Taraji P. Henson is an Academy Award-nominated and Golden Globe-winning actress, producer, and entrepreneur whose dynamic career spans critically acclaimed film performances, groundbreaking television roles, and impactful work behind the camera. Known for her emotional depth, commanding presence, and versatility, Henson has become one of the most influential performers of her generation.

Henson’s breakthrough film role came in John Singleton’s critically acclaimed film Baby Boy (2001), where she starred opposite Tyrese Gibson, earning widespread recognition for her powerful performance as Yvette. She continued to build momentum with memorable roles in films such as Hustle & Flow (2005), Four Brothers (2005), Smokin’ Aces (2006), and Tyler Perry’s The Family That Preys (2008). Her performance as Queenie in David Fincher’s The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, firmly establishing her as a respected dramatic force in Hollywood.

Throughout the 2010s, Henson delivered standout performances in both independent and major studio films, including Think Like a Man (2012), No Good Deed (2014), and the critically acclaimed historical drama Hidden Figures (2016), where she portrayed NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson. The film was both a commercial and critical success and remains one of the most significant projects of her career. She also showcased her range in films such as Proud Mary (2018), where she starred in the title role, and What Men Want (2019), demonstrating her ability to lead action and comedy projects.

On television, Henson achieved global superstardom with her iconic portrayal of Cookie Lyon on the hit Empire (2015–2020). Her performance earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Drama, along with multiple Emmy nominations and widespread critical acclaim. Cookie Lyon became one of the most culturally impactful television characters of the modern era, cementing Henson’s legacy in television history.

Following the success of Empire, Henson continued to take on complex and compelling roles, including starring in and executive producing the Facebook Watch series Peace of Mind with Taraji, which focused on mental health awareness and emotional wellness. She also starred in the biographical drama The Best of Enemies (2019), portraying civil rights activist Ann Atwater, further highlighting her commitment to meaningful, socially relevant storytelling.

In recent years, Henson has continued to evolve her career with high-profile television and film projects. She starred in and executive produced the Peacock limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, alongside Kevin Hart, Samuel L. Jackson, and Don Cheadle, portraying a central character in the dramatization of the infamous Atlanta robbery tied to Muhammad Ali’s historic comeback fight. Her performance reaffirmed her continued relevance and strength in prestige television.

Henson has also expanded her work as a producer through her company, TPH Entertainment, developing film and television projects that amplify diverse voices and stories. In addition to her acting and producing work, she is a bestselling author and a leading mental health advocate through the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, which focuses on eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health in the African American community.

With a career defined by critically acclaimed performances, cultural impact, and continued evolution as a creative force, Taraji P. Henson remains one of Hollywood’s most respected and influential actresses, consistently delivering powerful performances across film and television while shaping the industry as a producer and advocate.