logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Taraji P Henson Worked as a Secretary and Cruise-Ship Entertainer — inside Her Life before Fame

Bettina Dizon
Dec 07, 2020
04:00 A.M.

Taraji P Henson dreamed of becoming an actress before she became an award-winning Hollywood star. Here’s a look at her life and career.

Advertisement

Before becoming the leading star on “Empire,” Taraji P. Henson was but a daughter of a middle-class couple who experienced triumphs and failures in jumpstarting her acting career.

During her teenage years, she was rejected from a performing arts high school and instead received an education from Oxon Hill High School, graduating in 1988.

Taraji P. Henson during the 13th Annual Hollywood Awards Gala held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 26, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Taraji P. Henson during the 13th Annual Hollywood Awards Gala held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 26, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

DREAMING OF HOLLYWOOD

In a post she penned on Instagram, Henson shared about her experience watching many television shows to “escape” life “in the hood.” She wrote:

“Variety comedy style shows were always my safe haven!!! I always dreamed of being on the Carol Burnette Show or a shot like that. Never was cast on one SO I CREATED MY OWN!”

Advertisement

The “Empire” star got one step closer to her dream when she studied theater at Howard University after transferring from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, where she took up electrical engineering.

Advertisement

HENSON’S WORK

While at the university, the actress worked as a secretary at the Pentagon and as a cruise-ship entertainer. Despite her busy schedule, Henson was able to further her talents at the cruise and school.

After realizing that her product may answer many hair questions, she decided to monetize the invention.

Henson became pregnant in her junior year of college but continued to perform theater, even asking her professors to treat her the same. After graduating, she moved to Los Angeles with her son to become an actress.

Taraji P. Henson at the 89th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2017 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Taraji P. Henson at the 89th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2017 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

BECOMING A STAR

While working at an office, she landed her first on-screen role in the show “Smart Guy,” followed by a stint on “Sister, Sister.” In 2001, Henson was cast for her first movie role in “Baby Boy.”

Advertisement

The following years saw many roles for the actress, including in “Hustle and Flow.” In 2008, she gained recognition for her work in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award and an Academy Award.

Seven years later, Henson landed her most challenging role to date, but also made her a Hollywood star -- her character Cookie Lyon in the series “Empire.”

Advertisement

LAUNCHING A HAIRLINE

Apart from being an actress, Henson is also an entrepreneur who turned her passion for hair and hair products into a business. She began by creating solutions for scalp problems and testing them on herself and her friends.

After realizing that her product may answer many hair questions, she decided to monetize the invention. Although it took over a decade to start, Henson recently launched her hair care line.

Henson’s products have been tested on several hair types and garnered good results that would be loved by the market. The actress’ new venture only gives more reason for fans to admire and be inspired by her.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Fans Say Suri Cruise Looks Like 'Female Version Of Tom Cruise' At 17 — How She Changed Throughout the Years

December 07, 2023

Roberta Raffel Married Her 'Best Friend' Marcus Lemonis in 2018

November 24, 2023

Susan Sarandon’s Youngest Son Is Now in His 30s, Taller than Her & Has Cut His Long Hair

November 22, 2023

This Girl Dreamt to Gain a Star on the Walk of Fame – At 52, She Gets Standing Ovation at the Emmys While Battling MS

January 17, 2024

7 Celebrities in Swimsuit That Caused a Strong Reaction among Users – Photos

February 20, 2024

7 Celebrities in Swimsuit That Caused a Strong Reaction among Users – Photos

February 19, 2024

Denzel Washington Marveled at the ‘Miracle’ of Raising His Now 32-Year-Old Twins Who Followed in His Footsteps

December 02, 2023

Sarah Jessica Parker Was Criticized for Gray Hair — She's Forced to Defend Herself Time and Again

December 06, 2023

Katie Holmes, 44, Amazes in Photo Shoot Snaps Where She Fashions Bangs and a Nose Ring: 'Wow, So Beautiful'

November 09, 2023

Users Notice Demi Moore, 60, Is Looking 'Less and Less like Herself' as She Dazzles in Strapless Silver Dress

November 09, 2023

Jennifer Aniston, 55, Wears Short Tube Dress at Award Ceremony, Dividing Fans over Her 'Modest' Look

February 22, 2024

Lawrencia Palmer Is Keke Palmer’s Younger Sister with a Twin Brother

December 20, 2023

Diane Ladd's Spouse Robert Charles Hunter Is Her 3rd Although She Only Had Kids with Her 1st Husband

December 05, 2023

Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt’s Daughter Shiloh, 17, Divided Fans with Her Looks in Photos — Her Transformation

November 07, 2023