Taraji P. Henson was born on September 11, 1970, in Washington, D.C. She attended Oxon Hill High School in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Henson studied electrical engineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University before transferring to Howard University to study theater. She graduated from Howard University with a degree in theater.
Henson began her acting career in the late 1990s, making appearances in television shows such as “ER” and “Sister, Sister.” She gained early recognition for her role as Yvette in the 2001 film “Baby Boy.” Her career continued to develop with roles in both television and film, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Henson has appeared in a wide range of films, demonstrating her ability to portray diverse characters. Some of her most popular and critically acclaimed films include:
On television, Henson is best known for her role as Cookie Lyon in the Fox television series “Empire” (2015-2020). She has also appeared in other television series, including “Person of Interest” and “Boston Legal.”
Henson has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career. She won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama for her role in “Empire” in 2016. She has also received multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her work on “Empire.” In 2016, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In addition to her acting career,