Taraji Henson

Taraji P. Henson is an acclaimed American actress and author, best known for her powerful performances in film and television. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Cookie Lyon in the hit series 'Empire,' which earned her several awards and nominations. Henson is also celebrated for her work in films such as 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' and 'Hidden Figures.' Beyond her acting career, she is an advocate for mental health awareness and has been vocal about the importance of addressing mental health issues, particularly within the African American community. In 2025, she was in the news for addressing mental health and societal challenges facing Black women alongside Michelle Obama.