Taraji P. Henson's "Empire"

Actress Taraji P. Henson dishes about her juicy new FOX drama, "Empire" and why she insisted on working with Terrence Howard.
Then, is Taraji dating? Did she ever date Idris Elba? What type of TV does she like to watch? Find out what she only tells Wendy.

[@MannysMillennialMouth]

Taraji on Empire Kerry on Scandal Viola on How To Get Away With Murder Gabrielle on Being Mary Jane Tika on the Haves and the Have Nots Angela Bassett on American Horror Story Jada Pinkette on Gotham Tracee Ellis Ross on Blackish BLACK WOMEN ARE RUNNING PRIME TIME TELEVISION!!

[@ThisisKalaTV]

#lovelovelove □ ❤ ↔ So proud !!!

[@AllIAm1]

Nicole Beharie in Sleepy Hollow as well!

[@theblackexcellencepodcast1775]

It's awesome!

[@HumbleGloryPod]

I was thinking the same thing!!

[@roter13]

yeah can we now get some black men and Asians, and NATIVE AMERICANS in leading roles

[@rachaelb982]

taraji has always lighten the room, she's cool on and off camera

[@lashonday.wright8955]

I love Taraji Henson! She's always been a good actress!

[@melissatrejo536]

Yesss!! She’s my favorite actress 😩💓

[@rosemarynjoki8257]

Efke is fine thanks so kind of us are in the email that I sent you the email that was the first one

[@vleaky3430]

I know right! Taraji is my favorite Cookie character.

[@CocoaBelow]

she talks about her character with so much passion

[@Saphireaway]

"um.. im a little worth more than pancakes." yesssssssss!!

[@gordon1872]

+Blahhh L

[@rainbowens4712]

yes yes yes lmao

[@missincognito2666]

Hannah Turley isn’t she now she’s engaged so happy for her

[@lovesmerlot]

"Cookie!" I love her! She is such a good actress. God Bless her.

[@masegomaeci6192]

thats the true meaning of love. blessing others

[@melissamiramon284]

Taraji and Terrence. Best chemistry ever!💋

[@carolynhowell7624]

Melissa Miramon Taraji. and. Michael Ealy have good chemistry

[@RoseKimberly]

OMG YESS guys don't court, she is my friend in my head, Ms. Taraji your my girl, love you:) #teamvirgo

[@Boobalopbop]

Me toooooo!!! She is the only actress that continues to impress me more and more every time I see her in a movie, interview, twitter beef, everything, lol, She isso gorgeous, real and funny. I wish we were besties!

[@missbreezy3469]

rose!!!

[@RoseKimberly]

Boobalopbop right gorgeous;))

[@RoseKimberly]

miss breezy heyy beautiful:)) hehe you watch Wendy too:))

[@missbreezy3469]

Rose Kimberly you know it🙌🙌

[@Keyshaw30]

I totally agree with Taraji! Guys dont want to date anymore!

[@justwineaboutit]

True

[@King82005]

JuicyPrada I know the dudes in the audience was mad when she said that lol

[@mp4455]

Preach.. guys do not court anymore

[@waxdominioni3303]

Would take you on a date anytime!

[@lsmith218]

That is the truth! I was just talking about that, then came across this interview.

[@aprilmay90585]

That's kind of embarrassing that Wendy doesn't know anything about the show and keeps messing information up. At least Taraji is classy about it. :)

[@MinaM93067]

Exactly

[@nouyasmine57]

aprilmay90585 Doesn't she normally have to read up on her guests? I think over the years she has stopped trying. I love Wendy but she isn't as fresh as she used to be.

[@yeahIhave]

+aprilmay90585 I bet she does now..the show is huuuuge

[@SammyCee27]

+aprilmay90585 ... So disappointing.

[@rhas20]

It's kinda stupid that she didn't watch the show when she knew she'll be interviewing the star the next day!!

