Taraji P. Henson Reveals 'Baby Boy' Role Was Inspired by Her Real Life
Taraji P. Henson recalls that one of her most iconic roles had paralleled real life situations for the Oscar nominated actress.
During a conversation with Lena Waithe for her podcast series, “Legacy Talk,” the “Think Like A Man” star shared with the producer that her role in “Baby Boy” and the “dysfunctional dynamic” between Yvette and Jody was similar to her real life experiences.
“There were times when I read that script where I got goosebumps and I had to put it down because it was literally the blueprint to my baby's father and I's relationship,” she expressed to the screenwriter.
“That young love, that young toxic hood love. I mean, verbatim.”
She then opened up about how the tragic loss of her boyfriend at the time, William LaMarr "Mark" Johnson, who was murdered, deeply mirrored a pivotal emotional thread in “Baby Boy.” In the film, her character Yvette often broke down in fear, haunted by visions of Jody's death and the emotional weight of potentially losing someone she loved.
Henson reflected on calling John Singleton at the time to share the news with the veteran director.
“I remember when my son's father was murdered, I called John, and I said, 'The dream came true,’” the “Empire” star shared.
“When anyone goes ‘what’s the closest role to you,' that probably was it. And I kind of got chastised a little bit, 'cause people were like, 'Where did they find her? She's not a real actor. They found this girl off the street.' And for so long I was known as that girl from “Baby Boy”. Like no one would know my name."
You can watch the interview below.
