Taraji P Henson Net Worth: Biography, Career, Early Life And Everything You Need To Know 

Taraji P. Henson Net Worth

$25 Million

Taraji P. Henson Net Worth
CategoryDetails
Richest CelebritiesSingers
Net Worth$25 Million
BirthdateSep 11, 1970 (53 years old)
BirthplaceWashington, D.C.
GenderFemale
Height5 ft 4 in (1.65 m)
ProfessionSinger, Actor
NationalityUnited States of America

What is Taraji P. Henson’s Net Worth and Salary? 

Taraji P. Henson, an accomplished American actress and singer, has built a notable career marked by her exceptional talent and versatility. With a net worth estimated at $25 million, Henson’s journey in Hollywood began with her debut in the film “Streetwise” (1998), where she quickly garnered attention for her compelling performances.

Notably, Henson’s breakthrough roles in “Hustle & Flow” (2005) and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008), the latter earning her an Academy Award nomination, showcased her ability to portray diverse characters with depth and authenticity. Her portrayal of mathematician Katherine Johnson in “Hidden Figures” (2016) further solidified her reputation, contributing to both critical acclaim and box-office success.

Beyond film, Henson has made significant contributions to television, co-starring in “Person of Interest” (2011-2013) and leading the cast of “Empire” (2015-2020) as Cookie Lyon, a role that earned her a Golden Globe Award and multiple Emmy nominations. Recognized as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2016, Henson’s impact extends beyond her acting prowess, as evidenced by her bestselling autobiography “Around the Way Girl” and her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In addition to her acting achievements, Henson has produced holiday specials and starred in notable films such as “Proud Mary” (2018), “Tyler Perry’s Acrimony” (2018), and “What Men Want” (2019), showcasing her range and commitment to impactful storytelling. Her dedication to challenging roles, including her portrayal of Ann Atwater in “The Best of Enemies” (2019), underscores her ability to tackle complex narratives with grace and authenticity.

Salaries

Taraji P. Henson has earned varying salaries throughout her career in entertainment:

  • $150,000 for her role in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008).
  • $500,000 for her work in “The Family That Preys” (2008), a milestone in her career.
  • During her tenure on “Empire” (2015-2020), she earned $175,000 per episode, totaling approximately $17.85 million across 102 episodes.

Throughout her career, Henson has been vocal about the disparities in Hollywood pay. Notably, she highlighted her negotiation struggles for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” initially offered $100,000 but eventually securing $150,000 after negotiations. Despite these figures, she revealed that after taxes and fees to her team, her net earnings were significantly reduced. In discussions with Gayle King, Henson expressed frustration with how Hollywood’s financial structure affects actors, emphasizing the challenges of navigating renegotiations despite her achievements in breaking barriers.

Tyler Perry notably paid Henson $500,000 for her role in “The Family That Preys,” marking a pivotal moment in her career trajectory.

Taraji P. Henson Early Life

Taraji Penda Henson was born on September 11th, 1970, in Washington, D.C. Growing up with two siblings, she shared a close bond with her grandmother, who played a pivotal role in her upbringing. Her name, Taraji, derived from Swahili, means “hope,” while Penda translates to “love.”

After graduating from high school in 1988, Henson initially pursued electrical engineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. However, her passion for acting led her to transfer to Howard University, where she focused on honing her craft. To support her education, she worked various jobs, including positions at the Pentagon and aboard a cruise ship. This diverse experience not only financed her tuition but also enriched her understanding of different environments and cultures.

Taraji P. Henson Career

Taraji P. Henson Career

Following her graduation from Howard University, Taraji P. Henson swiftly gained prominence in the entertainment industry. Her breakthrough came with the 2001 film “Baby Boy,” co-starring alongside Tyrese Gibson, which marked her entry into mainstream cinema. This role catapulted her career, setting the stage for subsequent successes.

In 2005, Henson delivered a memorable performance in “Hustle & Flow,” a role that garnered acclaim and set the tone for her versatile acting abilities. Her portrayal as the love interest in the film contributed to its recognition at various awards ceremonies.

The pinnacle of Henson’s early career arrived in 2008 when she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” That same year, she showcased her range in Tyler Perry’s “The Family That Preys” and continued to diversify her filmography with “I Can Do Bad All By Myself” (2009) and the 2010 remake of “The Karate Kid.”

Transitioning seamlessly between film and television, Henson earned an Emmy Award for her role in “Taken From Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story,” highlighting her adeptness in portraying emotionally resonant characters. Her television presence expanded with guest appearances on series like “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” and “House,” along with recurring roles in “The Division” and “Boston Legal.”

In 2015, Henson’s career reached new heights with her lead role in “Empire,” where she portrayed the dynamic character Cookie Lyon. This role not only solidified her status as a powerhouse actress but also earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in 2016. The success of “Empire” underscored Henson’s ability to captivate audiences and garnered widespread acclaim for her portrayal of complex characters.

Taraji P. Henson Personal Life

Taraji P. Henson is the mother of one son, Marcell, born in 1994. Sadly, his father, Henson’s high school sweetheart, passed away in 2003. In 2014, Marcell was involved in a legal incident where police discovered marijuana and Ritalin without a prescription in his vehicle. Initially, Henson raised concerns about racial profiling but later retracted her statements and apologized to the authorities involved.

In 2017, Henson publicly announced her adoption of a vegan diet as a precaution against stomach cancer. Her decision to embrace this lifestyle change followed earlier advocacy efforts, including posing for PETA in 2011 and again in 2013, although the latter sessions were non-nude.

Breaking Boundaries: Taraji P. Henson’s Influence on Entertainment

Breaking Boundaries: Taraji P. Henson's Influence on Entertainment

Taraji P. Henson has not only excelled as an actress but has also shattered numerous barriers in the entertainment industry. As a leading African American actress, she defied industry norms and earned acclaim for her diverse roles. Her portrayal in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” garnered her an Oscar nomination, showcasing her exceptional talent and versatility.

