of Los Angeles. Her investment in real estate is another example of how she has built and maintained her wealth over the years.

Quick Facts

• Age: 54 (as of 2024)
• Height: 5’4″ (1.63 m)
• Academy Award Nomination: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
• Golden Globe Award: Empire (2016)
• Autobiography: Around the Way Girl (2016)
• Notable Characters: Cookie Lyon (Empire), Queenie (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Katherine Johnson (Hidden Figures)
• Voice Acting: Yesss in Disney’s Ralph Breaks the Internet

Final Thoughts

Taraji P. Henson’s journey to success is a story of resilience, talent, and determination. With a net worth of around $25 million, she has proven herself as a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. From her early life challenges to becoming one of the most influential actresses in the industry, Taraji’s story continues to inspire millions worldwide. Her journey is far from over, and we can only anticipate more incredible performances from this trailblazing actress.

FAQs

1. What is Taraji P. Henson’s net worth in 2024?
Taraji P. Henson’s net worth is estimated to be around $25 million in 2024, accumulated through her work in film, television, endorsements, and other business ventures.

2. What is Taraji P. Henson’s most iconic role?
Henson’s portrayal of Cookie Lyon in Empire is widely considered her most iconic role, earning her numerous awards and global recognition.

3. Did Taraji P. Henson write a book?
Yes, she wrote her autobiography titled Around the Way Girl, which provides insight into her life, career, and journey to stardom.

4. How did Taraji P. Henson start her acting career?
Taraji began her acting career with small roles in television shows before landing her breakout role in Baby Boy (2001) alongside Tyrese Gibson.

5. Is Taraji P. Henson married?
As of 2024, Taraji P. Henson is not married. She was previously engaged to former NFL player Kelvin Hayden, but they parted ways in 2020.

Taraji P. Henson’s story is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and unyielding passion. Her journey inspires anyone who dares to dream big and overcome life’s obstacles.

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