Taraji P. Henson continues to discuss her Hollywood struggles as a Black actress very openly. In a new interview with The New York Times, the 53-year-old Oscar-nominated actress talks about her illustrious career and how she wants longevity and โwork that matters.โ
Suggested Reading
โThe fact that I made it through is a blessing because a lot has happened.โ Henson cited that a monthlong trip to Bali and her beauty brand TPH have helped her stay afloat. โI have a brand now, so I have other things to pay the bills,โ Henson stated.
โBecause the way Iโm getting paid in Hollywood, I sure wonโt be retiring off these sorry checks.โ Despite the immense success of her new film, โThe Color Purple,โ she admits that getting herself and the cast paid fairly was a difficult battle:
โIt hurts my feelings when itโs not reciprocated, but I know this world is cold and nobody really cares, and you got to go out and fight for what you want. What else do I need to do to prove my worth? Now that Iโm singing and dancing for you, and I climbed up on the table 88 times with my knobby knees and had to ice my knees in between takes, what else do I need to do?โ
She elaborated on how her fight for equality almost led to her turning down the movie. โBut Iโm really getting tired of fighting, Iโm tired of proving myself. It seems like every time I break a glass ceiling, when itโs time to renegotiate for another job, Iโm right back like I did nothing. I almost had to walk away from โColor Purple.โโ
Henson also shared that while on โEmpireโ she had to fight over trailers even though she was the biggest star on Fox at the time, to which she replied: โYou understand what I mean by โIโm tired of fighting?โโ She said that her approach to working ultimately changed after the pandemic.
โIf I didnโt have nothing else lined up, I was yelling, โWhereโs my next job?โ So once the pandemic came and you realize you have no control, I was like yeah, when the world opens back up, I donโt think I want to work like that anymore. I want to enjoy it,โ she recalled.
Henson remains adamant on not giving up just yetโeven though the deck remains stacked against Black women. โSerena Williams almost died in the hospital. Itโs like we canโt win for losing...Iโm tired of Black women having this conversation, and Iโll be glad when itโs a different conversation weโre having.โ
Straight From
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.