Taraji P. Henson Says Hollywood ‘Lied to Me’ About Black Movies and TV Not Selling Overseas, Spent Years Being ‘Graceful in Getting Paid Less … Not Anymore Though!’

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Actress Taraji P. Henson had an open discussion with Stacy L. Smith, founder of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, at the Cannes Film Festival as part of a Kering Women in Motion Talk. During this talk, the Oscar nominee shared candidly about adjusting her focus within Hollywood. Henson recently chose to take a month off from work and move to Bali due to feeling demotivated by the film and television industry system.

Henson expressed her feelings of frustration, which were causing bitterness, due to persistent challenges in Hollywood regarding the scarcity of significant roles, fair compensation, and recognition for women of color. She vowed to herself that if she ever reached a point where she felt she was no longer contributing positively to herself, the audience, or her characters, then it would be time to leave. Fortunately, she followed through with this decision, stepped away, and returned refreshed with a new outlook.

Occasionally, people in this field focus on trophies and accolades, but that’s not why I entered it,” Henson emphasized. “I joined this field to impact lives. The arts rescued me. I was a young Black girl growing up in a dangerous neighborhood in D.C. amidst the crack crisis. I shouldn’t be here, I should have been a statistic, but against all odds, I survived.

Smith shared some statistics during the discussion, which underscored Smith’s disappointment towards Hollywood. It was revealed that although 54% of the top 200 films from last year showcased girls and women, merely 13% had women of color in significant roles, while an even smaller percentage, just 1%, featured a woman of color aged 45 or above.

Smith commented that there are relatively few women of color who are receiving opportunities, based on her interpretation of the data.

I realized it was crucial for me to step away from the pursuit of things I initially didn’t enter this industry for, such as awards. It was time for a shift in focus. Moreover, I had spent an extended period being gracious about earning less than my worth. That era is now behind me! Upon my return from my month-long trip to Bali, I immersed myself fully into non-acting ventures like my beauty brand TPH, rather than relying on income from Hollywood.

Henson encourages everyone present at the discussion to express themselves boldly, stating, ‘I’ve earned the influence I have today through diligent effort and the roles I portray. My fans support me because of who I am and what I do. Studios reach out to me knowing that my audience will flock to see me. That’s my strength. You need me because you need my fan base. I owe this realization to social media, which has empowered me to advocate for myself.’

One pivotal moment when Henson recognized her influence in Hollywood was uncovering the claim that Black productions don’t succeed internationally was merely a myth. This revelation occurred during the global press tour for Fox’s musical drama series “Empire.” As her character, the fiery Cookie, gained international recognition, she became the series’ most memorable role, transforming Henson into an international star.

In her interview about ‘Empire’, she shared that she had been told prior that Black roles don’t resonate internationally. However, this notion was proved wrong when they went to Paris. Lee Daniels kept her a secret during a Q&A, but as soon as he hinted at her, the crowd started asking about Cookie. He replied, “Why don’t you ask her?” Before he could finish, the room burst into applause and cheers. Overwhelmed, she stepped onto the stage and broke down in tears. The myth was shattered. They had deceived her throughout her career. Leaving the stage, she found fans outside who recognized her name. That moment transformed everything.

Returning to Tinseltown with a fresh outlook, I find myself relishing the liberty to pursue my creative passions without being shackled by industry norms or the relentless machinery that often defines Hollywood. My next project is the gripping Netflix drama, “Straw,” which will be available for streaming starting June 6th. I can hardly wait!

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2025-05-20 14:46