Taraji P. Henson, an award-winning actress, is a recognized figure in Hollywood known for her remarkable performances in both television and film. Born on September 11, 1970, in Washington D.C., Henson's journey towards stardom was marked by determination and resilience. She graduated from Howard University with a degree in Fine Arts, subsequently making her way to Los Angeles with little more than her talent and ambition. Henson's breakthrough role came in 2001 with the film Baby Boy, where she demonstrated her acting prowess that led to numerous other opportunities. She further solidified her place in Hollywood through her critically acclaimed performance in Hustle & Flow (2005), earning her an array of positive reviews. However, it was the 2008 film, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, that catapulted her to international fame. Her exceptional portrayal of Queenie earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, making her one of the few African-American actresses to achieve this honor. Known for her versatility, Henson also made waves on television, particularly with her role as Cookie Lyon in the hit series Empire. Her portrayal of the fierce matriarch garnered her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress - Television Series Drama, among other accolades. Besides acting, Henson is also a published author, penning her memoir Around The Way Girl. An advocate for mental health, she founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, named after her late father, to eradicate the stigma surrounding mental health issues in the African-American community.