Taraji P. Henson: I Never Knew A TV Show Would Take Me Global

The beloved actress, who plays Cookie on 'Empire,' was shocked at how well-known her character is in countries around the world. #Colbert #TarajiPHenson #Interviews
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The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is the premier late night talk show on CBS, airing at 11:35pm EST, streaming online via CBS All Access, and delivered to the International Space Station on a USB drive taped to a weather balloon. Every night, viewers can expect: Comedy, humor, funny moments, witty interviews, celebrities, famous people, movie stars, bits, humorous celebrities doing bits, funny celebs, big group photos of every star from Hollywood, even the reclusive ones, plus also jokes.

[@pcbacklash_3261]

That girl's a walking party! She enters the room, the party begins!

[@NellieKAdaba]

Yes!

[@jeanmason4395]

Yes....she fills the room!!!!

[@redtapeleveneleven]

have you ever been in the same room as her? I have, she's a b****

[@karenling2106]

the sixth and last season of empire returns next week on fox

[@mm12345777]

@@redtapeleveneleven She low-key gives off that vibe. I could see that 😒

[@KharisB.A]

Am I the only one who smiled all through this interview? Taraji is simply a breath of much needed FRESH REJUVENATING air. She's so gifted😍😍😍😍😍. Her natural hair is gorgeous and it's making me seriously considering going natural too

[@serious7179]

I agree... She's wonderful! And yes girl, go natural... You will never regret it and it's really not difficult to deal with your hair, although we've been led to believe that

[@LanceCorporalKitty]

Yes sis, do it!

[@telikaandfam]

Yes you should go natural I went natural and it's the best thing ever also relaxers are bad for our bodies they found out that they are connected to the rise of black women having cysts their ovaries

[@gloriabrown7466]

Yes do it, go natural. I did it, at first I was extremely hesitant about going natural, I didn't believe I would be as glamorous with natural hair but that wasn't the case. I've been wearing natural hair for over 15 yrs and I still get heads turned. I take care of my natural hair the same way I took care of my hair when I had a perm in it

[@nyaneban4694]

Please do it, fall in love with your natural hair. I had my big chop last year, it was the best thing ever

[@19xion24]

i am convinced that Taraji had way more personality that even Stephen Cobert was ready for.

[@TChishi]

100%

[@BluDrop5]

Yes, hair!

[@semimoceciri157]

i agree..he's a little overwhelmed.

[@kholmilk3511]

Nikki Minaj gave him energy too . He blushed the entire time . It was good tv .

[@NewMessage]

Your talent took you global.. the show just gave you the platform, lady.

[@Boobalopbop]

Yeah, I had to stop watching years ago. The stories are just dumb, but SHE is a star!

[@jeanmason4395]

Yesssssssss!!! Her TALENTS took her global....

[@lindahopkins5675]

The hard work she did got her there , something she wanted to do and didn't give up , having the faith in her GOD got her there , love you TARAJI P. HENSON. Don't stop there.

[@efe8085]

PREACH IT, everyone on that show is amazing but MISS P HENSON MADE THAT SHOW.

[@rikku0474]

This is why I LOVE Stephen Colbert so much. He just lets the guests shine.

[@LisaLisa001]

Let me just say, she is looking elegant. Just a vision of beauty and confidence.

[@Volvican]

I'm still laughing over that Luscious hair.

[@ade8419]

Like, who in the hell made that call?

[@mlong1968]

I'm glad she said something!!!

[@princesslene55]

That hair gotta go 😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@LaLabutterfly]

😂😂😂😂

[@sojaded85]

Yesss lol that hair.. i was ctfu every time he was on screen

[@Ticklestein]

Forgetting Person of Interest, where I adored this woman.

[@sonyahannah]

That's where I "met" her -- had never heard of her. Became an instant fan -- she amazes.

[@janepatrick97]

Thank you,people always forget

[@miavilla]

Me too!! Uff! Wonderful role.

[@abdulazizyalahow3238]

Very Obvious m8 that show was great 👍

[@nimuehawk]

I loved her character on POI

[@cali.songbird]

Taraji would be my choice to portray Eartha Kitt.💃🏽

[@onthepathofrighteousness1111]

Absolutely👏👏👏

[@ladywithclass9674]

You're so right, the only choice

[@Magnolias_Burden]

Absolutely!

[@sailormood_3278]

That'd be fantastic tbh

[@annbesthangingout2010]

EXCELLENT CHOICE!!!!!!!

[@lazyperfectionist1]

I don't know what's more incredible about her appearance this evening, her dress or her hair.

