Taraji P. Henson is a celebrated American actress and singer, renowned for her compelling performances across film and television. Born Taraji Penda Henson on September 11, 1970, in Washington, D.C., she has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry, garnering accolades that include a Golden Globe Award and nominations for both an Academy Award and multiple Emmy Awards. Recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2016 and 2024, Henson's career is marked by her versatility and depth as an actress.

Henson's journey began in her early years, influenced by her parents, Boris Henson and Bernice Gordon. She pursued her passion for acting at Howard University, where she honed her craft before making her film debut in the 1998 crime drama Streetwise. Her breakthrough role came in 2001 when she portrayed Yvette in the film Baby Boy, which showcased her talent and earned her recognition in Hollywood. Henson continued to rise in prominence, gaining critical acclaim for her role as a prostitute in Hustle & Flow (2005), a performance that underscored her ability to portray complex characters.

Henson's career reached new heights with her role as Queenie in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), a performance that earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. This role further solidified her status as a leading actress in the industry. In subsequent years, she appeared in a variety of successful films, including The Karate Kid (2010), Think Like a Man (2012), Acrimony (2018), What Men Want (2019), and The Best of Enemies (2019). Her portrayal of mathematician Katherine Johnson in the critically acclaimed film Hidden Figures (2016) not only showcased her dramatic range but also highlighted the important contributions of African American women to NASA.

In addition to her film career, Henson has made a significant mark on television. She co-starred as Joss Carter in the CBS drama series Person of Interest from 2011 to 2013, demonstrating her capability to engage audiences in a serialized format. Her role as Cookie Lyon in the Fox drama series Empire from 2015 to 2020 became a cultural phenomenon, earning her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama and multiple Emmy nominations. Henson's versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles was further recognized with her Emmy-nominated performance in the Lifetime film Taken from Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story (2011) and her guest appearance in the ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary (2023).

Beyond her acting prowess, Henson authored a New York Times best-selling autobiography titled [i=Around the Way Girl] in 2016, sharing her personal journey and insights into the industry. In 2019, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a testament to her enduring influence and contributions to the entertainment world. As she continues to navigate her career, Taraji P. Henson remains a powerful force in Hollywood, inspiring many with her talent, resilience, and dedication to her craft.