A Bold Decision to Let Go of Her Team
Taraji P. Henson recently opened up about a pivotal moment in her career when she made the tough decision to part ways with her entire team. In a candid interview for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Henson revealed that after her iconic role as Cookie Lyon on the hit TV series Empire, she realized her team failed to capitalize on her success. “Everybody had to f–king go,” Henson shared, explaining how she felt neglected and disappointed by their lack of plans for her career post-Empire.
The Aftermath of Empire‘s Success
Henson, who portrayed Cookie Lyon for six seasons on the Fox drama, became a household name for her fierce portrayal of the tough yet lovable co-founder of Empire Entertainment. Cookie was beloved not only for her powerful character arc but also for her enviable sense of style. However, despite the show’s immense success, Henson felt that her team had not prepared for her next steps once the series concluded in 2020.
She recalled, “Where’s my deal? Where’s my commercial? Cookie was at the top of the fashion game. Where’s my endorsement? What did you have set up for after this?” Henson explained that she had trusted her team to build on the momentum Empire had given her, but when nothing substantial came from their efforts, she realized that her future was at risk.
“I said, ‘You’re all f–king fired,'” Henson boldly declared. She further emphasized that it wasn’t just a moment of frustration; it was the culmination of realizing that her team wasn’t working for her future success. “They had nothing set up,” she added. “That’s why you haven’t seen me in so long.”
A Difficult but Necessary Choice
In the interview, Henson acknowledged that the decision to let go of her team didn’t come easy. “It took me years to make that decision. I had a bit of Stockholm syndrome,” she admitted. “You are the prize, don’t you ever forget that.” Henson’s message was clear: in the entertainment industry, talent should always come first, and no one should ever feel undervalued or taken for granted.
Finding Success After Empire
Since then, Henson has successfully navigated her post-Empire career, taking on various high-profile roles in projects such as Annie Live!, Minions: The Rise of Gru, Abbott Elementary, and PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie. Most recently, she starred in the highly anticipated The Color Purple musical film. However, even with these successes, Henson revealed another major challenge she faced during her role in The Color Purple. She nearly walked away from the film over pay disparity issues.
The Struggle for Pay Equity
Henson passionately expressed her frustration about the unequal pay for Black actresses in Hollywood, stating, “We do it with so much grace and get paid half the price of what we’re worth, and that becomes difficult.” She went on to explain that the struggle to support her family and her team while dealing with financial imbalances made her want to step away from the industry entirely. “Big bills come with this s–t we do,” she said.
Advocating for Change in Hollywood
Henson’s bold actions and outspoken advocacy for fair pay and respect for Black talent in Hollywood have inspired many. Despite the challenges, she remains determined to stand up for herself and other women of color in the entertainment industry. “I’m just tired of working so hard, being gracious at what I do, getting paid a fraction of the cost,” she remarked, highlighting the need for systemic change.
As Henson continues to rise and shine in her career, her story is a reminder of the importance of self-worth, standing up for what you deserve, and never allowing others to take advantage of your talent.