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 βwork that matters.β
βThe fact that I made it through is a blessing because a lot has happened.β Henson cited that a monthlong trip to Bali and her beauty brand TPH have helped her stay afloat. βI have a brand now, so I have other things to pay the bills,β Henson stated.
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βBecause the way Iβm getting paid in Hollywood, I sure wonβt be retiring off these sorry checks.β Despite the immense success of her new film, βThe Color Purple,β she admits that getting herself and the cast paid fairly was a difficult battle:
βIt hurts my feelings when itβs 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 Iβm 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?β
She elaborated on how her fight for equality almost led to her turning down the movie. βBut Iβm really getting tired of fighting, Iβm tired of proving myself. It seems like every time I break a glass ceiling, when itβs time to renegotiate for another job, Iβm right back like I did nothing. I almost had to walk away from βColor Purple.ββ
Henson also shared that while on βEmpireβ she had to fight over trailers even though she was the biggest star on Fox at the time, to which she replied: βYou understand what I mean by βIβm tired of fighting?ββ She said that her approach to working ultimately changed after the pandemic.
βIf I didnβt have nothing else lined up, I was yelling, βWhereβs my next job?β So once the pandemic came and you realize you have no control, I was like yeah, when the world opens back up, I donβt think I want to work like that anymore. I want to enjoy it,β she recalled.
Henson remains adamant on not giving up just yetβeven though the deck remains stacked against Black women. βSerena Williams almost died in the hospital. Itβs like we canβt win for losing...Iβm tired of Black women having this conversation, and Iβll be glad when itβs a different conversation weβre having.β
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