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Taraji P. Henson Had to Fight for WHAT on ‘Empire’?

The legendary 'The Color Purple' star opened up again about acting struggles in a vulnerable new interview.

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 β€œwork that matters.”

β€œThe fact that I made it through is a blessing because a lot has happened.” Henson cited that a monthlong trip to Bali and her beauty brand TPH have helped her stay afloat. β€œI have a brand now, so I have other things to pay the bills,” Henson stated.

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β€œBecause the way I’m getting paid in Hollywood, I sure won’t be retiring off these sorry checks.” Despite the immense success of her new film, β€œThe Color Purple,” she admits that getting herself and the cast paid fairly was a difficult battle:

β€œIt hurts my feelings when it’s 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 I’m 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?”

She elaborated on how her fight for equality almost led to her turning down the movie. β€œBut I’m really getting tired of fighting, I’m tired of proving myself. It seems like every time I break a glass ceiling, when it’s time to renegotiate for another job, I’m right back like I did nothing. I almost had to walk away from β€˜Color Purple.’”

Henson also shared that while on β€œEmpire” she had to fight over trailers even though she was the biggest star on Fox at the time, to which she replied: β€œYou understand what I mean by β€˜I’m tired of fighting?’” She said that her approach to working ultimately changed after the pandemic.

β€œIf I didn’t have nothing else lined up, I was yelling, β€˜Where’s my next job?’ So once the pandemic came and you realize you have no control, I was like yeah, when the world opens back up, I don’t think I want to work like that anymore. I want to enjoy it,” she recalled.

Henson remains adamant on not giving up just yetβ€”even though the deck remains stacked against Black women. β€œSerena Williams almost died in the hospital. It’s like we can’t win for losing...I’m tired of Black women having this conversation, and I’ll be glad when it’s a different conversation we’re having.”

Straight From The Root

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