Empire’s Impact: How Taraji P. Henson’s Role Elevated Her Career

Taraji’s portrayal of Cookie Lyon in the television series “Empire” was transformative. It catapulted her to widespread fame and earned her a coveted Golden Globe Award. Her salary of $175,000 per episode significantly contributed to her financial success, solidifying her stature in Hollywood.

Beyond Cookie: Exploring Taraji P. Henson’s Diverse Acting Journey

Taraji’s career is a testament to her versatility, spanning from impactful roles in “Hustle & Flow” to the critically acclaimed “Hidden Figures.” Her performances have consistently garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades, underscoring her dedication to her craft.

Entrepreneurial Ventures: Taraji P. Henson’s Business Acumen and Investments

Beyond acting, Taraji has demonstrated savvy business acumen through investments in real estate. She owns properties in Los Angeles and Chicago, which have bolstered her financial portfolio alongside her acting endeavors.

Unveiling Her Wealth: Taraji P. Henson’s Estimated Net Worth

Taraji’s net worth is estimated between $25 million and $30 million, derived from various income streams including acting, investments, and book sales. Her financial success underscores her multifaceted approach to building wealth through diverse ventures.

Advocacy for Change: Taraji P. Henson’s Commitment to Mental Health

A passionate advocate for mental health awareness, Taraji founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation. This initiative aims to raise awareness about mental health issues, particularly within the African American community, reflecting her dedication to social change.

Real Estate Ventures: Inside Taraji P. Henson’s Property Holdings

Taraji’s real estate portfolio includes notable properties such as a residence in Glendale and a luxurious estate in Hollywood Hills. These investments not only showcase her luxurious lifestyle but also highlight her strategic investment decisions.

Recognized Excellence: Taraji P. Henson’s Award-Winning Performances

Taraji has received numerous prestigious awards, including a Golden Globe and multiple NAACP Image Awards, honoring her outstanding contributions to film and television. Her performances in “Empire,” “Hidden Figures,” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” continue to resonate with audiences and critics alike.

Real Estate

In May 2015, Taraji acquired a condo in Chicago for $1.5 million. She later sold this unit around 2018 for a price close to her original purchase amount. Additionally, she owns another condo in the same building, purchased in 2017 for $1.9 million.

In Los Angeles, Taraji owns two notable properties. Her first property, located in Glendale, was purchased in 2002 for $431,000. In 2016, she invested $6.45 million in a luxurious mansion situated in the Hollywood Hills, showcasing her affinity for prime real estate acquisitions.

Facts 


Net Worth: Taraji P. Henson’s estimated net worth ranges between $25 million and $30 million, accumulated through her successful career in acting, investments, and book sales.

Birthdate and Age: Born on September 11, 1970, Taraji P. Henson is currently 53 years old.

Birthplace: She was born in Washington, D.C., United States.

Profession: Taraji P. Henson is known primarily as an actress, although she has also ventured into singing.

Career Highlights: Her career began with notable roles in films such as “Streetwise” (1998), “Hustle & Flow” (2005), and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008), which earned her an Academy Award nomination.

Television Success: Taraji gained widespread recognition for her role as Cookie Lyon in the TV series “Empire” (2015-2020), for which she received a Golden Globe Award and multiple Emmy nominations.

Philanthropy: She founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, particularly among African Americans.

Real Estate Investments: Taraji owns properties including a condo in Chicago purchased for $1.5 million in 2015 (sold in 2018), another condo in the same building bought for $1.9 million in 2017, a home in Glendale acquired in 2002 for $431,000, and a mansion in the Hollywood Hills purchased for $6.45 million in 2016.

Personal Life: Taraji P. Henson is the mother of one son, Marcell, born in 1994. She has been an advocate for veganism and has spoken openly about challenges in Hollywood regarding pay disparities and racial profiling.

FAQs on Taraji P. Henson

1. What is Taraji P. Henson’s net worth?

Taraji P. Henson’s net worth is estimated between $25 million and $30 million, derived from her successful acting career, investments, and other business ventures.

2. What are Taraji P. Henson’s most notable roles?

She is renowned for her roles in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “Hidden Figures,” and as Cookie Lyon in “Empire,” which earned her critical acclaim and awards.

3. How did Taraji P. Henson start her career?

After studying at Howard University, Taraji’s breakthrough came with the film “Baby Boy” (2001), followed by significant roles in both film and television.

4. What philanthropic work is Taraji P. Henson involved in?

Taraji is actively involved in mental health advocacy through the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, focusing on African American communities.

5. What are Taraji P. Henson’s notable investments?

She owns properties in Chicago and Los Angeles, including a mansion in the Hollywood Hills, demonstrating her business acumen outside of acting.

Summary

Taraji P. Henson, born on September 11, 1970, in Washington, D.C., has established herself as a prominent figure in Hollywood with a net worth estimated between $25 million and $30 million. Initially studying electrical engineering before transitioning to acting at Howard University, Henson’s career soared with standout roles in films such as “Hustle & Flow” (2005) and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008), the latter earning her an Academy Award nomination. Her portrayal of Cookie Lyon in “Empire” (2015-2020) garnered her a Golden Globe Award and multiple Emmy nominations, solidifying her status as a versatile and celebrated actress. Beyond her acting prowess, Henson is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, founding the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation.

Her investments in real estate, including properties in Chicago and a luxurious mansion in the Hollywood Hills, underscore her business acumen and diversified approach to building wealth. Taraji P. Henson’s journey is marked by both professional achievement and a commitment to social causes, making her a respected figure in entertainment and beyond.

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