Taraji P. Henson Highlights Lack of Franchise Roles Despite Long Career
Taraji P. Henson reflected on inequities in Hollywood during a recent appearance on Hoda Kotb’s Making Space podcast. Her remarks were reported by Filmogaz.com.
Early breakthrough and diverging paths
Henson earned a movie breakthrough in John Singleton’s 2001 film Baby Boy. The film also marked Tyrese Gibson’s feature debut.
Gibson went on to secure major franchise roles in Transformers and Fast and Furious. Henson noted she did not land a comparable franchise role.
Franchise appearances and their scale
- Voice roles: Ralph Breaks the Internet, Minions: The Rise of Gru, Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie.
- Supporting role: the 2010 franchise entry The Karate Kid.
She emphasized a lack of franchise roles in substantial live-action parts despite a long career. Henson has been active for almost 30 years.
On industry politics and pay disparities
Henson said industry politics shaped opportunities. She added that knowledge of those dynamics removed the sting.
She has publicly addressed how women, especially women of color, are treated in Hollywood. The discussion included pay, roles, and recognition.
In December 2023, a SiriusXM interview during the Color Purple press tour drew attention. Henson became emotional while describing persistent pay disparities.
She later told Filmogaz.com in May 2025 that she took a month off and moved to Bali. The break followed feelings of discouragement with the industry machine.
Business moves and a new perspective
After returning from Bali, Henson shifted some focus to business ventures. She expanded her beauty brand, TPH.
She said she would no longer tolerate being paid less repeatedly. The change reflects a decision to diversify income beyond acting.
Next: Broadway debut
Henson is preparing to make her Broadway debut. She will appear opposite Cedric the Entertainer in a revival of August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.
Throughout these conversations, Taraji P. Henson highlighted lack of franchise roles despite a long career. Her comments continue the public conversation about equality in Hollywood.