[@terseandtiny1746]

She looked so good!

[@sassora]

That amazingly beautiful glowing skin

[@jeanmason4395]

She is stunning!!!!

[@sherethadaniels9545]

She looks good!!

[@sdfkjgh]

Her hair makes her look like Michelle Pfeiffer, ca. Batman Returns.

[@GraeHall]

Holy crap, it took me a minute to realise she was also the badass detective in Person of Interest. Damn. She was excellent in that role, it's kickass to see her kicking ass!

[@siegeaye]

I wish Taraji was on Girls Trip... having her and Tiffany Haddish would be too funny!!

[@emmanueljohnn1026]

I would ve been dope crazy

[@actaviagrovesnor8690]

Yessss omg too crazy

[@theyearofgreatness]

That would’ve been fun!

[@dollinekaari8333]

Here in Kenya you are a treasure

[@SandraSalomeAngolorctr]

We love Cookie from Uganda 🇺🇬🇺🇬🇺🇬🇺🇬🇺🇬And we love you Taraji!

[@karenluyinda4949]

Hihi i love her too wabula❤️❤️💞💞

[@HalaXxMe]

She's always been global, I'm moroccan and I've known her forever. Even when she had small roles, I still remember her because she was amazing !

[@Cate29]

Some people put a smile on your face 😄

[@tjj2040]

Taraji is such a *shining light! She’s so kind, graceful AND FUNNY!!! Her role in Karate Kid as Jayden Smith’s mom is UNDERRATED, can I just say that... Even my husband cried watching that movie!!! Meeting her at my job was such a honor. She was just as nice in real life as she appears to be!* ❤️

[@redtapeleveneleven]

shining light! She’s so kind, graceful. WOW, do you even know her? You do realize she's an actress, right?

[@cvbbvb8452]

Teaira Johnson mevumxmxz

[@Celisar1]

Teaira Johnson She has NOTHING that’s even close to being graceful!

[@tjj2040]

Celisar1 seems like over 150 people seem to agree with me 🤷🏾‍♀️☝️

[@Celisar1]

Teaira Johnson So what? Millions agreed with Hitler.

[@jimmy9439]

She seems so fun to be around lol i love her

[@chatsnoirblamo]

Give Taraji two segments next time!!! They’re so friendly.

[@jamedraa8472]

@2:25 That wig on Terrance Howard is killing me. Funny!!

[@pipertarver1852]

She is beautiful!!! Slay with that dress!! ❤❤❤

[@serious7179]

That dress tho...Wow! She's beautiful

[@Redst100]

Taraji is late night tv gold. All her interviews are fun.

[@sanciasoultalk2472]

I love Teraji...i absolutly love her acting...& yessss that hair is fire!!! ☺😍

[@ncc74656m]

I LOVED her from Person of Interest. Broke my soul when she left.

[@TMYPiscesSunandMoonRising5548]

I stopped watching after she left 😭

[@lisagrace6471]

I'm so glad I'm not the only one that absolutely loves that show and her character.

[@tofelipwithlove1150]

I love her as Detective Carter and I never thought I would cry for a TV character. I hated the show after she died, it became erratic and chaotic.

[@lisagrace6471]

@@tofelipwithlove1150 I didn't hate it after she left- such amazing actors and characters and all of it, but missed her so much!!!

[@christinerichards9664]

I love Taranji personality and wit, it's so refreshing

[@kingconscience.1597]

Her whole energy is a beacon of light and genuine love. I love Taraji's spirit, you can tell her spirit is good. It's real and that's a rarity.

[@sungodis22]

So proud of & happy for the success of the lovely & talented Taraji P. Henson! She’s right about the cast & crew. I live in the Chicagoland area & last year I worked as a “Lemonade Lady” background extra on EMPIRE in a scene with her. She was so nice! She spoke to us & encouraged us. Other cast members ignored us extras, but not “Cookie!”😍🙌🏽🌹👏🏽🎈👍🏽

[@telikaandfam]

Yes so true I was an extra in a couple of episodes I was actually shown on camera twice in the prince and princess birthday party episode but you are definitely right Taraji was so nice to all of us in the film and crew was also so nice she even complimented me on the jacket I was wearing even though it really wasn't mine it was from wardrobe lol

[@sungodis22]

Telika Howard NICE! Wardrobe should have let you keep that jacket.😉👍🏽

[@staciabelcher28]

Yes I was told the same thing! I live in Chicago and I know a few extras.

