Taraji Gets Candid

She’s scooped up almost every acting award there is, but Empire’s Taraji P Henson doesn’t take her career for granted. Chatting to features writer Yolisa Mjamba, Taraji talks fans, challenging scenes and the secret behind that infectious laugh.

FIRST OF ALL, YOUR SKIN IS FLAWLESS. YOU HAVE TO DROP YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE.

I can only thank my beautiful mama for the genes. My grandma is 94, but you would never know because she looks great for her age. She still drives, cooks and gets dressed up. Growing up, I never heard them even talk about ageing, I just saw them living, being fly and beautiful, and I was like, that’s what it’s about: no stressing and laughing a lot.

IT SEEMS LIKE YOU’RE ALWAYS SO FULL OF ENERGY, EVEN NOW AFTER A LONG DAY OF PRESS. HOW?

I would say it comes from just constantly being aware of how much of a blessing it is to be where I am. I’m living out a dream of mine; I always wanted to become an international success, so to have that dream and wake up one day on a 22hour flight, that’s something to be proud of and not to take lightly. A lot of people would love to have the platform I have.

DO YOU EVER FEEL THE PRESSURE TO LIVE UP TO PEOPLE’S EXPECTATIONS OF YOU?