[@blkhunk23]

when Terrence "Lucious" Howard threw his son in the TRASH...tears started running down on my chicks, not that I experienced that kinda situation but as a BLACK GAY MAN, that could've been me or it may have ACTUALLY happened to another gay brother or/and sister. Overall, that show is fuckin GREAT and the ACTING if OFF THE CHARTS

[@jcdoakes]

So heartbreaking & actually happened to lee Daniels

[@blkhunk23]

jcdoakes BRIGITTE BARDOT (google her out) once said: "The more I know men, the more I love my dogs"...like how can we pride ourselves of being BETTER and ABOVE animals yet our actions show otherwise? As a HUMAN BEING, how can you throw your CHILD...I can't even finish my sentence

[@jcdoakes]

Exactly it's so heartbreaking !! That's why I'm so glad he's telling this story & showing this side of things bc most tv shows just make homosexuality look all peachy like everyone is so sweet but some are very mean

[@iamka1e]

i'm not a gay guy but to think that someone could hate their son for their sexuality is heartbreaking so i had the same reaction

[@koeathalatrice]

Lee Daniels stated in an interview that this scene happened to him when he was little. When they were filming he stated he had to look away... I think it was kinda therapeutic for him.

[@LayRoyalty]

Fucking amazing show. It was really captivating. It had drama of every level, scheming, backstabbing, killings, conspiracies, drugs, sex, homosexuality lol, and everything you can think of.

[@dmathmothtutinean8950]

"... amazing show. It was really captivating. It had drama of every level, scheming, backstabbing, killings, conspiracies, drugs, sex, homosexuality lol, and everything you can think of..." ERR, WELL.... I see what you said and saw what was shown, and, can, CAN think of a LOT more...a LOT MORE than that!!!

[@brycybrice9179]

Seriously like I need to take a sedative to ease my anxiety in anticipation for the next episode ! It's damming to my health

[@slimsxyblkwoman]

Lay "V.I.P." Royalty I love what you wrote but I love that gorgeous image in your avatar more!

[@mickellacoates762]

Ueggw

[@ct3gct3g]

Finally. About time people recognize the hatred against homosexuality. People don't realize how fucking hurtful it is to be hated for something a person can't help. We don't have an agenda to break up straight marriages, nor do we plan on attacking anyone with our gayness. We just want to be treated as people and not pests. Needless to say, this sow is fucking amazing.

[@Its_Xtian_Bih]

I love her. I remember seeing her in Babyboy and being like "umm this chick is gonna be everywhere she's an amazing actress" she stays working but Im surprised I havent seen her in more.

[@TheBattle476]

I agree 100percent

[@nicolenunya984]

Yes I saw her in baby boy, then a show on lifetime I think she was an investigator or a cop. Then b.e.t. started killin baby boy on repeat, that's when she really blew up. I was so happy when she got that person of interest show. She was in Benjamin button...she is a great actress and seems like a great person in real life

[@trevonanthony50]

"I hate you Joey" That's my wife

[@Its_Xtian_Bih]

*Jody ?

[@rau245]

"lucious put my baby into a trash can" and then her expression 😂😂

[@Shae_3]

" I ain't fighting K.Michelle" "That was a serious joke" 😂😂😂

[@onlyh8720]

🤣🤣🤣

[@LaurenDevin]

I love Taraji! She is so animated and hilarious. Love the show!

[@rossellinirossicalrossc3507]

lovedddddddd Empire cant wait for the next episode

[@TywizlieeIceonixx]

Please buy a camera and Start making more youtube videos! and if that is u in the pic u are beyond beautiful just saying lol :P

[@TywizlieeIceonixx]

Please tell me u have a instagram and twitter would love 2 follow kbye :D

[@rossellinirossicalrossc3507]

TwizleyGold hahaha aw thank you!! Yes my twitter and Instagram names are Rossical

[@TywizlieeIceonixx]

Rossellini C your welcome man just followed u also u should definitely try modeling u have the look :)

[@rossellinirossicalrossc3507]

TwizleyGold thank you, i might do, maybe you'll see me in vogue one day ;)

[@rushofblood994]

I remember her role as Queenie in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. God she was incredible.

[@NellieKAdaba]

+Alistair Drennan Great movie.

[@nenerideout5522]

I love that Movie 🥰

[@coolbreeze3769]

That Taraji is a gorgeous woman! She's smooth a ice and twice as nice!! And I don't think she's ever had a bad day in her damn life!!

