The American actress and singer Taraji P. Henson with an impressive net worth of $25 million is a household name in the entertainment industry. From her breakout role in “Baby Boy” to her iconic portrayal of Cookie Lyon in “Empire,” Henson has cemented her place as one of Hollywood’s most talented actresses.
Rising from Humble Beginnings: Taraji’s Early Years
Taraji P. Henson was born on September 11, 1970, in Washington, D.C. She grew up in a low-income household with her mother, who worked as a corporate manager, and her father, who was a janitor. Despite their financial struggles, Henson’s parents instilled in her the value of hard work and determination.
Henson attended Howard University, where she studied acting. After graduation, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of becoming an actress. Henson’s early years in Hollywood were filled with small roles in TV shows like “Sister, Sister,” “ER,” and “The Division.” She also appeared in a few films, including “Baby Boy” and “Hustle & Flow,” which earned her critical acclaim and put her on the path to stardom.
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Shining on the Big Screen: Taraji’s Memorable Career Moments
In 2011, Henson landed the role of Detective Joss Carter on the hit CBS drama “Person of Interest.” She starred on the show for three seasons before her character was killed off, a move that sparked outrage among fans. Henson rebounded quickly, however, and in 2015, she landed the role of Cookie Lyon on the Fox drama “Empire.”
The show was a massive hit and made Henson a household name. Her portrayal of Cookie earned her numerous awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama Series, and also a Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series, and became the first black actress in the history of the awards show to do so.
Along with her success on the small screen, Henson has also had a successful film career. She has appeared in numerous movies, including “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “Hidden Figures,” and “What Men Want.” Her role in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Taraji P. Henson’s Net Worth
Taraji P. Henson’s net worth is estimated to be around $25 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Her wealth comes from a combination of her acting career, brand endorsements, and business ventures. According to reports, Henson earned $175,000 per episode of “Empire,” which made her one of the highest-paid actresses on TV.
In addition to her acting work, Henson has also been involved in several business ventures. In 2020, she launched a line of hair care products called TPH by Taraji. The brand offers a range of products for all hair types, and it has been a hit with consumers. Henson has also been a brand ambassador for several companies, including M.A.C Cosmetics and Apple Music.
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Taraji’s Lucrative Real Estate Ventures
Henson owns a condo in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood. She purchased the two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit for $1.5 million in 2015. The condo features floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors, and stunning views of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.
In 2018, Henson sold this unit for nearly the same amount as she had purchased it for. She also owns another unit in the same building, which she bought in 2017 for $1.9 million.
In Los Angeles, Henson owns two properties. The first property in Glendale was acquired in 2002 for $431,000. In 2016, she purchased a private mansion in the Hollywood Hills for $6.45 million.
Henson’s Personal Journey and Struggles
In 1994, Henson had a son named Marcell with her high school sweetheart, William LaMarr Johnson, who was tragically murdered in 2003.
In 2014, Henson spoke out about her son’s experience of being racially profiled by the police and his car being illegally searched during a traffic stop in Glendale, California. However, a video later revealed that her son had driven through a crosswalk while a pedestrian was crossing, consented to the vehicle search, and admitted to smoking marijuana prior to driving, with both marijuana and hashish oil found inside the car. Within 40 minutes of the video being made public, Henson posted an apology on Instagram, acknowledging the challenges of being a mother and a police officer.
On May 13, 2018, Henson got engaged to former NFL player Kelvin Hayden. She disclosed the end of their engagement during the October 19, 2020 episode of The Breakfast Club.
Final Thought
As we wrap up our journey through Taraji P. Henson’s net worth, one thing is clear: this woman is a force to be reckoned with. From her humble beginnings to her Hollywood success, Taraji has proven time and time again that she has what it takes to thrive in the entertainment industry.
Despite facing personal struggles along the way, she has remained a role model and an inspiration to millions of fans worldwide. With an estimated net worth of $25 million, Taraji P. Henson is proof that with hard work, talent, and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams.