Taraji P. Henson: Photos of the Actress

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September 11, 2023 11:53AM EDT

Happy birthday Taraji P. Henson! Take a look at the actor’s best photos through the years in honor of her special day.

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Taraji P. Henson At FOX’s 2019 Upfronts

Taraji P. Henson At FOX’s 2019 Upfronts — Taraji P. Henson arrives at the 2019 FOX Upfronts in a goregous strapless black leather dress and Cartier bracelet on May 13, 2019. The actress appeared to promote the sixth and final season of her hit television series “Empire”, where she plays matriarch Cookie Lyon.

Taraji Penda Henson was born on September 11, 1970 in Washington, D.C. She later went on to study acting at Howard University, and came to prominence in the public eye after appearing in the Oscar-nominated film “Hustle & Flow,” alongside co-star Terrence Howard. Taraji and Terrence would later work together again in the FOX series “Empire.” She received a Screen Actors Guild award for her role in “Hustle & Flow.” She later appeared in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” with Brad Pitt and earned an Academy Award nomination in the Best Supporting Actress category. She’s received numerous accolades for the “Empire,” which features a predominantly African American cast and tells the story of a successful rapper, played by Terrence, his wife, Cookie — played by Taraji — and their three sons. She’s won a Golden Globe for her role on the drama, and has also been nominated for Emmys.

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Taraji P. Henson in Cabo

Taraji P. Henson in Cabo — Taraji P. Henson looked a complete knockout as she lived it up during a romantic Valentine’s weekend with her fiancé Kelvin Hayden in Cabo. So stunning!

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Taraji P. Henson at Variety Actors on Actors

Taraji P. Henson at Variety Actors on Actors — Taraji P. Henson looked flawless at Variety Actors on Actors. She stunned in a blue, off-the-shoulder gown.

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Taraji P. Henson At Variety’s Power of Women: New York 2019

Taraji P. Henson At Variety’s Power of Women: New York 2019 — Taraji P. Henson dazzles in a smart teal suit at the 2019 attends Variety’s Power of Women: New York event. The suit featured a satin fabric on one side, and a suit fabric on the other.

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Taraji P. Henson At Variety’s Power of Women: New York

Taraji P. Henson At Variety’s Power of Women: New York — A closeup of Taraji P. Henson’s brilliant beauty game at the 2019 Variety’s Power of Women: New York event. She sported her signature nude lip and vicacious lash extensions.

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Taraji P. Henson At The Best of Enemies Premiere

Taraji P. Henson At The Best of Enemies Premiere — Taraji P. Henson wears a royal blue, velvet dress to the “The Best of Enemies” in NYC, April 2019. Taraji wore her hair in a bob.

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Taraji At American Express’ Employee Appreciation Day

Taraji At American Express’ Employee Appreciation Day — Taraji P. Henson slays in a black ensemble and shows off her red locks at American Express’ Employee Appreciation Day.

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Taraji At The 71st Annual Emmy Awards

Taraji At The 71st Annual Emmy Awards — Taraji P. Henson slays on the red carpet at the 71st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.

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Taraji At Fox’s TCA Winter Press Tour

Taraji At Fox’s TCA Winter Press Tour — Taraji P. Henson looked stunning in this sheer blue lace dress on top of a patterned dress at the Fox TCA Winter Press Tour All-Star party at The Langham in Los Angeles on Jan. 7, 2020.

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Taraji At Variety Actors on Actors

Taraji At Variety Actors on Actors — Taraji P. Henson poses at the Variety Actors on Actors event.

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Taraji At The 2019 BET Awards

Taraji At The 2019 BET Awards — Taraji P. Henson poses at the BET Awards, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

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