Taraji P. Henson Breaks Down in Tears When Discussing Career
Taraji P. Henson breaks down while promoting her new film, The Color Purple. The Hidden Figures star sat down with Gayle King during a SiriusXM interview where she discussed being an underpaid actress in Hollywood.
King asked the Oscar and Emmy-nominated actress if she considered quitting acting when rumors circulated.
“I’m just tired of working so hard, being gracious at what I do, and getting paid a fraction of the cost,” she revealed. “I’m tired of hearing my sisters say the same thing over and over.”
Taraji P. Henson tears up talking about still being underpaid in Hollywood despite being in the industry for over 20 years.
— Pop Base (@PopBase) December 20, 2023
pic.twitter.com/5M1p9rsr2S
Additionally, Henson was told she works a lot because the “math ain’t matching,” when comparing the amount of time and hard work put into her craft only to be under-compensated.
“When you start working a lot, you have a team. Big bills come with what we do. We don’t do this alone. It’s a whole team behind us. They have to get paid,” she shared.
She continued, “So when you hear someone saying, oh such and such made $10 million, no that didn’t make it to their account, know that off the top Uncle Sam is getting 50% okay, so do the math.”
Taraji’s commentary is why I buy tickets to every movie starring Black women even if I don’t show up to use it.
— BMW (@DrBritWilliams) December 20, 2023
I paid for little mermaid and still haven’t seen it.
I am deeply disappointed and disheartened for Black actresses. I hate this for them.
And I get it.
Moreover, this has led the actress to seek other avenues to sustain her career and lifestyle, such as her haircare line, TPH by Taraji.
“Enough is enough! That’s why I have other things, I have my TPH brand, I have my mental wellness, I have other things because this industry if you let it, it’ll steal your soul, but I refuse to let that happen,” she exclaimed.
Furthermore, a few celebrities weighed in on the conversation in supporting Henson. Actress Gabrielle Union expressed that Henson spoke the truth, and they “don’t hesitate to be the change” even when the industry takes a toll, but they continue to persevere.
Actress Keke Palmer mentioned most actors and actresses do not see a substantial amount due to a team of “company members that decrease any assumed large sum,” leading to actors and actresses in the entertainment field not sticking to one job whether they like it or not.
Watch the full interview in the video below.
