Taraji P. Henson is one of Hollywood’s most celebrated and versatile actresses, admired for her remarkable talent, charisma, and resilience. Born on September 11, 1970, she has captivated audiences for decades with her iconic performances in both film and television.
Whether it’s her breakout role in Baby Boy or her award-winning portrayal of Cookie Lyon in Empire, Henson has consistently demonstrated her ability to embody complex and powerful characters.
Her age is often a topic of discussion because she has not only maintained her beauty but also her vibrant energy throughout her career. At over 50, she continues to inspire fans worldwide, showing that age is no barrier to success, confidence, and self-expression. Many also recall her youthful performance in Baby Boy, making it hard to believe how gracefully she has matured over the years.
In addition to acting, Henson has made a significant impact as a producer, author, and mental health advocate. She often shares glimpses of her style—whether in red-carpet gowns or a stunning bathing suit—that highlight her confidence and commitment to self-care. Her life journey, from a determined college student to an Academy Award nominee, is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and passion for the craft.
In this article, we’ll explore her biography, early life, personal relationships, career milestones, luxurious lifestyle, hobbies, and prospects, while also providing detailed insights into her net worth and social media influence.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Taraji Penda Henson |
| Date of Birth | September 11, 1970 |
| Age (2025) | 54 years old |
| Birthplace | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Father | Boris Lawrence Henson (Janitor and Metal Fabricator) |
| Mother | Bernice Gordon (Corporate Manager) |
| Siblings | Two younger siblings |
| Education | Howard University (BFA in Drama) |
| Profession | Actress, Producer, Author |
| Years Active | 1992–present |
| Famous For | Roles in Empire, Hidden Figures, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button |
| Awards | Golden Globe Award, SAG Award, Critics’ Choice Award, multiple NAACP Image Awards |
| 2025 Net Worth | $30 million |
| Primary Income Sources | Acting, Producing, Book Sales, Brand Endorsements |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) |
| Weight | 132 lbs (60 kg) |
| Body Measurements | 38-28-37 inches (96-71-94 cm) |
| Body Type | Curvy |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown (often dyed in different styles) |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Past Relationships | Dated Lamar Odom, Common, and former fiancé Kelvin Hayden |
| Children | Marcell Johnson (son, born 1994) |
| Notable Works | Empire, Hidden Figures, Person of Interest, Acrimony, The Color Purple (2023 musical film) |
| Philanthropy | Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (Mental Health Awareness in the African-American community) |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
Who is Taraji P. Henson?
Taraji Penda Henson is an American actress, singer, and author, renowned for her ability to bring authenticity and emotional depth to her roles. Born in Washington, D.C., she developed a passion for performance at an early age. She initially studied electrical engineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Still, she later transferred to Howard University to pursue acting—a decision that shaped the rest of her life.
Henson’s breakthrough came in 2001 with the film Baby Boy, where her portrayal of Yvette earned her widespread acclaim. She followed this with a series of memorable performances, including Hustle & Flow (2005), which earned her a BET Award, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Her television career reached new heights with Empire (2015–2020), where her fierce and fashionable portrayal of Cookie Lyon became a cultural phenomenon. Beyond acting, Henson is a New York Times bestselling author with her memoir Around the Way Girl. She is also a dedicated advocate for mental health awareness, founding the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation to provide resources for underserved communities.
With numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and multiple Emmy nominations, Henson is not just an entertainer but also a role model. Her age, experience, and wisdom only enhance her appeal, making her a true icon in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Background
- Full Name: Taraji Penda Henson
- Date of Birth: September 11, 1970
- Place of Birth: Washington, D.C., USA
- Parents: Boris Lawrence Henson (father), Bernice Gordon (mother)
- Education:
- Attended Oxon Hill High School
- Initially enrolled at North Carolina A&T State University (studied electrical engineering)
- Transferred to Howard University to study drama
- Early Influences: Inspired by her grandmother and early exposure to theater
- Early Work: Worked as a secretary at the Pentagon and as a singing-dancing waitress on a cruise ship to support her studies.
Her upbringing was shaped by strong family values and a determination to succeed despite financial struggles. Henson’s father instilled in her a fearless spirit, which she carries into her professional life.
