Taraji P. Henson Says ‘Baby Boy’ Role Reflected Her Real-Life Relationship w/ Her Son’s Late Father: ‘That Young, Toxic Hood Love’

Taraji P. Henson Says ‘Baby Boy’ Role Reflected Her Real-Life Relationship w/ Her Son’s Late Father: ‘That Young, Toxic Hood Love’

Taraji P. Henson recently opened up about how closely her role in the classic film Baby Boy mirrored her real life.

In a conversation on writer-director Lena Waithe’s Legacy Talk podcast, Taraji recalled going off-script with co-star Tyrese Gibson during one of their now-infamous fight scenes, an impromptu performance that reportedly drew applause on set.

Taraji explained that she connected deeply with the material, as it closely resembled her own experience with her late ex-boyfriend, the father of her son.

 

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She stated: “There were times when I read that script where I got goosebumps and I had to put it down because it was literally the blueprint to my baby’s father and I’s relationship.”

Adding: “That young love, that young toxic hood love. I mean, verbatim.”

The Oscar-nominated actress went on to speak about the eerie parallels between the film and her life, pointing out how the death of her ex, William LaMarr “Mark” Johnson, mirrored a Baby Boy scene where her character Yvette has a nightmare about Jody (Tyrese) dying.

Speaking on William, who was fatally stabbed in 2003 at age 34, Taraji revealed: “I remember when my son’s father was murdered… I called John [Singleton], and I said, ‘The dream came true.’”

She continued: “When anyone asks, ‘What’s the closest role to you?’ That probably was it.”

Do you have a personal connection to a fictional role?