[@connielacaze6568]

So me and you both like house party 4 lol

[@rhas20]

Did she just call Andre a basketball player?? Girl, do you even watch the show???

[@GailBecker-MSED-CM-Author]

😃😅😂😂😂😂😂😂True!😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@KizzMyAwezomenezz]

R . H I'm dead

[@livest_one3527]

On me 😂😂😂😂

[@JustNess78]

Wow, Taraji is absolutely gorgeous! Love her hair and makeup, too.... perfect! :)

[@sexp0t970]

lmfao i aint fightin kmichelle!!!!

[@pimpindymepiece]

I died hahaha

[@Brayquel]

Me too

[@donnageorge8830]

Dead on the spot.

[@carltonn1050]

"Seriously where's the WINE!!!!!" Lmao😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@heyblackgirlhey]

Taraji is the 'It factor' on every level‼️👏👏👏 I debated about watching Empire, until I realized she was on it. It is worth watching just to see her. She is pure entertainment. Thank you Wendy and staff for securing her as a guest so soon after the shows premiered. It adds a bit of spice‼️🔥✨💫❤️💋

[@GailBecker-MSED-CM-Author]

MY GOODNESS, HOW I LOVE THIS WOMAN AND "EMPIRE!!"

[@Broughton1128]

Wendy was totally out of line with her "Bye, Phylicia", regarding Phylicia Rashad's recent defense of Dr. Cosby. Ms. Rashad was misquoted, as stated by Roger Friedman & Ms. Rashad herself. She was simply expressing her overall view of the situation & supporting Dr. Cosby - a man who she has known (on and off screen) for more than 30yrs. Ms. Rashad is an immensely talented, well-respected woman of substance and an ICON. To dismiss her is beyond disrespectful and shows Wendy's inability to show neutrality. Ms. Rashad is the latest in a long list of black luminaries Wendy has disrespected. She has done the same to Oprah, Janet Jackson and Whitney Houston; only to turn around a breakdown over the passing of Ms. Houston. I would advise Wendy to watch herself. She has way too many skeletons in that closet of hers to throw stones at people who helped pave the way for her to even have a talk show. So, while she's saying #ByePhylicia, I'm saying #ByeWendy!

[@kayla444]

You need to chill. 'Bye Felicia' is an expression commonly used especially amongst black people. It started because of the film 'Friday' so relax.

[@Broughton1128]

You are the one who needs to "chill". I'm well-aware of the origin of the phrase. And, the Felicia character in the film was a crackhead, was she not? I am an Entertainment Attorney and personal friend of Ms. Rashad. The manner/context in which Wendy used the colloquial phrase was dismissive & disrespectful. Ms. Rashad was coming from a sincere place, while Wendy was being her usual [brash] self. If you saw/see it differently, fine. But don't tell me to "chill" or "relax". I said what I said and I meant it. Good day.

[@RyanGarloff]

Why are you writing this on a video of Taraji's interview?...

[@Broughton1128]

I concur. Wendy has an axe to grind, because Dr. Cosby admonished her years ago (during her radio days) for attempting to sully his name. So she doesn't want to hear anyone supporting him; yet, a few weeks ago she asked "Why haven't any of Dr. Cosby's former co-stars come to his defense?" The moment they do, she dismisses them. Wendy is disrespectful, beyond messy, and a hypocrite.

[@ohwhale.]

Phylicia was also dismissive of the women who have accused Cosby of rape. She was misquoted, but what she did say for a fact was, "This is not about those women. This is about Bill Cosby." That was such a dismissive and callous remark so it's only right that Wendy dismissed Ms. Rashad's comments.

[@ddl74]

Taraji is so fierce on Empire. She's such a good actress, great personality and smokin' hot.

[@IAMMOVIN4WARD]

Taraji is sooo fine and funny! Mad smart too! Always had love for her.

[@LiveFitWithRana]

I freaking love her!!!!! So beautiful.

[@Sasori2105]

There is something very genuine about Taraji that is really alluring. The show looks really good too.

[@KING090589]

LOVE Taraji! She knows how to interview! And Empire is a new favorite of mine DEFINITELY!

[@diamondjewels1944]

ONE QUESTION....HOW DID WENDY INVITE TARAJI ON HER SHOW TO DISCUSS EMPIRE AND DONT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT. REALLY?

[@tsasma8939]

she needs to produce more movies

[@robinmiller173]

I've tended to court women. Met a lovely black woman in 1989, took her out to a fine dining restaurant with good live dance music. We ate we dance. We went home and [redacted]. We moved in together less than a week later and got married less than two years later. Still married, still go out for nice meals, and we have liked Taraji Henson as an actress for many years -- and started following her heavily on 'Person of Interest,' in basically non-sexual role.

[@Lyricgrayce]

Her hair is everything, love the highlights.

[@KingLauradin-lq3io]

It’s a wig but yes

[@wilfredoanunezpacheco5367]

I loved how Taraji says 'Please watch the show' back then. If she only knew how big and successful the show was going to be, I love it!

[@Cece-fr7bp]

my thoughts exactly...I just love how she loves and is proud of whatever she does..sheputs her soul into it and doesnt really care for waht anyone else says...that really inspires me

[@chandlerverastro3569]

Taraji is EPIC! Beauty, brains and the lady can act! LOVE HER!

[@skylaellis]

The show seems like a spin-off of hustle & flow.

[@brycybrice9179]

Please do your best to separate this from hustle and flow ! I know it's hard but for my sanity please do your very best !

[@skylaellis]

Brighton McBride I am over here laughing hard! lol. I will do MY BEST!!!

[@1thetvzone]

Brighton McBride I agree! Hustle and Flow for me was so horrible I just couldn't watch the rachetness of it

[@huntergreene9781]

That's exactly what I thought. I figured Lushious or whatever and Cookie were loosely based off of the Hustle & Flow characters.

[@wilbertdriggins192]

*****

[@LOLANIMELOLANIME]

"Guy's don't court women anymore" I can relate to this!

[@kninez13]

Also "Women are lazy/entitled and expect men to be the ones to court them always". I can relate to this. smh

[@FriendshipIsMagic6214]

kninez You want to be courted by a woman?

[@LOLANIMELOLANIME]

Dr Scott Hall LMFAO! Times have definitely changed. He's hormonal.

[@kimmccarley6180]

0

[@schuylerwinslow9897]

Shame that Wendy's people didn't update her about Empire. I like Wendy but I'm embarrassed for her unprofessionalism.

[@Multiplicityme2too]

Just love Taraji & Terence Together...

[@summerlyric506]

Multiplicityme2too Right. Her face when Wendy mentioned Terrance 😃Boss move of her to say get Terrance or no deal. Yes Taraji 👏👏👏👏

[@azaleastar7944]

I love Taraji. She's so strong and charismatic

[@zakkxx1]

does she play cookie or is cookie plays taraji in real life ? lol she acts the same camera or not lol

[@effzy__]

maybe that's why she's perfect for the role

[@DIMITARMIL]

roles sometimes change you at least temporarily

[@unapologetic4174]

true story, for some time you're stuck with a certain role

[@gaohemaa9626]

I think she is just perfect for it

[@paulamugabi7320]

Zack GRAHAM when u play a role that big it gets engraved in u and it becomes part of u that's if u r a great actress

[@PrettyInez]

Love Taraji P Henson.....the realest lady ever man so down to earth....& beautiful personality.....One of my favorite Actress😻👌

[@tdepp2311]

She is so gorgeous love Taraji!!!

[@itstimeforlife]

I just love Taraij! 😍

[@rockie0708]

She's absolutely adorable. She's a fantastic actress. Absolutely brilliant.

[@USAMex00]

her personality is nothing I expected. She seems very down to earth.

[@Candiedcurlies35]

I'm surprised Wendy didn't bring up the 50 Cent and Taraji twitter beef regarding Empire. Hmmm...interesting.

[@minigangsta128]

haha. Because her Hot Topics team probably didn't here about it and tell her, haha. They only have Mariah and Tory google alerts...

