If you want to know more about Taraji P. Henson, you are in the right place. Taraji P. Henson is an American actress, producer, author, and mental health advocate best known for her powerful acting roles.
She became popular for her role as Cookie Lyon in the TV show *Empire*. She is also known for her Oscar-nominated performance in *The Curious Case of Benjamin Button*.
In this article, you will learn about Taraji P. Henson’s age, career, education, personal life, net worth, and other important details.
Taraji P. Henson Wiki And Biography
Taraji P. Henson, born on September 11, 1970, is a well-known American actress, producer, author, and advocate for mental health.
She has received many honors, including a Golden Globe Award, and has been nominated for an Academy Award, six Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award.
Time magazine has recognized her as one of the 100 most influential people in the world twice, in 2016 and 2024. Her journey in acting began after studying at Howard University, and she made her film debut in *Streetwise* in 1998.
| Taraji P. Henson Wiki and Biography | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Taraji Penda Henson |
| Date Of Birth | September 11, 1970 |
| Place Of Birth | Southeast Washington, D.C. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actress, Producer, Author, Mental Health Advocate |
| Education | Howard University (Drama) |
| Known For | Cookie Lyon in Empire, Queenie in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button |
| Awards | Golden Globe Award, Numerous Nominations |
| Parental Influence | Maternal Grandmother Patsy Ballard |
| Religious Beliefs | Catholic |
| Swahili Names Meaning | Taraji (Hope), Penda (Love) |
| Ancestry | Masa people of Cameroon (matrilineal) |
Taraji P. Henson’s life story is inspiring, showing how passion and hard work can lead to great success. Born in Washington, D.C., her Swahili names, Taraji meaning “hope” and Penda meaning “love,” reflect a beautiful heritage.
Her education at Howard University was a crucial step, funded by her dedication as a Pentagon secretary and a singing-dancing waitress.
This early drive set the stage for a career filled with critically acclaimed roles and significant awards, proving that her journey is one of both talent and perseverance.
Taraji P. Henson Height, Weight, And More
Taraji P. Henson is known for her striking presence and engaging personality on screen. Standing at a height of 5 feet 4 inches, she carries her frame with confidence.
Her weight is approximately 57 kilograms, which translates to about 125 pounds. She has a vibrant energy that she brings to every role she plays.
Her physical attributes complement her powerful acting skills, making her a memorable figure in Hollywood.
| Taraji P. Henson Height, Weight, and More | Details |
|---|---|
| Height In Meter | 1.63 m |
| Height In Feet | 5′ 4″ |
| Height In Inches | 64 inches |
| Weight In Kilograms | 57 kg |
| Weight In Pounds | 125 lbs |
| Weight In Ounces | 2000 ounces |
| Body Measurement | 34-26-35 inches |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Shoe Size | 7 (US) |
Taraji P. Henson’s physical presence is a key part of her captivating performances. At 5 feet 4 inches tall, she commands attention with her dynamic energy.
Her weight of around 125 pounds contributes to her graceful movement and stage presence. These physical details are part of what makes her a recognizable star, allowing her to embody a wide range of characters with authenticity and power.
Taraji P. Henson Career Information
Taraji P. Henson’s acting career began with small roles before she landed her breakout performance in *Baby Boy* in 2001.
She gained significant recognition for her role as Shug in *Hustle & Flow* (2005), which also marked her singing debut.
Her portrayal of Queenie in *The Curious Case of Benjamin Button* (2008) earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She later starred as mathematician Katherine Johnson in the acclaimed film *Hidden Figures* (2016).
On television, her role as Cookie Lyon in *Empire* (2015–2020) brought her a Golden Globe Award and widespread fame.
| Taraji P. Henson Career Information | Details |
|---|---|
| First Film Role | Streetwise (1998) |
| Breakthrough Film Role | Baby Boy (2001) |
| Acclaimed Film Roles | Hustle & Flow, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Hidden Figures |
| Major TV Role | Cookie Lyon in Empire (2015-2020) |
| Notable TV Series | Person of Interest, Abbott Elementary |
| Producer Credits | TPH Entertainment projects |
| Author | New York Times best-selling autobiography “Around the Way Girl” (2016) |
| Singing Debut | Hustle & Flow (2005) |
| Hollywood Walk of Fame Star | Awarded in 2019 |
| Broadway Debut | Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (2026) |
| Mental Health Advocacy | Founder of The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation |
| Recent Television Role | Vanetta Teagues in Abbott Elementary (2023) |
Taraji P. Henson’s career is a shining example of dedication and talent.
