Taraji P. Henson Net Worth: Exploring Her Career and Financial Success

Introduction

Taraji P. Henson, an American actress, and singer, has captivated audiences for decades with her dynamic performances on both the big and small screens. Known for her tenacity, versatility, and undeniable talent, she has earned not only a stellar reputation in Hollywood but also a substantial fortune. With a career spanning over two decades, Henson has built an impressive net worth while breaking barriers and advocating for equality in the entertainment industry.

In this article, we’ll explore the life and career of Taraji P. Henson, her net worth, and how she became one of the most successful actresses in the world.

Who is Taraji P. Henson?

Taraji Penda Henson, born on September 11, 1970, in Washington, D.C., is an acclaimed actress and singer recognized for her exceptional talent in portraying strong, multifaceted characters. From her early days of struggle to her rise to superstardom, Henson’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. She made her film debut in the 1998 film Streetwise but gained wider recognition for her role in Baby Boy alongside Tyrese Gibson.

Henson is best known for her unforgettable portrayal of Cookie Lyon in the hit television series Empire, a role that brought her widespread acclaim and a Golden Globe Award. Over the years, she has solidified her status as a Hollywood icon through her roles in critically acclaimed films such as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Hidden Figures.

What is Taraji P. Henson’s Net Worth?

As of 2024, Taraji P. Henson’s net worth is estimated to be around $12 million. Her wealth primarily comes from her successful career in both film and television. One of her most notable financial successes was her role in Empire, where she earned $175,000 per episode, contributing significantly to her overall wealth.

Despite her impressive net worth, Henson has been vocal about salary disparities in Hollywood, especially for African-American actresses. She has often highlighted the challenges of negotiating fair compensation, particularly in her early career, such as her role in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, where she earned significantly less than her co-stars Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. Nevertheless, Henson’s financial success continues to grow as she takes on new ventures and projects.

Early Life

Taraji P. Henson was born and raised in Washington, D.C., to parents Bernice, a corporate manager, and Boris Henson, a janitor. She grew up in a working-class family and was particularly close to her grandmother, who played a pivotal role in her upbringing. The name “Taraji” means “hope” in Swahili, while “Penda” means “love,” reflecting the sense of purpose and resilience that has driven her career.

From a young age, Henson exhibited a passion for performing. She would later credit her family’s strong work ethic as a motivating factor in her pursuit of an acting career, despite the many obstacles she faced along the way.

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Education

Taraji P. Henson initially enrolled at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University to study electrical engineering, but her love for the arts led her to change her major. She transferred to Howard University, where she studied theater arts, laying the foundation for her future success.

While attending Howard University, Henson worked multiple jobs to pay for her tuition, including as a secretary at the Pentagon. Her determination to succeed was evident even during her college days, and her education at Howard played a crucial role in shaping her into the powerhouse actress she is today.

Film Career

Henson’s film career took off in the early 2000s when she starred in Baby Boy (2001), a role that gained her recognition and established her as a rising star in Hollywood. In 2005, she earned critical acclaim for her role in Hustle & Flow, where she also showcased her vocal talents by singing on the Academy Award-winning song “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp.”

Her career reached new heights in 2008 when she starred alongside Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, a role that earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Despite being the third-billed actor in the film, Henson has spoken candidly about the pay disparity she faced, earning only $150,000 compared to her co-stars’ multi-million dollar salaries.

Henson continued to demonstrate her versatility with roles in films like Proud Mary (2018), Tyler Perry’s Acrimony (2018), and The Best of Enemies (2019). Her portrayal of mathematician Katherine Johnson in Hidden Figures (2016) is one of her most celebrated performances, earning widespread critical acclaim and highlighting her ability to bring real-life heroes to the screen.

Television Career

Taraji P. Henson’s television career is equally as impressive as her film work. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Detective Joss Carter in the CBS series Person of Interest from 2011 to 2013. However, it was her role as Cookie Lyon in Empire (2015-2020) that made her a household name.

Her portrayal of the fierce, unapologetic Cookie Lyon earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama and two Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Empire became a cultural phenomenon, and Henson’s portrayal of Cookie is now regarded as one of the most iconic characters in television history.

Personal Life

Taraji P. Henson is a proud mother to her son, Marcell, who was born in 1994. Marcell’s father, William LaMarr Johnson, was tragically murdered in 2003, a heartbreaking event that had a profound impact on Henson’s life. Despite the challenges of being a single mother in Hollywood, Henson has always prioritized her son and has spoken publicly about her journey as a mother.

In 2020, Henson revealed that she had ended her engagement to former NFL player Kelvin Hayden. The actress has also been open about her mental health struggles and has become an advocate for mental health awareness, particularly within the African-American community.

Real Estate

Taraji P. Henson has made several smart investments in real estate over the years. In 2015, she purchased a $1.5 million condo in Chicago, which she sold in 2018. More recently, she listed two additional units in the same building for a combined $3.3 million.

Out in Los Angeles, Henson owns two properties, including a $6.45 million mansion in the Hollywood Hills, which she purchased in 2016. These real estate investments have contributed to her growing wealth and reflect her savvy business acumen.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Taraji Penda Henson
• Net Worth: $12 million (2024)
• Age: 53 (Born September 11, 1970)
• Height: 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)
• Education: Howard University (Degree in Theater Arts)
• Famous Roles: Cookie Lyon in Empire, Katherine Johnson in Hidden Figures
• Awards: Golden Globe Award, Academy Award nomination
• Real Estate: Properties in Chicago and Hollywood Hills
• Notable Films: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Hidden Figures, Acrimony

Final Thoughts

Taraji P. Henson’s net worth of $12 million is a testament to her hard work, resilience, and undeniable talent. Her journey from a struggling student working at the Pentagon to a Hollywood A-lister is an inspiring story of perseverance. Beyond her financial success, Henson’s influence extends to her advocacy for equality, mental health awareness, and social justice.

Her career is still on the rise, and fans can look forward to more captivating performances from this powerhouse actress in the years to come.

FAQs

1. What is Taraji P. Henson’s net worth in 2024?
Taraji P. Henson’s net worth is estimated to be around $12 million as of 2024.

2. How much did Taraji P. Henson earn per episode of Empire?
Henson earned $175,000 per episode of Empire, making her one of the highest-paid actresses on television during the show’s run.

3. What are some of Taraji P. Henson’s most notable roles?
Some of her most notable roles include Cookie Lyon in Empire, Katherine Johnson in Hidden Figures, and Queenie in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

4. Did Taraji P. Henson attend college?
Yes, Taraji P. Henson attended Howard University, where she earned a degree in Theater Arts.

5. Has Taraji P. Henson written a book?
Yes, she wrote an autobiography titled Around the Way Girl, which became a New York Times bestseller.