Taraji P. Henson: “It’s supposed to be over for me at 46, but here I am.”

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson On Longevity, Humble Beginnings & Equal Pay

From her humble beginnings in Washington D.C., Taraji P. Henson has illustrated what it means to have a dream and a purpose.  Henson, 46, has been dominating Hollywood for the last 20 years and time after time has shown audiences that she demands their attention, but she is versatile, as well.

From her breakout role in “Baby Boy”, to her troubling-yet memorable role in “Hustle & Flow”, to her breakout TV role in Empire; Henson has proved that she is the real deal and doesn’t plan on stopping. In a recent interview, Henson shed some light on growing up in D.C., being a single mother and what it means to be a “late bloomer.” Peep the excerpts below.

On growing up in D.C.: 

 Honey, I’m from the hood. Crack. Murders. Whole neighborhoods going under in a flash.

On having dreams and aspirations: 

This is the life I always saw for myself. You have to see yourself inside the dream, you know? Why you gonna do something to fail? No, baby, that ain’t me! I always wanted to be one of the big dogs.

On being a single mother:

People thought I was crazy, but being a mom early enhanced my talent. It opened up a side of me that I didn’t know I had, that sense of duty and protection, and it kept me grounded in Hollywood.

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