Net Worth Ranker
What Is Taraji Penda Henson Net Worth?
Taraji P. Henson, an accomplished American actress and singer, has cultivated a noteworthy career that has resulted in a net worth of $12 million. This impressive figure reflects her success across film and television, as well as strategic investments and ventures.
A Deep Dive into Taraji P. Henson’s Career Earnings
Taraji P. Henson’s journey in the entertainment industry began with her film debut in “Streetwise” (1998). However, it was her roles in “Hustle & Flow” (2005) and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008) that brought her significant recognition. Her role in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. For her work in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008), she earned $150,000, a figure that she publicly discussed as being significantly lower than her co-stars Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, who reportedly earned between $5-10 million each. She only took home $40,000 for this role after taxes and agent fees.
In 2016, she played Katherine Johnson in “Hidden Figures,” a role that contributed substantially to the film’s box-office success and critical acclaim. While specific salary details for “Hidden Figures” are not publicly available, the film’s success undoubtedly boosted her market value.
Henson’s television career is highlighted by her roles in “Person of Interest” (2011-2013) and, most notably, “Empire” (2015-2020). Her portrayal of Cookie Lyon in “Empire” earned her widespread recognition, a Golden Globe Award, and multiple Primetime Emmy nominations. For “Empire,” Taraji earned $175,000 per episode. With 102 episodes aired over the series’ run, her gross earnings from the show totaled approximately $17.85 million. Factoring in taxes and agent fees, her net earnings from “Empire” are estimated to be around $4.65 million.
In addition to her roles in film and television, Henson has also ventured into producing and hosting holiday specials for Fox. These ventures, along with her roles in films such as “Proud Mary” (2018), “Tyler Perry’s Acrimony” (2018), “Ralph Breaks the Internet” (2018), and “What Men Want” (2019), have contributed to her overall earnings.
Taraji has openly discussed the issue of salary disparities in Hollywood. She recounted being offered only $100,000 initially for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” eventually negotiating it to $150,000. She also expressed gratitude to Tyler Perry for being the first person to pay her $500,000, which she received for the 2008 film “The Family That Preys.”
In 2016, she released her autobiography, “Around the Way Girl,” which became a New York Times bestseller. While exact sales figures and royalties are not publicly disclosed, the success of her book has undoubtedly contributed to her income.
Taraji P. Henson’s Real Estate Portfolio and Other Assets
Taraji P. Henson’s real estate investments also play a role in her net worth. In May 2015, she purchased a condo in Chicago for $1.5 million and sold it in 2018 for approximately the same amount. In 2017, she acquired two units in the same building, listing them for a combined $3.3 million in August 2024. The individual units were listed for $1.9 million and $1.4 million, respectively. She has been divesting her Chicago properties in recent years.
In Los Angeles, Henson owns two properties. The first, located in Glendale, was purchased in 2002 for $431,000. In 2016, she acquired a private mansion in the Hollywood Hills for $6.45 million. These real estate holdings contribute significantly to her overall asset portfolio.
Key Financial Milestones in Taraji P. Henson’s Career
One of Henson’s early financial milestones was her role in “Baby Boy” alongside Tyrese Gibson. This 2001 role was a pivotal moment for her and helped put her on the map. In 2008, her Academy Award nomination for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” not only elevated her status but also increased her earning potential. Despite the initial low offer for that role, the recognition she gained was invaluable.
Another key milestone was her role in “The Family That Preys” in 2008, where she earned $500,000, marking a significant increase in her salary. Her role as Cookie Lyon in “Empire” from 2015 to 2020 was a major turning point in her career. Earning $175,000 per episode for 102 episodes significantly boosted her net worth. Her various film roles in 2018 and 2019, including “Proud Mary,” “Acrimony,” “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” and “What Men Want,” added to her income, though specific figures for each film are not publicly available.
Throughout her career, Taraji P. Henson has consistently advocated for fair pay and equal opportunities in Hollywood. Her public discussions about salary disparities and her advocacy for other actors have made her a prominent voice in the industry.
Taraji Penda Henson has always been vocal about the tax implications of her earnings. She mentioned that she only pocketed $40,000 of her $150,000 Benjamin Button salary after taxes and agent fees. On the show “The Real,” she discussed that Uncle Sam takes 50% of her earnings, and she pays 30% to her team before taxes.
Taraji P. Henson starred in Tyler Perry’s “The Family That Preys” in 2008. She has publicly credited Tyler Perry as the first person who paid her $500,000 for a role. This also paved the way for higher salaries.
Taraji Penda Henson’s television career began with roles in the show “The Division” and “Boston Legal” where she played recurring roles. Her most notable Television role was on the Fox’s hit show “Empire,” which aired from 2015 to 2020.
Her personal life includes one son. In 2017, she switched to a vegan diet to avoid stomach cancer. She posed nude for PETA in 2011 and posed non-nude for PETA in 2013.
Her Los Angeles properties include a Glendale property purchased in 2002 for $431,000. In 2016, she purchased a private mansion in the hills above Hollywood for $6.45 million.