Personal Life and Relationships
- Marital Status: Unmarried
- Children: One son, Marcell Johnson (born in 1994)
- Notable Relationships: Has been linked to various partners over the years, though she is private about her dating life
- Parenting: Raised her son as a single mother while building her acting career
- Philanthropy: Founder of the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, named after her father, to support mental health initiatives
- Lifestyle Philosophy: Advocates self-love, mental wellness, and empowerment of women
Henson’s relationship with her son is central to her life. She often speaks about balancing motherhood and career, especially during her early days in Hollywood.
Career and Achievements
- Breakthrough Role: Baby Boy (2001) as Yvette
- Oscar Recognition: Nominated for Best Supporting Actress for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
- Television Success: Empire (2015–2020) – Golden Globe Award winner for Best Actress in a Television Series
- Other Notable Films:
- Hustle & Flow (2005)
- Hidden Figures (2016) – SAG Award winner
- Proud Mary (2018)
- Author: Published memoir Around the Way Girl (2016)
- Advocacy: Strong voice in promoting diversity and mental health awareness
- Awards: Multiple NAACP Image Awards, BET Awards, and critics’ honors
Her career is a blend of artistic excellence, resilience, and trailblazing achievements for African-American women in entertainment.
Net Worth Overview
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Notable Earnings Sources |
| 2020 | $20 million | Empire, film roles, endorsements |
| 2021 | $23 million | Film projects, book sales |
| 2022 | $25 million | Brand collaborations, TV hosting |
| 2023 | $27 million | Film roles, speaking engagements |
| 2024 | $28 million | Endorsements, business ventures |
| 2025 | $30 million | Continued acting, production deals |
Henson’s net worth reflects decades of consistent work in entertainment, alongside business ventures and endorsements. Her wealth is set to grow as she expands her brand beyond acting.
Major Sources of Income
- Film Roles – High-paying contracts for leading and supporting roles
- Television Shows – Major earnings from Empire and other appearances
- Book Sales – Income from her bestselling memoir
- Endorsements – Collaborations with beauty and lifestyle brands
- Production Projects – Behind-the-scenes work as a producer
- Public Speaking – Paid speaking engagements and events
- Voice Acting – Animated films and video games
Luxurious Lifestyle
- Real Estate: Owns a lavish home in Los Angeles with modern amenities
- Fashion: Known for glamorous red-carpet appearances and designer wardrobes
- Travel: Frequently vacations in exotic destinations
- Fitness: Maintains a toned body through personal training and healthy eating
- Cars: Drives luxury vehicles, including Mercedes-Benz and Range Rover
- Wellness: Invests in spa treatments and wellness retreats
Hobbies and Fun Facts
- Cooking: Loves preparing home-cooked meals for family and friends
- Fitness Enthusiast: Enjoys yoga, pilates, and dance workouts
- Animal Lover: Has a deep love for dogs
- Music Fan: Passionate about R&B and hip-hop music
- Fashion Icon: Known for bold and trendsetting looks
- Mental Health Advocate: Open about her therapy journey
- Fun Fact: Named after the Swahili words for “hope” and “love”
- Travel: Loves exploring new cultures and cuisines
- Gardening: Finds relaxation in tending to her plants
Future Prospects
- Film Projects: Expected to star in more major motion pictures
- Production Ventures: Expanding her role as a producer
- Philanthropy: Growing her mental health foundation
- Brand Expansion: Potential to launch beauty or lifestyle lines
- Global Advocacy: Continue influencing conversations on diversity and inclusion
Impact on Social Media
- Instagram: Millions of followers engage with her lifestyle, fashion, and advocacy post
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- TikTok: Showcases behind-the-scenes moments and personal fun
- Brand Influence: Strong pull for endorsements due to her authenticity
Social Media Profile
| Platform | Link |
| Wikipedia | Click here |
| Click here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How old is Taraji P. Henson in 2025?
She is 54 years old.
Q2: What was her age in Baby Boy?
She was 30 years old when Baby Boy was released in 2001.
Q3: Does Taraji P. Henson have children?
Yes, she has one son, Marcell Johnson.
Q4: Is Taraji P. Henson married?
No, she is currently unmarried.
Q5: What is her net worth in 2025?
Her net worth is estimated at $30 million.
Conclusion
Taraji P. Henson’s age is just a number compared to her enduring talent, influence, and beauty. From her early days as a single mother chasing her dreams to becoming one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses, she embodies resilience and success. Her journey inspires countless fans to pursue their passions fearlessly, regardless of age or obstacles.
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