Taraji P. Henson recently opened up about a major turning point in her career when she made the difficult decision to part ways with her entire team following her breakout role as Cookie Lyon on Empire. In an honest conversation for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Henson shared how, after the success of the hit TV series, she realized her team had not adequately capitalized on her newfound fame. “Everybody had to f–king go,” she said, explaining her disappointment and frustration with their lack of preparation for her career after Empire.
The Aftermath of Empire’s Success
Henson’s portrayal of Cookie Lyon, the fierce and fashionable co-founder of Empire Entertainment, earned her widespread recognition, and she became a household name. Despite Empire’s immense success over six seasons, Henson felt that her team had failed to capitalize on her success. “Where’s my deal? Where’s my commercial? Cookie was at the top of the fashion game. Where’s my endorsement?” she recalled, reflecting on how her team had not set up any major opportunities for her after the show concluded in 2020.
Henson had trusted her team to leverage her newfound fame, but when nothing substantial materialized, she realized they had not planned for her future. Feeling neglected and unimportant, she made the bold decision to fire everyone. “I said, ‘You’re all f–king fired,’” she stated. Henson emphasized that her decision was based not only on frustration but also the realization that her team had not worked hard enough to ensure her continued success. “They had nothing set up,” she said. “That’s why you haven’t seen me in so long.”
A Difficult but Necessary Choice
Henson admitted that letting go of her team was a tough decision that took years to make. “It took me years to make that decision. I had a bit of Stockholm syndrome,” she shared. “You are the prize, don’t you ever forget that.” Her message to others was clear: in the entertainment industry, talent must always come first, and no one should ever feel undervalued or neglected.
Finding Success After Empire
Since her time on Empire, Henson has navigated her career successfully, taking on prominent roles in various high-profile projects. She starred in Annie Live!, voiced a character in Minions: The Rise of Gru, appeared in Abbott Elementary, and played a role in PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie. Recently, she starred in the highly anticipated film adaptation of The Color Purple musical.
However, even with these successes, Henson faced another significant challenge—pay disparity in Hollywood. She shared her frustration with unequal pay for Black actresses, stating, “We do it with so much grace and get paid half the price of what we’re worth, and that becomes difficult.” Henson explained that the financial imbalance, combined with her responsibility to support her family and team, made her consider stepping away from the industry entirely. “Big bills come with this s–t we do,” she remarked.
Advocating for Change in Hollywood
Henson’s bold actions and her willingness to advocate for fair pay and respect for Black talent in Hollywood have inspired many in the industry. Despite the obstacles, Henson remains committed to standing up for herself and other women of color in entertainment. “I’m just tired of working so hard, being gracious at what I do, getting paid a fraction of the cost,” she said, stressing the need for systemic change within the industry.
As Henson continues to rise and shine in her career, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-worth, the value of standing up for what you deserve, and never allowing others to take advantage of your talent.
