Have you ever thought about Taraji P. Henson’s worth? Or how she made her fortune? Well, Taraji P. Henson, a celebrated American actress, has a net worth of $12 million. She was born on September 11th, 1970, in Washington, D.C. Henson has earned her wealth from acting and singing.
Her career highlights include playing Cookie Lyon on “Empire.” This role earned her $175,000 per episode. She’s also known for her roles in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and “Hidden Figures”. Henson has spoken up about the gender pay gap in Hollywood.
Her journey to financial success includes wise salary choices and business ventures.
Key Takeaways
- Taraji P. Henson’s net worth stands at $12 million.
- She earned $175,000 per episode for her role in “Empire.”
- Henson highlighted the impact of taxes and agent fees on her income.
- She received her first $500,000 paycheck from Tyler Perry.
- Her financial growth includes significant real estate investments in Chicago and Los Angeles.
- Taraji is recognized for her standout roles in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and “Hidden Figures.”
- She advocates for mental health awareness through the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation.
Early Life and Education
Taraji Penda Henson’s path to stardom began way before she captured our hearts on screen. She was born on September 11, 1970, in Washington, D.C. In a household full of love, she grew close to her grandmother. Her name, Taraji meaning “hope” and Penda meaning “love” in Swahili, hinted at her destined success.
Childhood in Washington, D.C.
In the heart of the nation’s capital, Henson spent her childhood. Surrounded by her family’s support, she started chasing her dreams early. She balanced home responsibilities with her growing love for the arts.
Educational Background
After finishing high school in 1988, Taraji aimed for a degree in electrical engineering. She chose North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University for this. But acting called to her, leading to a transfer to Howard University. There, she plunged into drama and acting studies.
Path to Acting
While studying, Taraji worked multiple jobs, including at the Pentagon and on a cruise ship. Her hard work was for her education. This hard work paid off when she got her SAG card for background roles early on. These steps, driven by her persistence, paved the way for Taraji P. Henson’s successful acting career. This success greatly increased her assets, income, and wealth.
Acting Career Breakthroughs
Taraji P. Henson’s acting career took a big leap with “Baby Boy” in 2001. This role put her in the limelight and started her amazing journey in Hollywood.
First Major Roles
After “Baby Boy,” Henson impressed everyone with various roles. In 2005, she starred in “Hustle & Flow” as Shug. This role won her a lot of praise and opened more doors for her, building a strong Taraji P. Henson’s acting career.
Critical Acclaim and Awards
Her career soared when she got an Oscar nomination for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” She also won a Golden Globe and several NAACP Image Awards. These awards celebrated her talent and hard work, boosting the Taraji P. Henson fortune.
Box Office Hits
Blockbusters played a huge part in Henson’s career. Her role in “Hidden Figures” made the movie a big hit, earning over $235.9 million. Also, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” made $335.8 million worldwide. These hits greatly increased Taraji P. Henson’s fortune and made her a leading lady in Hollywood.
Iconic Roles in Television and Film
Throughout my career, I’ve had roles that have won hearts and awards. Each role has been a key moment, showing my range and depth. I bring my best to every character I play.
Empire and Cookie Lyon
Playing Cookie Lyon in Empire was a major win for me. Her strength, loyalty, and soft side won over many fans. This role boosted my net worth, with me making $175,000 each episode. It wasn’t just about the money. My work as Cookie won me a Golden Globe in 2016. It’s a big part of my career story.
Hidden Figures and Katherine Johnson
Hidden Figures was an honor to be part of. The film showed the story of three black women mathematicians at NASA. My role helped the movie make $169.6 million worldwide. It also won us a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2017. Playing Katherine Johnson showed the impact of black women in science. This role stands out in my career.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
In The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, I played Queenie. This role was both a challenge and a joy. Initially, I was to be paid $150,000, but only kept $40,000. Yet, the role and the film’s success, with $127.5 million earned, made it worth it. I won an NAACP Image Award and got an Oscar nomination in 2009. It was a peak moment for me.
Such roles have solidified my status in Hollywood. They’ve also been great for my bank account, with my movies making over $3.55 billion globally. From Cookie’s boldness in Empire, to Katherine’s genius in Hidden Figures, to Queenie’s heartfelt story in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, my roles keep touching hearts and minds. They show the effort and love I put into my acting.
Business Ventures and Endorsements
Taraji P. Henson has diversified her wealth with many business ventures and endorsements. Beyond her acting, she’s earned big, like $175,000 per “Empire” episode. She’s wisely broadened her income sources beyond just acting roles.
Her drive is clear with TPH by Taraji Hair Care. The line focuses on healthy scalp care first. It shows her love for beauty and self-care, reaching many people. She also teamed up with M·A·C Cosmetics for a special collection. Then, she became the face of their VIVA GLAM campaign, proving her beauty industry clout.
Her writing talent is evident in her bestselling autobiography, “Around the Way Girl.” This book not only showcases her skills but gives fans a deeper look into her life.
Talking about Taraji P. Henson’s worth includes her endorsements. Her partnership with Tyler Perry for “The Family That Preys” was a big deal. It was her first $500,000 paycheck, highlighting her capacity for high-earning deals.
Taraji is also dedicated to mental health advocacy with her foundation. The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation aims to help mental health in Black and LatinX communities. Her work shows her commitment to positive change outside of entertainment.
Her hosting gigs on “Live with Kelly and Michael” and the American Music Awards show her range. Taraji P. Henson’s endorsements highlight her versatility and appeal. These ventures and endorsements are key to her success, making her an industry leader.
Real Estate and Personal Investments
Taraji P. Henson’s wealth is majorly boosted by her real estate ventures. Apart from her acting, she has smartly expanded her income sources. This move proves her to be a smart investor.
Hollywood Hills Mansion
In 2016, she bought a breath-taking mansion in the Hollywood Hills for $6.45 million. This property is a big part of her success and net worth. It has grown in value, showing her smart investment choice.
Chicago Properties
Taraji’s smart moves are not just in Los Angeles. She also invested in Chicago. In 2015, she bought a condo for $1.5 million. She sold it for a profit later and bought another for $1.9 million in 2017. These decisions display her sharp eye for good real estate investments.
Investment Strategy
Her strategy includes buying properties in top locations. Since 2002, she owns a $431,000 property in Glendale. Her focus is on long-term growth, not just glamour. This method ensures her wealth grows steadily over time. Her smart planning proves her financial wisdom.
Taraji P. Henson has made real estate a key part of her financial plan. She continues to grow her wealth. Her strategy shows she’s a strong player in Hollywood and investment circles.