Taraji P. Henson

Actor/Singer Academy-Award nominated actor Taraji P. Henson made her big-screen debut in the 2001 John Singleton film Baby Boy. Born in Washington D.C., Henson worked two jobs to pay her way through Howard University, graduating with a degree in Theater Arts. She appeared in the 2005 film Hustle & Flow, making her singing debut on the Oscar-winning Three Six Mafia song “It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp,” which she performed live at the Academy Awards. She also appeared in the video for Common’s song “Testify,” and had a recurring role on ABC’s Boson Legal. Starring opposite Brad Pitt in the 2008 film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Henson was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Supporting Actress category. She and Terrence Howard hosted BET Centric’s Soul Train Awards in 2009 and 2010.