Taraji P. Henson has made headlines for her remarkable career and personal life, including her relationships. While unmarried, she was previously engaged to former NFL player Kelvin Hayden. Unfortunately, the couple called off their engagement in 2020.
Taraji P. Henson is a talented actress known for her roles in movies and TV shows like Hidden Figures and Empire. While many people are familiar with her work, her personal life, including her relationship status, has also garnered attention. In this article, we’ll dive into Taraji’s life, accomplishments, and relationship history, focusing on her engagement with Kelvin Hayden and her current relationship status.
Henson’s journey from a single mother to an Oscar-nominated actress is inspiring. Born September 11, 1970, she rose to fame through sheer hard work and determination. Though she has enjoyed much success in her professional life, her personal life has seen its ups and downs, including her highly publicized engagement with Kelvin Hayden, which ultimately didn’t lead to marriage.
Taraji has always been open about her struggles and triumphs, making her a role model for many. Her relationships are no different, and she has candidly shared her experiences with love, heartbreak, and self-growth.
Quick Bio
Category | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Taraji Penda Henson |
Date of Birth | September 11, 1970 |
Age | 54 years old (as of 2024) |
Birthplace | Washington, D.C., United States |
Nationality | American |
Profession | Actress, Singer, Author |
Famous Roles | Cookie Lyon in Empire, Katherine Johnson in Hidden Figures |
Parents | Boris Henson (Father), Bernice Gordon (Mother) |
Siblings | Not much information available about siblings |
Children | Marcell Johnson (son) |
Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
Weight | 136 lbs (62 kg) |
Body Measurements | 38-28-37 inches (96-71-94 cm) |
Hair Color | Dark Brown |
Eye Color | Brown |
Body Type | Curvy/Athletic |
Education | Howard University (Bachelor of Fine Arts) |
Career Beginnings | Started in theater and minor TV roles before breakthrough in Baby Boy (2001) |
Major Career Highlights | Roles in Empire, Hidden Figures, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button |
Net Worth | Estimated $25 million (as of 2024) |
Monthly Income | Estimated $300,000 |
Annual Income | Estimated $3.6 million |
Awards | Golden Globe Award (Empire), Academy Award nomination (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Primetime Emmy nominations |
Relationship Status | Previously engaged to Kelvin Hayden (split in 2020) |
Hobbies | Cooking, Singing, Reading |
Social Media | Instagram: @tarajiphenson |
Who Is Taraji P. Henson?
Taraji Penda Henson is a famous American actress and singer. Born in Washington, D.C., she was raised in a hardworking family, which instilled in her the value of perseverance. Her big break came with the movie Baby Boy in 2001, but she had been acting long before.
One of the most notable roles in her career was playing Cookie Lyon in the T.V. series Empire. People loved her fierce and passionate character, making her a household name. Taraji has starred in critically acclaimed films like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Hidden Figures.
In addition to her acting, Taraji has become an advocate for mental health awareness and often speaks out about her battles with anxiety and depression. Her activism has made her an important figure on and off the screen.
Taraji P. Henson’s Age
Taraji P. Henson was born on September 11, 1970, and is 54 years old as of 2024. Despite her age, she remains vibrant and continues to act in movies and T.V. shows, proving that age is just a number for talent.
Taraji has often spoken about how her age has never defined her career. She landed some of her biggest roles well into her 40s, defying Hollywood’s preference for younger actresses. She often talks about how women should embrace their age and not feel limited. Her radiant energy and passion for her work make her seem much younger, showing that confidence and self-love are key to staying youthful.
Taraji P. Henson’s Early Life and Family
Taraji was born to Bernice Gordon, a corporate manager, and Boris Lawrence Henson, a janitor and metal fabricator. She grew up in a loving but challenging environment. Her parents separated when she was young, and her mother raised her primarily. Her family remained close-knit despite their struggles, and her parents supported her dreams.
Taraji is very close to her two younger siblings, Shawn and April. They all grew up in Washington, D.C., where Taraji attended Oxon Hill High School. Growing up in a tough neighborhood, she learned to be strong and independent early on. Her father, who passed away in 2006, greatly influenced her life, encouraging her to chase her dreams. She has often spoken about how her father taught her resilience, which helped her throughout her career.
Family has always been important to Taraji, and she remains close to her siblings and her son, Marcel Johnson, whom she raised as a single mother after his father’s tragic death.
Taraji P. Henson’s Education
Despite financial challenges, Taraji was determined to get an education. She first attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, where she studied electrical engineering. However, she later transferred to Howard University to pursue her passion—acting. Below is a table summarizing her education:
School | Degree | Year |
Oxon Hill High School | High School Diploma | 1988 |
North Carolina A&T State University | Electrical Engineering | Attended one year |
Howard University | BFA in Drama | 1995 |
Taraji juggled multiple jobs to pay for her education, including working as a secretary and a waitress. Despite these challenges, she excelled in her studies and graduated with honors from Howard University.
