Who is Taraji P. Henson?

Taraji P. Henson is an American actress, producer, and author who is best known for her roles in various films and television shows. However, before she rose to fame, Henson started out as a commercial actor, landing her first national commercial for Pepsi in 1996.

Henson's success in commercials paved the way for her career in Hollywood. She made her feature film debut in 2001's "Baby Boy," directed by John Singleton. Henson's breakout role came in 2005's "Hustle and Flow," where she played the character of Shug. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

In addition to her film work, Henson has also been a successful television actress. She played the role of Detective Joss Carter on the CBS drama "Person of Interest" for three seasons. However, her most notable role is that of Cookie Lyon on the Fox drama "Empire," which premiered in 2015. Henson's portrayal of Cookie has earned her critical acclaim, including three Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

Throughout her career, Henson has also been recognized for her humanitarian work. She founded a charitable organization called the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in honor of her father, which aims to destigmatize mental health issues in the African American community.

In conclusion, Taraji P. Henson's success as a commercial actor was only the beginning of her journey to becoming a highly successful actress and humanitarian. Her talent and dedication have made her an icon in Hollywood and an inspiration to many.