[@MisterFoxx]

Because that was hardly twitter beef lol

[@bebeheart5128]

Love Taraji! she made sure too talk about her show instead of getting into any of Wendy's usual mess.....

[@garywilliams8588]

I LOVED Empire. That show is going to be a hit. And I LOVE Taraji! She's so real it hurts.

[@TheBlakmajik78]

I love her she is like the down to earth friend/associate you always like to be around, the crazy cousin, best friend, fun loving around the way girl. SO happy she's successful in her career. Much love to her!

[@debrasmith474]

WOW! That was great.. I love Taraji she is a great actress

[@jarenc2048]

"You cookin' chicken?" "Is it fried?" Lmboooooo that makes me laugh. That was a big stereotype moment but I still love Cookie. lmbo

[@King-eg8qn]

This show was PERFECTION! I can NOT WAIT until season 2!

[@jayla8301]

Wendy never has her research together-she's always getting corrected by the guest.

[@nenariffic]

RIGHT!! I cringed when she said the oldest was a basketball player!!! what show was she watching??

[@damnbri8230]

I love Taraji! She is such a character! Beautiful too! Love that nail color!

[@alisoldado7825]

Every single one of tarajis interviews are entertaining and interesting. She has so much personality! I love it.

[@mysterychic1234]

The way Taraji talks about the show it's like if it is real life. That must be why she's such an amazing actor. She becomes the role she's playing.

[@ninoboidiamond]

i just love watching this amazing talented actress she is ssoooo amazing. Love you T

[@breanat1508]

I just finished Tarajis' memoir and never was exposed to her or her work and now a fan forever!

[@SHANNALIKEHANNAH]

OMG Taraji was laying down the truth about guys not dating anymore. Why is this???

[@micalaking1904]

guys dont want to put in work anymore

[@88948895611499]

i think the easy ho's messed it up for everybody.

[@SHANNALIKEHANNAH]

***** That`s all true. I guess the problem is the lack of self worth in most women. Men can get the goods so easily without having to put in any work in most cases so just settle for the easy targets rather than putting in work for those who prefer to wait. It`s not fair!

[@micalaking1904]

***** I get where you are coming from. Trust me, I know some women so lonely that they will settle for anyone that comes their way. Its just a sad cycle.

[@Brayquel]

What man wouldn't date a goddess like Taraji? It's baffling

[@yokebethelihaki4143]

I love this woman personality

[@mustafaselat9692]

God how I love his woman! Such a pure spirit. And I already love love loveeeee Empire, I know it's gonna be one good as show!!

[@AlexGreif]

obsessed with her and her character such a great actress!

[@whatsthetea20bailieandsi87]

"I ain't fighting K. Michelle" LMFAO

[@kimberlyjohnson4196]

I LOVE THIS SHOW . THAT DAMN TARAJI SHE HAS DONE IT AGAIN, THATS MY GIRL! THIS CAST IS SUPER! THANK YOU LEE DANIELS YOU DID IT AGAIN AS WELL MUCH SUCCESS TO YOU ALL, I WILL NEVER MISS A SHOW IF I CAN HELP IT!!!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

[@ariana6139]

I love Empire!!! Such an amazing show, the music is awesome

[@N3WY0R1CAN]

Love em both always glad to c them working together

[@theshannankay]

SHE IS MY FAV ACTRESS!

[@JasonB95]

Taraji is a great conversationalist. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this interview.

[@honeysuckleesq.3757]

I just adore Taraji Henson. I love the show too. She is right...it does happen to innocent little boys every day who are just expressing themselves. She makes Cookie and no other actress could bring what she does to that character.

[@wyatt2987]

So happy that they're addressing homosexuality in the black community. Very bold, but very necessary. This is definitely a show that I'll be watching.

[@trfrierson]

My God she such a Virgo. Lol she was in my head about dating.

[@ChristineDoesDrama]

I want her boots 😍😍

[@DivaStar84]

Me too lol

[@jamilavelinor3677]

I love Taraji! Her spirit and energy is infectious! I love Mrs. Hunter, but she needs to get her facts straight...did she even watch the show before she did the interview? C'mon now Wendy. You should at least know the main characters on the show...

