Hollywood is filled with powerful voices, but one stands out for her unapologetic honesty and determination: Taraji P. Henson. If you’ve been paying attention, you know she doesn’t shy away from speaking her mind—especially when it comes to issues like equal pay. Recently, the legendary actress opened up about her journey to demand what she truly deserves in an industry that often undervalues women, particularly women of color.

From Struggles to Stardom: Taraji's Hollywood Journey

At 48, Taraji P. Henson has been in the entertainment business for over two decades. It wasn’t until her Oscar-nominated performance in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, alongside Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, that she really started to grab the attention of audiences worldwide. Since then, her star has only risen higher. She became a household name with her role in the blockbuster Hidden Figures and her unforgettable portrayal of Cookie Lyon on Fox’s Empire.

When speaking with Grazia UK, Taraji reflected on her career breakthrough with Hidden Figures. “It was like, ‘Yes, all my hard work has finally paid off,’” she said, emphasizing how the role validated her talent and hard work. “It proved I can play anyone—whether it’s an incredible mathematician or a larger-than-life character like Cookie. But it was Cookie who really connected the dots for people. That role turned me into an international star.”

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Fighting for Fairness: Taraji’s Battle Against Unequal Pay

Early in her career, Taraji faced the harsh realities of Hollywood as a single mother—her boyfriend, the father of her son, tragically lost his life to violence. During those tough times, she often found herself taking small roles with minimal pay on shows like ER and CSI. Even in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, she calculated that she earned less than 2% of what the film’s leading actors were making. “It makes you want to pull your hair out,” she admitted. “If I’d let my ego take over, I might have missed out on the bigger picture—things like going to the Oscars. I proved that I was worth every penny I asked for.”

Her perseverance wasn’t just about patience; it was about knowing her worth. “I had to keep doing good work because I knew what I had to offer,” she explained. “No matter the project, I poured my heart and soul into it. I believed in myself, and that made all the difference.”

Confidence and Conviction: Taraji’s Secret Weapon

As the star of What Men Want, Taraji credits her confidence as a key factor in her success. “You have to believe in yourself more than anything else,” she advised. “I knew exactly who I was and what I brought to the table. I knew I was adding something fresh and unique to Hollywood.” Today, she no longer has to settle for small roles. Instead, she’s one of the most sought-after actresses in the industry. Despite this, she acknowledges the ongoing struggles women, especially women of color, face in achieving fair treatment.

“It’s always a fight,” she admitted. “But I’m determined. If