Kaylah Walton
Taraji P. Henson is widely known in Hollywood, not just for her acting abilities but also for her advocacy for pay equality in the entertainment industry. Throughout her career spanning over 30 years, Henson has emerged as a prominent figure and one of the top earners in the business.
Henson embarked on her acting journey in 1992, starting as an extra in various productions. Her breakout role came in 1998’s film “Streetwise,” with a significant performance as Yvette in the movie “Baby Boy,” alongside Tyrese Gibson.
Over the years, Henson has garnered various accolades, notably winning the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a TV Series – Drama for her performance in “Empire” in 2015 and the SAG Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Hidden Figures.”
Despite not earning as much as male leads in Hollywood, Henson has amassed substantial wealth in her career. As of 2024, her net worth is estimated to be $12 million, as reported by sources like Celebrity Net Worth.
Earnings of Henson
While the details of contracts in the industry are usually kept under wraps, Henson has been open about some of the paychecks she has received for her work.
In interviews, she revealed that she was paid $150,000 for playing Queenie in the successful film “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” where stars like Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett earned millions.
Similarly, for her role as Cookie Lyon in “Empire,” she earned $175,000 per episode. Her highest single payout was $500,000 for her part in “The Family That Preys” in 2008 as Pam Evans.
Despite these seemingly large figures, Henson clarified that the actual amount she receives after deductions is significantly lower.
Advocacy Efforts by Taraji
Reflecting on her experiences post-“Benjamin Button,” Henson highlighted the financial implications, stating, “When you start making that kind of money, Uncle Sam takes 50 percent, so let’s do the math. So that leaves me with 75 [thousand], then I have to pay another thirty percent to my team who did all the work to get me that job. I don’t pay them 30 percent of the 75 [thousand], no, no, no, I pay them 30 percent of the 150 [thousand]. So what does that compute to?”
In an interview with Gayle King, Henson reiterated her struggles, expressing, “Every time I do something and break another glass ceiling, when it’s time to renegotiate, I’m at the bottom again, like I never did what I just did, and I’m tired.”
Her talent and dedication to bridge the pay gap in the entertainment sector have led to widespread admiration from the public and media. In 2016, Time recognized her as one of the 100 most influential people globally, acknowledging her relentless pursuit of equality.
