Taraji P. Henson traveled to Bali for a month-long stay when she was nearly at her wits end with Hollywood.

‘The Color Purple’ actress detailed taking a break from acting during the Kering Women In Motion Talk at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, according to Variety. It was unequal pay that was frustrating the actress, along with other factors that made her feel “discouraged.” 

“I was just frustrated and it was making me bitter, and I’m not a bitter person,” she said during the talk. “I made a promise to myself if I ever got there then it’s time to walk away. I’m not serving myself or the audience or the characters I play.”

By doing so, Henson returned to Hollywood “refreshed” and having gained a “new perspective.”

“Sometimes in the industry you make it about the trophies and the awards and that’s never why I got into it,” Henson continued. “I came into this to change lives. The arts saved me.”

The actress also detailed relearning how to “stop chasing the things I never came into the industry for” and “refocus.” Henson’s entrepreneurship also elevated with her TPH by Taraji hair and skin brand, “instead of relying on that check from Hollywood.”

Henson documented her trip to Bali on CNN reality show ‘My Happy Place’ earlier this month.