Taraji P. Henson Makes TIME 100 and Is Praised by Mary J. Blige
Taraji P. Henson was recently honored in TIME’s “100 Most Influential People” issue, and Mary J. Blige wrote her a thoughtful tribute.
“What I love most about her is that she is unapologetically herself. Taraji is a real woman – she doesn’t bite her tongue, and she’s not afraid to stand up for what she believes in,” she stated. “She’s always true and authentic, and she’s just as fearless onscreen, which is why she’s one of my favorite actors.”
Blige continued to praise Henson, noting, “Watching her commit 1 million percent to whatever character she’s portraying is amazing. Her courage really set her apart in Hollywood and in real life.”
Blige mentioned that before she met Taraji, she was a fan, and after they met, they immediately became good friends. “Even before I knew her, I already felt like Taraji P. Henson was my friend. She was an actor I loved to watch, and I always felt like I could relate to her because she perfectly embodied who we are as women. I couldn’t wait to meet her,” she explained.
Since forming a friendship, the two women have supported each other in their endeavors. In 2019, the singer spoke at Henson’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, and the two often vacation together.
The Grammy-award-winning singer also encouraged her friend, stating, “Even though she doesn’t need any advice, I’ll say this to my beautiful friends: Taraji, my sis, keep being yourself and keep doing what you’re doing There’s nobody like you. I love you.”
Henson took to her Instagram to thank Time for honoring her and Blige for her tribute. Her post captioned, “Thank you Time for my flowers. Read the cover story (link in bio.) Thank you to my sister [Mary J. Blige] for your beautiful words.”
The Oscar-nominated actress was also accompanied by her castmates from The Color Purple, Fantasia Barrino, and Colman Domingo, who were all included in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list. Other honorees included Dua Lipa, Burna Boy, America Ferrera, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph.
To see all of the TIME honorees, click here.
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