Taraji P. Henson, born Taraji Penda Henson on September 11, 1970, in Washington, D.C., is an American actress known for her powerful performances and strong female characters. She grew up in Southeast Washington, D.C., and later moved to Oxon Hill, Maryland, with her mother after her parents divorced.

Taraji P. Henson initially pursued a degree in electrical engineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University but switched to drama at Howard University, where she graduated in 1995.

Her career began with guest roles on television shows, but she gained recognition for her role as a prostitute in the film "Hustle & Flow" (2005), which earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination.

Her breakthrough came with her role as a single mother in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (2008), for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

She continued to build her career with roles in films like "Hidden Figures" (2016), where she portrayed mathematician Katherine Johnson, and "The Karate Kid" (2010).

In television, she is best known for her role as Cookie Lyon in the Fox drama series "Empire" (2015-2020), for which she won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama. She has also been nominated for several Emmy Awards for her work in television, including her roles in "Person of Interest" (2011-2013) and "Abbott Elementary" (2023).

Her personal life includes her son, Marcell Johnson, born in 1994, with her former partner, William Johnson. She is also known for her advocacy work, particularly in mental health awareness and destigmatizing menopause, through her Boris L. Henson Foundation, which she launched in 2018.

In 2019, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her contributions to the entertainment industry.

Her lifestyle reflects her commitment to self-care and wellness. She launched her own beauty and wellness brand, TPH by Taraji, which includes products for hair, skin, and body care.

She has transformed her home into a spa-like sanctuary, emphasizing the importance of aromatherapy and creating a relaxing environment.

Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe Award, multiple Emmy nominations, and a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination.