Taraji P. Henson Says She Was ‘Gutted’ As She Reveals She Made $40K For ‘The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button’ Role, Co-Stars Reportedly Made Millions

February 23, 2021 by C.J. in Film with 0 Comments

Taraji P. Henson Says She Was ‘Gutted’ As She Reveals She Made $40K For ‘The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button’ Role, Co-Stars Reportedly Made Millions

Taraji P. Henson’s role in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was a vital one, but the actress has now revealed just how much she made from the film.

While the 2008 movie grossed $335.8 million against its $167 million budget, the Empire star said she only made $40,000 after paying her taxes and team. Stars Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett reportedly brought home well into the millions.

Taraji P. Henson said while on Ladies First with Laura Brown that she used most of the money to pay her son’s tuition.

“I felt like what I was asking, at that time of my career, was fair to the ticket sales that I would contribute to this big film. [The studio] wouldn’t do it… and then I was gutted.”

She explained that she later discovered her worth, but still has to fight the strong, black woman stereotype.

“I understand why we took that on, Black women being the bottom of the totem pole, never being seen. I understand, but it’s when others go, ‘Yes, strong Black woman!’ and then it dismisses us … Then if my child or somebody I know is gunned down in the streets, I’m supposed to be strong through that? I’m not allowed to be angry? I’m not allowed to be pissed off? I can’t say [anything back] because you’ve taken everything from me. I’m not allowed to feel that? I’m just supposed to be strong?”

Taraji P. Henson

She also shared her thoughts on the Black Girl Magic movement and said,

“I’m not a fairy. I get it. It’s sweet, but baby, I’m not a fairy. I don’t have magic dust.”

While on the podcast, she opened up about her mental health and said,

“I have a therapist, so she gives me exercises and things that I can do, and then there’s some days when I just be like, I want to be dark, I don’t give a s—. I’mma stay on a sofa. I’mma drink my wine, and I’mma eat my Cheetos.”

She continued,

“I know that it’s energy that I’m just letting run through me, because I know that’s not going to be me tomorrow. I just have to be honest with myself. Very honest. ‘How do you feel today? Don’t force yourself to do something if you don’t feel like it.'”