‘It Was Making Me Bitter’: Taraji P. Henson Opens Up About Needing To Take A Break From Work And Makes A Powerful Statement About Her Status In Hollywood

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It’s indisputable that Taraji P. Henson consistently delivers powerful performances in the roles she takes on. From her iconic debut in “Hustle & Flow” to her Emmy-nominated role in “Abbott Elementary”, Henson commands the screen with intensity and vigor. Yet, her career has had its ups and downs. Lately, Henson has been candid about why she needed a break from acting, and she expressed passionate views regarding her position within the entertainment industry.

Henson, known for her prosperous Hollywood career with significant roles in films and television series, expressed disappointment during a Kering Women in Motion Talk at Cannes Film Festival (as reported by Variety) about the scarcity of leading roles, fair compensation, and award recognition given to actresses of color.

Recently, I found myself feeling quite disheartened, and this was starting to make me resentful – something I’m not usually prone to. When I reached that point, I decided it was time for a change. I realized I wasn’t benefiting myself, my audience, or the characters I portray. Thankfully, I followed through on that promise to myself. It’s a relief to say that I returned feeling rejuvenated and with a fresh outlook.

Stacy L. Smith, creator of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, backed up the Empire actress’s statements using data from her research. According to this data, while 54% of the top 100 films had female or young girl characters, only 13% showcased women of color and a mere 1% depicted a woman of color aged 45 and above. After experiencing disappointment with the entertainment industry, Taraji P. Henson opted to take a one-month break from acting and spend some time in Bali instead.

In the highly competitive world of entertainment, the pressure can intensify during award seasons. However, for Taraji P. Henson, her passion for acting isn’t driven by the desire for awards; instead, it stems from a genuine motivation that remains separate from the accolades.

Occasionally, people focus on accolades and recognition within this field, but that’s never been my motivation. Instead, I entered this world with the intention of transforming lives. The arts were my salvation. Growing up as a young Black girl in a troubled neighborhood in D.C., during the crack crisis, I was supposed to be just another statistic, not someone who would escape. But here I am.

It seems clear that the actress from Empire is deeply appreciative of her success against all odds in a challenging profession. Prior to her rise to stardom, she held various jobs such as working as an administrative assistant at the Pentagon and performing as a Tina Turner impersonator on a cruise liner.

Later on, as an actress, Henson started delivering exceptional performances that showcased the strength and depth of Black women through films like “Hidden Figures,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” and “The Color Purple.” Although she has been nominated for just one Oscar so far in her career, her influence extends well beyond mere awards.

A pivotal point in the career of the actress from “What Men Want” occurred when she was informed that Black-led projects don’t appeal internationally. However, this assumption was swiftly proven wrong when Taraji P. Henson conducted international press for “Empire” in Paris, causing audiences at the Q&A to explode with applause upon her appearance. This incident further validated why, at Cannes, Henson delivered a potent message to all the women present: her experience challenged the stereotype that Black-led projects lack global appeal and served as a powerful statement of empowerment for women everywhere.

I encourage each one of you to express yourself confidently. The fans I have today are the result of my dedication and the roles I’ve portrayed. When a studio contacts me, they do so knowing that these people will turn up in support. That’s my influence. You require me because you need my fanbase. Kudos to social media for helping me realize this. Ever since then, I’ve been unafraid to advocate for myself.

Taraji P. Henson’s message was incredibly heartfelt and I’m optimistic that it will strike a chord with people. Previously, she’s been open about the shortcomings of social media, particularly how people only share positive moments. However, it appears that she recognizes the potential impact she can make given her large fan base. Social media allows celebrities to express their thoughts freely and champion causes they care deeply about.

It appears that Henson’s temporary absence from Hollywood has proven fruitful for her, allowing her to come back with renewed focus. Her forceful message underscores the significance of standing up when it matters most, and I have high hopes that this will pave the way for greater representation in leading roles for people of color. In the near future, Henson can be seen in Tyler Perry’s 2025 Netflix production, “Straw“, set to premiere on June 6th.

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2025-05-21 19:07