[@sungodis22]

Mary Jordan Yes, that’s on my “to-do list!” Got to read her book. And, the funny thing is, I just got a notice from 4-Star Casting asking me if I’m available to work as an extra for “Empire” this Monday. Too bad I’m not.☹️

[@arnabpauljoy]

i loved her in POI. Amazing acting in that series.

[@lesliealcaro4481]

Just saw The Curious Case of Benjamin Button two nights ago...Ms Henson was FAB-YOU-LOUS!! And I LOVE that velvet dress!!

[@lorebay2593]

I can do bad by myself, one of her great movies too. She really takes a character and becomes them. She so crazy.

[@woodyjonz]

I LOVE YOU, TARAJI....So real gurl. We love it. Never change. We need you. 😍💕😘👏✌🙏👍

[@bollywoodbandwagon]

What a blessing to see Melanin-rich people be celebrated! 💞💞💞💞💞

[@DrStratComm]

Never watched Empire but I freaking love this woman. If we ever hung out, I'd have to do 15 espresso shots just to keep up the energy. Phew! Woman is such an inspiration!!

[@xtalviper]

Terrance Howard looks like Keegan-Michael Key doing a sketch with that dred-wig.

[@jadaw644]

STOP. 😂😂😂

[@cdholland98]

Something happened for sure!!!

[@beberivera7011]

👍🏽😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@cecebluesky972]

It's like milli vanilli all over again....

[@marioandrade4499]

Must have been hard as hell to do those scenes with a straight face.

[@Myunsolicitedthoughts]

Never heard anybody ever say anything bad about her......what an amazing person 😊😊😊

[@ohyeah6729]

Wow, she's a bundle of joy.

[@angeljohnson6665]

Oh Yeah? Yes she is

[@moxellex]

never seen Empire, but Taraji was the best in POI !! you'd already gone global back then, honey !

[@arksine]

Detective Carter ❤️ hey fellow POI fan 🤩

[@bigguy906]

One of my favorites 😭

[@jemmajames6719]

moxelle x POI. made her global, our family was so upset when she got killed off, loved Lionel as well, and John well, he was eye candy!

[@bigguy906]

She got killed off for empire😫

[@StrngAzDiamnds]

Wasn't she! I couldn't even watch after she died 😟

[@torrijosisnice5750]

She was so cool in Person of Interest

[@sonyahannah]

She is so damned gorgeous and vivid that I'm having difficulty watching and listening simultaneously -- obviously gonna have to play this again.

[@deereigns5950]

Hidden figures, The best of enemies, Not easily broken, Taken from me: The Tiffany Robin Story.....daamn these movies she is fantastic!

[@missdrgirlfriend]

I was not ready for that unit on Terrence Howard.

[@xtalviper]

I know right, he looks like Keegan-Michael Key doing a sketch.

[@zazabrown732]

No one was. The set stylist did him dirty

[@jeanmason4395]

I thought he was in the British Parliament...lol

[@telikaandfam]

milli vanilli 😂

[@damiadegun8101]

She's such a mood!!

[@bdlip_ink]

What a beautiful spirit!

[@mancerrss]

Her story is so amazing!!!

[@zoyakhrystova1269]

Love her, so real!

[@catt4570]

The internet would break if her and Tiffany Haddish were on together. They're both beautiful and hilarious.💜

[@aikenodubitan5256]

Absolutely!!!!

[@jaymillymills]

Taraji is a classically trained actress and Tiffany is a comedian that lucked up. They are both beautiful and talented but very different people.

[@jhaylabradley]

@@jaymillymills exactly it’s like Tiffany is like weirdo comedian?! It’s wierd

[@katking9574]

"are you hungry?" MY GIRL!

[@AA-qt1hi]

Taraji P Henson...a national treasure, for real!

[@marioandrade4499]

I LOVE TARAJI P.!!! One of my all time faves!

[@aziznsangou6890]

Her hair is a whole show on its own 😍😭💗

[@chikaojei5029]

I'm surprised alot of people didn't remember her from "Person of Interest"... That show was so underrated. It's on my TOP 10 series of all time.

[@lisagrace6471]

It's my #1 rated series. So freaking good!!

[@jaelcaribe]

My love for the series made me watch after she died. Took me a while to continue though

[@loveyamungo9064]

That Entrace Is EVERYTHING!

[@johnhancock8556]

She has the most beautiful laughter!

[@SelinaCat]

She's either a publicists dream or nightmare. Either way, she is a down to earth class act that I wanna take to the theatre and get bombed with after 😂😂

[@UnopinionatedBystander2393]

SAME!

