Taraji P. Henson’s net worth is no surprise, as her name alone connotes brilliance, perseverance and success. Her transformation from an ambitious young actress to a Hollywood powerhouse is an inspiration, and her wealth is a testament to the hard work and cunning that have fueled her success.
Taraji P. Henson’s net worth ranges from an impressive $25 million to $30 million, though the actual amount can vary significantly depending on the source. Let’s explore Henson’s business endeavors, money management philosophy, and acting earnings to examine the major drivers of her financial success.
Who Is Taraji P. Henson?
Henson’s journey from poverty to wealth started with a never-ending hustle. Her breakthrough performance in John Singleton’s Baby Boy was made possible by her early parts on television shows such as Sister, Sister and Smart Guy. Even while her early pay may not have been enormous, they gave her a solid career start and made her a growing star.
Her salary increased along with her level of fame. She received praise from critics and fame in the industry for her leading roles in movies including Hustle & Flow, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and Think Like a Man. Notably, Taraji P. Henson’s net worth also grew from the alleged compensation in the high six figures per episode for her portrayal as Cookie Lyon in the popular series Empire, which became a global phenomenon. This solidified her reputation as one of Hollywood’s elite actors and a formidable negotiator.
Henson’s Upbringing
On September 11, 1970, Taraji Penda Henson was born in Washington, D.C. She grew up with two siblings and had a close bond with her grandmother in particular. In Swahili, Penda means “love” and Taraji means “hope.” After completing her secondary education in 1988, Henson enrolled at Agricultural and Technical State University in Northern Carolina where she pursued a degree in electrical engineering. But soon after, she had a change of heart and moved to Howard University in Maryland to study acting. She worked several jobs, including one at the Pentagon and on a cruise ship, to pay for her tuition.
Henson Speaks on Pay Inequality
Throughout her career, Henson has been outspoken about the pay gap in Hollywood. One of the most prominent instances took place before the 2008 film “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” With a salary between $5 and $10 million, Henson was listed as the third-billed member of the cast, following Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett.
At first, Henson received an offer of $100,000 for the role. She rejected the studio’s first offer in an attempt to obtain $500,000. Ultimately, the studio decided on a sum of $15,000. Henson would subsequently disclose that she only received $40,000 for her labor on the film, with 50% going toward taxes and a sizable portion going to her management and agents.
According to Henson, Tyler Perry was the first to give her the $500,000 she was paid for the 2008 film The Family That Preys. Henson received $175,000 for each episode of Empire. If she received that pay for the whole 102 episodes of the show, that would be a gross of $17.85 million. Based on her prior calculations, Henson’s total earnings from the show would have been approximately $4.65 million.
Henson’s Empire Of Investments
In addition to her skill as an actress, Henson is a shrewd businesswoman. She has explored endeavors outside of the silver screen by utilizing her wealth and influence. Henson is a real estate investor who possesses homes in Maryland and Los Angeles. She has a huge net worth and a safety net for the future because of this diversification.
In May 2015, Taraji P. Henson’s net worth grew when she invested $1.5 million in an apartment in Chicago. She received nearly the same sum for the property in 2018 when she sold it. She has another unit in the same building that was appraised at $1.9 million in 2017. Henson also owns two homes in the Los Angeles area. The first property was bought in 2002 for $431,000 and is situated in Glendale. In 2016, she invested $6.45 million to buy a private estate overlooking Hollywood, nestled in the hills.
Beyond that, Henson recognizes the importance of having financial stability, but also the ability to use her riches to effect positive change. In honor of her late father, she founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation and is a strong proponent of mental health awareness. The foundation wants to eliminate the stigma that African Americans associate with mental health problems.
Henson Is Building a Lasting Legacy
Taraji P. Henson’s net worth is evidence of her skill, hard work and commercial savvy. Her legacy, nevertheless, goes far beyond the millions of dollars she has accumulated. She is an inspiration to many, a voice for mental health awareness and a role model for budding performers. One can only anticipate that her influence and impact will only increase as her career takes off. Her biography is one of unyielding resolve, extraordinary talent and wise financial decisions. Although her success is reflected in her net worth, what makes her stand out is her devotion to her work and desire to change the world.