Taraji P. Henson expresses gratitude to Oprah Winfrey for her guidance and support in Hollywood
Taraji P. Henson, the star of the upcoming musical film “The Color Purple”, has revealed the advice and encouragement she received from Oprah Winfrey, who also produced and starred in the 1985 film adaptation of the same novel. Henson, who plays the role of Sofia, said that Winfrey reportedly told her to “surrender to the process” and “believe” in her talent, as she faced the challenges and opportunities of working in the entertainment industry.
Henson also paid tribute to Winfrey for laying the “blueprint” for Sofia, a character who represents the strength and resilience of black women. She said that playing Sofia changed Winfrey’s life, and she felt that hers was about to shift too3. Henson added that Winfrey was a “woman who has done some great things but still can get down to earth with us” and that she was grateful for her mentorship.
Henson’s admiration for Winfrey comes at a time when she has also opened up about the pay gap and discrimination she faced in Hollywood, especially in her earlier roles. She revealed that she was paid less than 2% of what her co-star Brad Pitt received for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, and that she had to pay for her own accommodation and expenses while filming. She also claimed that she was passed over for a role that was written for her in favor of a white actress.
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Henson said that she had to “bite the bullet” and accept the low pay, as there were few roles available for black actresses. She also said that she chose her son’s education over fancy cars and other luxuries, and that she had to work hard to find another job after each project. She said that she never expected to get paid what her counterparts did, but that she deserved “a little more too”7.
Additionally, Taraji also confessed that she “almost walked away from “The Color Purple”, presumably for the same reason– the low pay.
Following Taraji’s admissions regarding the pay gap in Hollywood, many fans assumed she was referring to Oprah. Why? Simply because Taraji’s latest project, “The Color Purple,” is partially funded by Oprah. However, Taraji was quick to shut those claims down, when she posted the following message online:
“It is so important for black women and ALL women of color to support each other.
It is also imperative to have women of color in decision making positions across ALL industries.
Thank you for responding to my message with the compassion, understanding and support that I’ve received.💜🙏🏾💜
With that being said…
Ms. OPRAH has been nothing less than a steady and solid beacon of light to ALL OF THE CAST of The Color Purple!!!
She has provided ENCOURAGEMENT, GUIDANCE and UNWAVERING SUPPORT to us all.
She told me personally to reach out to her for ANYTHING I needed, and I did!
It took ONE CALL… ONE CONVERSATION… and ONE DECISION MAKING BLACK WOMAN to make me feel heard.
Thank You Ms. @OPRAH For ALL That You Do 💜💜💜”
Henson’s story is an example of the struggles and successes of Black women in Hollywood, who have to overcome barriers and stereotypes to achieve their dreams. Henson has proven herself as a versatile and talented actress, who can play roles ranging from a NASA mathematician in “Hidden Figures” to a music mogul in “Empire”. She has also won several awards and accolades, including a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination. She is now ready to shine in “The Color Purple”, which is set to release on Dec. 25, 2023. Hollywood, it’s about time for y’all to give this living legend her just due. 💪🏾
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