[@karinivy]

right. dust that journalism/communications degree off Wendy and remember how its done.

[@mariebrii]

I love her energy..love love love Taraji p Henson. Great interview

[@LaurenDevin]

Empire is my second favorite show on television!! Scandal being number 1. haha

[@SasScales]

Chile if this woman is having a hard time finding a man come bury me now.

[@ShawtyKnox]

I did not get to really see Empire , but I see little scene on it, This is the Bomb!!!!

[@AlysonArt]

She's so pretty and open! i love her personality, it's a breath of fresh air :)

[@rmontavious32]

Smh this beautiful black queen 😍

[@antoinettet1177]

Wendy don't no nothing about the show. She's

[@minigangsta128]

Seriously! Like they most likely sent her a copy of the first episode a week ago and she probably made her staffers watch it, and explain it to her in the morning. Yet she still fucked it all up.

[@Littleathquakes]

galemoy she watches that reality tv mess, thas all she ever talks about now. You know Wendy wasn't watching this.

[@antoinettet1177]

if your going to interview at least no your background

[@minigangsta128]

toni Toussaint Right? Lately she has been letting that #1 rating get to her head. She has not been as sharp this season.

[@brycybrice9179]

Please lean proper English. It's sad really when blacks use Ebonics ! It's should read " Wendy doesn't know anything about the show " . Be careful with the use of double negatives

[@Lifewith.Autumn]

My favorite actress!!!🔥🔥 One day I would love to meet her

[@tmarlynjuma5587]

Taraji being my role model...so admirable, always cool and real..love her courage and passion😍

[@Msclairebeautee]

Empire is the new Dynasty for those old enough to have watched it. Cookie is Joan Collins and Linda Evans in one body. Love the show Empire

[@Jolene8]

Yasss!.... lmao! Taraji is the truth! She is truly a rarity of a gem, actress. Finally a WW show that didn't bore me to tears but that's of course due to its guest. Go T!

[@geeiannone9253]

I ADORE Taraji, she's so beautiful and awesome!!!

[@Joyjoy12149]

Taraji is so down to earth, she is lovely and Empire is the best show on tv. Love it

[@jcdoakes]

I wanna know the tea on idris !!!!

[@arymat9979]

Me too!!!

[@jackiem3740]

hes gay lol its pretty well known

[@jcdoakes]

Oh didn't know that . Thought he had a girlfriend

[@1thetvzone]

Jackie M He dating all these hoes and he move to Atlanta to be with his baby Mama. OMG why does every dude have to be gay? because somebody said so...naw I don't believe it, just some bitter females in this world to make a man look less of himself. If he was that his business, but don't believe it. Don't let K. michelle come for you. SMH

[@joshuamcdowell5782]

jcdoakes Idris and his girlfriend just had a baby. He also cheated on his girlfriend with K. Michelle while she was pregnant.

[@thedevs10]

I am falling in love with this woman. I always hoped to see her again after Baby Boy and I'll be damn if she ain't one of the hottest SISTAS in Hollywood!! As Martin would say "You go girl"

[@PrincessRhea18]

Love Taraji and Empire is my new fav show! More African American based shows are coming up glad to see more of it on tv..

[@debbiejeanenot2520]

i love her so much! and empire!😀😍😍😍

[@bopstar8219]

Idris is a player on these streets, that's why he's always looking so happy

[@simphiwevinolia9831]

what! and how did I miss this show I love cookie she's fun I am a her number 1 fan.

[@pamellao07]

I love Taraji! She is deff one of my faves since Babyboy!

[@yvette6443]

Love me some Taraji...n the way she checked 50cent i love u for that kept it classy n still got ya point across

[@flexinahabit3508]

I'm not Fighting K Michelle 😂💀😂

[@kayc1261]

Wendy needs to do a better job of researching and knowing what's going on with her guest. She has made so many mistakes trying to explain what's going on with Empire

[@kisscoreysass]

I love Taraji's energy and personality!!

[@dominiquesperspective]

The show is amazing and so is the music! I really like Taraji!