[@PJpub]

She's actually a publicist's dream! She understands the assignment at all times plus she makes it fun!! She ain't perfect but she is damn close and that's why she is beloved around the world..she earned it!! ♥ Really an amazing woman.

[@Rara77117]

That hair is divine Taraji.

[@FernandoPiress]

She's such a queen 👑

[@biddybop8515]

❤️ Taraji - girl is living her best life

[@catherineangeles5544]

I super loved her character Cookie Lyon in Empire😍😍😍shes the icon of beauty,class,motherhood & a celebration of womans super abilities & capabilities...

[@FrancesBaconandEggs]

THAT DRESS OMG

[@nikki833]

She's just one of the coolest people I've ever seen in my life

[@senselocke]

Gorgeous woman, gorgeous laugh, gorgeous personality.

[@WakandaBabe]

I stopped watching P.O.I. after she died. Her interactions with John made the show for me. And when she died in his arms and he gut-sobs? 😥😥😥😥

[@nahuelma97]

I didn't even know who she was but this interview was awesome to watch. She irradiates so much energy, wonderful to watch

[@serious7179]

You didnt know who she was????

[@nahuelma97]

@@serious7179 nope, no idea

[@tislamdennis2137]

LOVE THIS HAIR !!

[@clintdekoekkoek4177]

She is FANTASTIC!

[@beberivera7011]

Shes so real! I love how stephen just leans in and let's her talk💗✊🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@XOXOPriscilla]

Taraji is an engaging story-teller😂👏🙀❤

[@that_girldavi2839]

I love Taraji soooooo much❤️❤️❤️❤️😩😘🇯🇲

[@emacias1980]

I love her. 🥰🥰 she's beautiful.

[@karengutloff2004]

Taraji is my best friend in my head. Just love her.

[@Rainy-In-The-Desert]

He's just the BEST interviewer!! He gets intimate the way he leans in and connects ❤️❤️

[@infinitecuriosity9210]

She is such a talent,first and foremost, brains and beauty as well and a shiny personality! One of a kind, I'm so glad her time has COME!!

[@sylviabrown9863]

She is 💯! I was new money but no money.

[@mattblaze4655]

You remind me of my wife Shirley.. your smile, your eyes, the way you walk the way you talk.. blessings to you and your new fiance

[@kwizeragad3480]

I'm from Rwanda but I do love this lady 's personality she's ma heroine she make My life full of happiness

[@ianiles1722]

what a wonderful young lady!

[@angeljohnson6665]

Ian Iles yes she is

[@msthang5366]

I Love you Taraji!!

[@norarobinson3091]

I love her so so much she is so cute

[@outterlimitsprod]

Blessed! She's so humble, her positivity is great and she's a good public speaker...I'm glad she addressed lucius's hair too kuz I'm not caught up with the show and it was tripping me out😂😂😂 For a second I thought it was a comedy bit lmao

[@barbaraissac5029]

GORGEOUS!!!

[@astrid654]

Looove her!!

[@sieekakhan6761]

Oscars is very long. It's 3 hours and that's without the commercials yet.

[@hadiyazid]

Thrilled on her success. Keep cookin' girl.

[@AudreyHeadley]

She's a whole lot fun

[@barbaraissac5029]

So Much Talent- Smart-Classy

[@empressking1647]

And THAT my friends is a wedding to remember. Basically sums up mine. I'm here for it. SIMPLISTIC and MEMORABLE.

[@olaitanjosephalao2506]

Hi Cookie from Nigeria. Fans here plenty.

[@cherylsibson8457]

Her hair and dress are stunning along with her acting.

[@StephHampes]

Damn she‘s soo funny!! I genuinely laughed out loud. Love her❤️

[@sijisanwilatin88]

I loveeeee her so muchh

[@glenicepalmer8925]

Love you cookie❤ from the Philippines

[@ingenueGi]

I love how down to earth she is

[@blkhemi3925]

I have been watching Empire since episode 1. This could have gone on for 10 season's. Jussie Smullet has all but crushed my favorite show.

[@jtsctv5]

I love her hair!

[@masiefacu]

Taraji is such a Vibe, Lord!😍♥

[@1108dmv]

Love this woman!

[@andreaslindblom9140]

Damn, this grrrl got some awesome hair thingy goin´on!! 👍👌

[@immaa.7675]

I watched her recently in Proud Mary and boy did I see a different side of 'cookie'. Love love her 😊

[@southernbrew4252]

Taraji is dope.