From her early days in films like *Baby Boy* and *Hustle & Flow* to her Oscar-nominated turn in *The Curious Case of Benjamin Button*, she has consistently delivered powerful performances.
Her role as Cookie Lyon in *Empire* catapulted her to global stardom, earning her a Golden Globe and countless fans.
Beyond acting, she has also made her mark as an author and a passionate advocate for mental health, demonstrating her commitment to making a difference off-screen as well.
Taraji P. Henson Net Worth Information
Taraji P. Henson has built a significant career in Hollywood, leading to a substantial net worth. Her income comes from her extensive work in film and television, as well as her successful book and various endorsements.
She has starred in numerous box-office hits and critically acclaimed TV series, which have contributed greatly to her financial success.
Her role as Cookie Lyon in *Empire* was particularly lucrative, reportedly earning her a significant salary per episode.
| Taraji P. Henson Net Worth Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $25 Million |
| Primary Income Source | Acting, Producing |
| Major TV Salary (per episode) | $175,000 (for Empire) |
| Film Earnings (approximate) | $10 Million+ |
| Book Sales (Around the Way Girl) | Significant Royalties |
| Brand Endorsements | MAC Cosmetics, Other Major Brands |
| Real Estate Holdings | Luxury Properties in Los Angeles |
| Investment Portfolio | Diversified Investments |
| Production Company Earnings | TPH Entertainment |
| Philanthropic Contributions | The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation |
| Average Annual Earnings | $8 Million – $10 Million |
| Other Ventures | Voice acting, hosting |
Taraji P. Henson’s financial success is a direct result of her hard work and talent. With an estimated net worth of $25 million, she has earned her fortune through a variety of ventures.
Her acting roles in popular films and the hit series *Empire* have been major contributors. Beyond her on-screen work, her book sales and endorsement deals with major brands like MAC Cosmetics have also boosted her income.
Her success shows that dedication in the entertainment industry can lead to significant financial rewards.
10 Interesting Facts About Taraji P. Henson
1. Her first and middle names, Taraji and Penda, are of Swahili origin, meaning “hope” and “love.”
2. She initially intended to study electrical engineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University before switching to drama at Howard University.
3. To pay for college, Taraji worked as a secretary at The Pentagon and as a singing-dancing waitress on a dinner-cruise ship.
4. She made her singing debut in the film *Hustle & Flow*, performing the song “It’s Hard out Here for a Pimp.”
5. Taraji P. Henson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2019.
6. She is a mental health advocate and founded The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, named after her father.
7. Her maternal grandmother, Patsy Ballard, was a significant influence and accompanied her to the Academy Awards.
8. In 2016 and 2024, Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
9. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
10. Taraji P. Henson made her Broadway debut in a revival of August Wilson’s *Joe Turner’s Come and Gone* in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When was Taraji P. Henson born?
A1: Taraji P. Henson was born on September 11, 1970.
Q2: What is Taraji P. Henson famous for?
A2: She is famous for her role as Cookie Lyon in the TV series *Empire* and for her acting in movies like *The Curious Case of Benjamin Button* and *Hidden Figures*.
Q3: How tall is Taraji P. Henson?
A3: Taraji P. Henson is 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 meters) tall.
Q4: Did Taraji P. Henson win an Oscar?
A4: She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in *The Curious Case of Benjamin Button*, but she did not win.
Q5: What awards has Taraji P. Henson won?
A5: She has won a Golden Globe Award and has been nominated for an Academy Award, multiple Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award.
Q6: Where did Taraji P. Henson study acting?
A6: She studied acting at Howard University.
Q7: What is the name of Taraji P. Henson’s autobiography?
A7: Her autobiography is titled *Around the Way Girl*.
Q8: Is Taraji P. Henson involved in mental health advocacy?
A8: Yes, she is a strong advocate for mental health and founded The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation.
Q9: What is Taraji P. Henson’s estimated net worth?
A9: Her estimated net worth is around $25 million.
Q10: What was Taraji P. Henson’s first film role?
A10: Her first film role was in *Streetwise* in 1998.
Conclusion
Taraji P. Henson is a truly remarkable figure in Hollywood and beyond. Her journey from a determined student to an award-winning actress, producer, and author is incredibly inspiring.
She has captivated audiences with her powerful performances in both film and television, most notably as the unforgettable Cookie Lyon in *Empire*.
Beyond her acting career, Taraji is a dedicated advocate for mental health, using her platform to make a positive impact.
Her dedication to her craft, her passion for important causes, and her vibrant spirit make her a beloved and influential personality.