Taraji P. Henson’s Amazing Career
Taraji’s career has spanned over two decades and starred in film and television. Here’s a table of her career highlights:
Year | Movie/Show | Role |
2001 | Baby Boy | Yvette |
2005 | Hustle & Flow | Shug |
2008 | The Curious Case of Benjamin Button | Queenie |
2015-2020 | Empire | Cookie Lyon |
2016 | Hidden Figures | Katherine Johnson |
Throughout her career, Taraji has taken on roles that challenge stereotypes and portray strong, multidimensional characters. Her role as Cookie Lyon on Empire is one of her most iconic performances, earning her multiple awards and nominations.
Awards and Achievements
Taraji has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career. Some of her most notable accolades include:
- Academy Award Nomination for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
- Golden Globe Award for Empire (2016)
- Critics’ Choice Award for Hidden Figures (2017)
In addition to her acting awards, Taraji has been honored for her activism and advocacy for mental health. Her contributions to the entertainment industry and society have solidified her status as an influential figure.
Taraji P. Henson’s Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
Taraji P. Henson is known for her stunning beauty and vibrant personality. Here is a table summarizing her physical attributes:
Attribute | Measurement |
Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
Weight | 132 pounds (60 kg) |
Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Hair Color | Black |
Despite her busy career, Taraji takes great care of her health, staying active and following a balanced diet. She’s often seen on the red carpet looking glamorous and confident.
Taraji P. Henson’s Boyfriend and Relationship Status
Taraji was previously engaged to Kelvin Hayden, a former NFL player. The couple engaged in 2018, and fans were excited about their upcoming wedding. However, in 2020, Taraji announced they had called off the engagement. She explained that they had grown apart but remained on good terms.
While Taraji is currently single, she has always been open about her experiences with love and relationships. She believes in the importance of self-love and taking time to heal after heartbreak. Despite the ups and downs in her personal life, Taraji continues to focus on her career and personal growth.
Taraji P. Henson’s Net Worth
Taraji P. Henson has built a successful career, earning her a considerable net worth. Below is a table showing her estimated net worth over the past six years:
Year | Net Worth | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
2019 | $16 million | $1.3 million | $15.6 million |
2020 | $18 million | $1.5 million | $18 million |
2021 | $20 million | $1.7 million | $20.4 million |
2022 | $22 million | $1.8 million | $21.6 million |
2023 | $25 million | $2 million | $24 million |
2024 | $27 million | $2.2 million | $26.4 million |
With multiple acting projects, endorsements, and a bestselling memoir, Taraji’s financial success reflects her hard work and dedication to her craft.
Taraji P. Henson’s Fun Facts
- Taraji’s first name means “hope” in Swahili.
- She worked as a singer in her younger days and even performed a song for the movie Hustle & Flow.
- Taraji advocated for mental health awareness and founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in honor of her father.
- She once worked as a cruise ship performer before landing her big acting break.
- Taraji loves dogs and often shares pictures of her pets on social media.
Taraji P. Henson’s Hobbies
Outside of acting, Taraji enjoys a variety of hobbies. She loves dancing, often posting videos of herself dancing on social media. She also enjoys cooking, especially soul food dishes that remind her of her childhood. Taraji enjoys traveling and often travels to tropical destinations to relax and recharge. Additionally, she’s a passionate advocate for fitness, regularly sharing her workout routines with fans.
Taraji P. Henson’s Favorite Events
- The Academy Awards – Taraji has attended the Oscars numerous times, often making a statement with her elegant fashion choices.
- Golden Globe Awards – Winning a Golden Globe for her role in Empire was one of her most memorable moments.
- BET Awards – Taraji has been recognized several times at the BET Awards for her contributions to film and television.
- Film Premieres – Taraji loves attending film premieres and supporting her fellow actors.
Taraji P. Henson’s Impact on Social Media
Taraji has a massive following on social media, where she shares personal and professional moments. She uses her platform to advocate for mental health, women’s rights, and other social issues. Her fans admire her transparency and authenticity, making her a beloved figure online.
Social Media Profile
Platform | Handle | Followers |
@tarajiphenson | 20 million | |
Wiki | @TherealTaraji | N/A |
IMDb | Taraji P. Henson Official | 9 million |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Taraji P. Henson married?
- No, Taraji was previously engaged but is currently single.
- How old is Taraji P. Henson?
- She is 54 years old as of 2024.
- What is Taraji P. Henson’s net worth?
- As of 2024, her net worth is estimated at $27 million.
- Did Taraji P. Henson win an Oscar?
- No, but she was nominated for her role in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
- What is Taraji P. Henson’s most famous role?
- Her role as Cookie Lyon in Empire.
- Does Taraji have children?
- Yes, she has a son named Marcel Johnson.
- What does Taraji P. Henson advocate for?
- She advocates for mental health awareness.
- Where did Taraji go to college?
- She graduated from Howard University with a degree in Drama.
- What foundation did Taraji start?
- The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation for mental health awareness.
- What is Taraji’s latest project?
- Taraji is continuing to work on new acting roles and her advocacy work.
Conclusion
Taraji P. Henson’s life is a story of resilience, talent, and growth. From her humble beginnings to becoming one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses, she has inspired millions with her strength and determination. Though her engagement to Kelvin Hayden did not result in marriage, her focus on self-love and her powerful career continues to thrive. Taraji’s influence stretches beyond the screen as she uses her platform to impact society positively. Whether through her advocacy for mental health or her unforgettable performances, Taraji P. Henson remains a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment world and beyond.
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