Taraji P. Henson Biography: Net Worth, Lifestyle, Family, Awards & Career (2025 Update) in 2025

Taraji P. Henson is an acclaimed American actress, producer, and author, best known for her powerful performances in film and television. Rising to fame with standout roles in “Hustle & Flow,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” and as Cookie Lyon in “Empire,” Henson has become a household name in Hollywood. Her inspiring journey, remarkable achievements, and vibrant personality make her a role model and a true icon in the entertainment industry.

Quick Facts

Full Name	Taraji Penda Henson
Nickname	Taraji
Profession	Actress, Producer, Author
Birth Date	September 11, 1970
Age	55 (as of 2025)
Birth Place	Washington, D.C., USA
Nationality	American
Famous For	Film & TV Acting, Advocacy
Known For	“Empire,” “Hidden Figures,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
Ethnicity	African-American
Zodiac Sign	Virgo
Height & Weight	5 ft 5 in (165 cm), ~60 kg (132 lbs)
Hair Color	Dark Brown
Eye Color	Brown
Education	Howard University (BFA, Theater)
Religion	Christianity
Marital Status	Single
Children	1 son (Marcell Johnson)
Relatives	Johnson Family
Hobbies	Cooking, Singing, Philanthropy
Employer/Organization	Self-employed, TPH Entertainment
Years Active	1997–present
Net Worth (Estimated)	$30 million (2025)

Early Life & Education

Taraji Penda Henson was born on September 11, 1970, in Washington, D.C. Raised primarily by her mother Bernice, a corporate manager, and her father Boris, a metal fabricator, Henson developed a strong work ethic and determination from an early age. She attended Oxon Hill High School in Maryland, where her passion for performing arts blossomed. Taraji initially enrolled at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University to study electrical engineering but soon transferred to Howard University to pursue acting. At Howard, she honed her craft and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater, working multiple jobs to support her education, including as a secretary at The Pentagon and as a singing-dancing waitress on a dinner cruise ship.

Career Journey

Taraji P. Henson’s career is marked by versatility, resilience, and a string of critically acclaimed performances across film, television, and stage.

Beginnings & Early Success

Moved to Los Angeles in the late 1990s to pursue acting professionally.
First major role as Yvette in the 2001 film “Baby Boy” alongside Tyrese Gibson.

Breakthrough & Major Milestones

Starred in “Hustle & Flow” (2005), earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008).
Became a household name as Cookie Lyon in the hit TV series “Empire” (2015–2020), winning a Golden Globe Award and multiple nominations.
Portrayed NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson in “Hidden Figures” (2016), a critical and commercial success.
Other notable films include “Think Like a Man,” “Proud Mary,” and “What Men Want.”

Recent Activity & Current Projects

Produced and starred in several projects through her production company, TPH Entertainment.
Launched mental health advocacy initiatives and authored the memoir “Around the Way Girl.”
Continues to appear in high-profile film and TV projects, including hosting duties and voice acting.

Career Highlights & Achievements

Over 50 film and television credits.
Multiple award nominations and wins, including SAG, Critics’ Choice, and NAACP Image Awards.
Recognized for her philanthropic work in mental health awareness within the Black community.

Watch: Taraji P. Henson’s Inspiring Career Journey

Personal Life

Taraji P. Henson is known for her candidness and authenticity, both on and off the screen. She has one son, Marcell Johnson, born in 1994, whom she raised as a single mother after the tragic death of his father. Henson is deeply committed to mental health advocacy, founding the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in honor of her late father to provide mental health support in the African-American community. She enjoys cooking, music, and spending time with close friends and family.

Relationships

Taraji was previously engaged to former NFL player Kelvin Hayden, but the couple ended their engagement in 2020. As of 2025, she is reportedly single and focusing on her career and philanthropic work.

Awards & Achievements

Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Drama Series (“Empire”)
Screen Actors Guild Award (Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, “Hidden Figures”)
NAACP Image Awards – Multiple wins for Outstanding Actress
Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series
Academy Award Nominee (Best Supporting Actress, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”)
Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (2020)

Physical Statistics

Height: 5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
Weight: ~60 kg (132 lbs)
Body Measurements: 36-28-36 in (approx.)
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Dark Brown
Shoe Size: 8 (US)
Dress Size: 6 (US)
Sexuality: Straight

Quotes

“Every human walks around with a certain kind of sadness. They may not wear it on their sleeves, but it’s there if you look deep.”
“If you listen to people and you allow people to project their fears onto you, you won’t live.”
“I don’t ever want to play a character that’s one-dimensional. I want to play women who are real.”

Controversies

Taraji P. Henson has largely maintained a positive public image. In 2015, she made headlines for an incident involving her son and law enforcement, later publicly apologizing after clarifying the situation. She is also vocal about social justice issues, using her platform to advocate for mental health and equality.

Favorites

Favorite Food: Soul food, especially fried chicken and collard greens
Favorite Actor: Denzel Washington
Favorite Movie: “Imitation of Life”
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite Music: R&B, Hip-Hop
Favorite Hobbies: Cooking, Dancing, Singing

Salary & Net Worth

As of 2025, Taraji P. Henson’s net worth is estimated at $30 million. Her income sources include acting salaries, producing, book sales, endorsement deals, and investments. At the peak of “Empire,” she reportedly earned up to $175,000 per episode. Henson owns a luxurious home in Los Angeles and possesses a collection of high-end cars, including a Mercedes-Benz and Range Rover.

Interesting Facts

Taraji’s first name means “hope” in Swahili, and her middle name “Penda” means “love.”
She once worked as a singing waitress on a cruise ship to pay for college.
Henson is a classically trained singer and has performed on several soundtracks.
She is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, founding the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation.
Taraji received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2020.

Social Media Links

Instagram: @tarajiphenson (20M+ followers)
Twitter/X: @TherealTaraji (6M+ followers)
Facebook: Taraji P. Henson Official
LinkedIn: Taraji P. Henson
YouTube: Taraji P. Henson Channel

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Taraji P. Henson in 2025?
She is 55 years old, born on September 11, 1970.
What is Taraji P. Henson’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is $30 million as of 2025.
What are Taraji P. Henson’s most famous roles?
She is best known for “Empire,” “Hidden Figures,” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”
Does Taraji P. Henson have children?
Yes, she has one son, Marcell Johnson.
What causes does Taraji P. Henson support?
She is a strong advocate for mental health awareness and social justice, especially in the Black community.
Is Taraji P. Henson married?
No, she is currently single as of 2025.

Conclusion

Taraji P. Henson’s remarkable journey from Washington, D.C. to Hollywood stardom is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and passion. With a legacy of groundbreaking roles, advocacy, and inspiration, she continues to shape the entertainment industry and empower future generations. If you enjoyed learning about Taraji’s life and achievements, please share this article with fellow fans and followers!

Sources: Biography.com, IMDb, Forbes, Variety, The Guardian, Hollywood Reporter, Essence, People.