Taraji P. Henson is keeping it candid and calling out the industry in the process.
Full story below…
During a recent sit-down on ‘Making Space’ with Hoda Kotb, the Oscar nominee reflected on her early breakout in ‘Baby Boy’ and why the promised “overnight success” never quite materialized.
While the film was a major moment, Henson revealed she instinctively felt her trajectory would differ, especially compared to co-star Tyrese Gibson, she shared:
“I hadn’t even really fully figured out the politics of Hollywood yet. But I just know that something sat on my heart, and was like, ‘I don’t know if that’s gonna be my story, I don’t know that that’s gonna happen like that overnight for me.’ And so, sure enough — but I knew deep down it would for Tyrese.”
Sure enough, Gibson went on to secure major franchise roles like ‘Transformers’ and ‘Fast & Furious’ opportunities, Henson notes she has not been afforded, she said:
“I still have not booked my franchise film. Been in the game almost 30 years. No franchise film.”
Still, she’s not bitter. With nearly 3 decades in Hollywood, Henson says:
“I’m not gonna cry about it. I mean, it just, I know what it is now. Now I’m on the other side of the table now. You can’t hurt my feelings anymore because now I know there’s politics involved. It still sucks, but I’m not setting myself up to hurt my own feelings.”
With that, what are…
![New Song: Tiwa Savage - 'Energy' [featuring Wande Coal & Mavo]](https://thatgrapejuice.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/tiwa-savage-energy-tgj-464x260.png.webp)
Maybe she’s just not as good an actress as she thinks she is. The only role I’ve seen her truly shine in is Hidden Figures.
Exactly!!! I agree. Her acting isn’t the best. She has potential though.
But she’s still booking a decent amount of recognizable roles as a black actress in Hollywood many ppl would love to have her credits