But then again- that’s just how her Cookie crumbles!
Taraji P. Henson continues to run the game in more ways than one. The veteren actress and Empire star covers the August issue of ‘W’ magazine, where inside she slays the pages of the editorial with a number of gorgeous looks that are certainly one for the books! In all six flicks, the 44-year-old mother of one gives us a sultry package of bare legs, peek-a-boo chest, and plenty of “come hither” face. Not to mention, an undeniable glow of bronze, dewy skin that manages to shine through even in a number of classic, black and white shots too. Flawless!
Behind the scenes, the actress sat down with the magazine to discuss her most humble of beginnings, including failing countless times before her first big break as well as her demand to push the envelope with her roles. Taraji also discussed the importance of not settling for fear, but rather, embracing it as sign to fight hard for what it is you want.
We guess it’s like they say- if your dream doesn't scare you, it isn't big enough!
Peep the highlights below:
On Wanting to Play ‘Precious’ in ‘Precious’
What I love about art is you have to take risks.
Lee wanted me for the thin, pretty teacher in Precious. And I was like, ‘Well, I want to play Precious—because that’s the role in this piece.’ Lee thought I was crazy. But I was like, ‘Look, they turned Charlize Theron into a monster! I could be this girl!’
On Failing Her ‘Acting School’ Audition and Trying to Become an Electrical Engineer instead (If at first you don’t succeed…)
I auditioned for Duke Ellington High School of the Performing Arts and I didn’t get accepted.
I actually went away to N.Carolona A & T to become an electrical engineer because it sounded like it made money. But I failed pre-cal (laughs)!
That’s what prepares you for all the math you have to take. And I failed it. Preeeee- cal. Not calculus! Pre!
And I called my dad and he was like- ‘You needed to fall on your face! Now get back up here and enroll in Howard for acting. Get back on your life track!
On Changing Her Mind about Playing Cookie and Why it’s Important to Tell “Cookie’s Truth”
“I was like, This is stupid. hip-hop—dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb. Then I was like, oh, oh. Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh!
And then that fear thing comes up. Like Ok, well this is really a challenge. Then I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh, Cookie, we’re going to piss so many people off!’
But then once I wrapped my mind around how to deal with Cookie. Tell her truth. Tell the “why” she is this woman, why she hits her son with a broom. If you stick to the truth, people will love her.
[People] want Cookie. They see her heart. They see her intentions. And they love her style—her style is 17 years behind the fashion curve, which makes the clothes a character on the show. As Cookie grows, you’ll see her fashion grow. And people love that—she’s a work in progress. The only thing that never changes is her spirit: To me, Cookie is living, breathing, walking truth.”
When I hear that Cookie is a bad representation of black women, I don’t get involved. Maybe Cookie makes you uncomfortable because she reminds you of yourself. People miss the bigger picture when they start judging.
“Not only would I never be offered a character like Cookie in a movie, but she doesn’t exist. Cookie is bold and crazy, and she loves the struggle. She is the american dream. She started from nothing, and now she’s at the top. In that way, we’re alike: Cookie is the American Dream. I’m the american dream. I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I had a passion. I had a dream. And I dived in and I went for my dream and here I am.
On Being a Single Mom in College
It was a struggle. But my son grew as my career grew. I never had a nanny—I did TV so I could be home with him. I wasn’t making my millions, but I was able to fulfill my dreams and be a mother.
On Taking Her Loss at the ‘Academy Award’ for Benjamin Button in Stride
“I didn't take [my audition for Benjamin Button] seriously. I mean, they had Cate Blanchett and Brad Pitt—why would they want me? I thought it was a runaround, and I decided to hold an epic garage sale that day instead. I had mannequins. I had glasses with wig heads. I had champagne ready. And then my agent called and said, ‘Shut that garage door! Fincher wants to see you.’
“I lost [the academy award for my role] but it was the best time of my life. Brad and Angelina ushed up to me and said, ‘Are you okay?’ I was like, ‘Yes! Can I get some more wine?!’ They were more concerned about my name not being called than I was.”
Truly inspiring. Clearly Taraji is the type to celebrate her efforts before she cries over her “losses,” and that’s definitely a habit worth having.
She's banging!
ReplyDeleteSuper Fit...
ReplyDeleteHer story is 'When your time comes' This is her time.
ReplyDeletePretty woman.
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