Taraji P. Henson, a powerhouse in Hollywood, has captivated audiences with her talent and resilience.

Known for her roles in *Empire* and *Hidden Figures*, she has faced numerous challenges throughout her life, both personally and professionally, that have shaped her into the formidable woman she is today.

Born on September 11, 1970, in Washington, D.C., Taraji grew up in a modest household. Her parents, Boris and Bernice Henson, divorced when she was young, but her mother worked tirelessly to provide a loving home. Despite their struggles, Taraji’s mother made her feel like a princess, nurturing her dreams and creativity.

This foundation instilled in Taraji a strong sense of self-worth and determination.

Her journey to stardom was not easy. While studying acting at Howard University, she worked multiple jobs, including a position as a secretary at the Pentagon, to support herself and her son, Marcel, whom she had as a single mother at just 24 years old.

The father of her child was abusive, leading Taraji to leave the relationship to protect herself and her son. Tragically, he was murdered in 1997, leaving her to navigate life alone. Yet, she did not let these hardships define her; instead, they fueled her ambition.

With only $700 in her pocket, Taraji moved to California to pursue her dreams. Initially, she took on small roles in television shows like *Smart Guy* and *Sister, Sister*, but her breakout came in 2001 with *Baby Boy*, where her chemistry with co-star Tyrese Gibson garnered significant attention. Following this success, she starred in *Hustle & Flow*, earning an Academy Award nomination for her performance.

Despite her rising fame, Taraji faced ongoing challenges in Hollywood, particularly regarding pay equity and representation for Black women. In 2015, she landed the iconic role of Cookie Lyon in *Empire*, which brought her back into the spotlight.

However, she was vocal about her frustrations regarding pay disparities, emphasizing that her male counterparts were often compensated more, despite similar levels of talent and viewership support.

Throughout her career, Taraji has not shied away from addressing the industry’s issues. She has openly criticized the lack of opportunities for Black actresses and has fought against stereotypes that limit women’s roles in Hollywood.

Her boldness extends to her personal life as well; she has been candid about her relationships and the challenges she faced, including a brief engagement to NFL player Kelvin Hayden, which ended in 2020 due to issues related to mental health and emotional support.

In addition to her acting career, Taraji is an advocate for mental health awareness, using her platform to shed light on the importance of self-care and emotional well-being. She has authored books and launched her own hair care line, TPH by Taraji, focusing on self-love and empowerment.

Today, Taraji P. Henson stands as a testament to resilience and strength. With a net worth estimated at $25 million, she continues to break barriers and inspire future generations.

Her story is one of triumph over adversity, proving that with determination and hard work, it is possible to rise above challenges and achieve greatness in any field. As she forges ahead, fans eagerly await what this remarkable queen will accomplish next.