Taraji P. Henson Commands the Red Carpet: A Regal Farewell to Empire and a Look Back at Her Iconic Career

As the curtains prepared to close on one of television’s most groundbreaking dramas, Empire, its undisputed queen, Taraji P. Henson, made an unforgettable statement at the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards. Just two days before the highly anticipated premiere of the show’s sixth and final season on FOX, Taraji, then 49, graced the red carpet with an unparalleled elegance that solidified her status as a true Hollywood icon. Though she wasn’t among the nominees for the evening, having been invited as one of the night’s esteemed presenters, Taraji undoubtedly captured the spotlight and arguably “won” the entire event with her breathtaking ensemble and radiant presence. Stepping onto the red carpet for the Sept. 22 event, Taraji was a vision in a captivating wispy pink-and-red gown, distinguished by its daring plunging neckline and artfully designed cutouts that elegantly showcased her radiant skin. Known for her fearless approach to fashion and her magnetic confidence, Taraji P. Henson once again proved her sartorial prowess with this absolutely fabulous gown, cementing her place as a perennial red carpet favorite.

The anticipation for the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards was palpable, a night where television’s finest gathered to celebrate a year of remarkable storytelling and performances. While shows like Game of Thrones were expected to dominate, much like they did that year, many fans held out hope that Empire would receive its due recognition at future awards, perhaps mirroring such triumphs at the 2020 Emmy Awards. Indeed, Empire carved out a unique space in television history, spanning six seasons filled with an intricate tapestry of countless betrayals, profound heartbreaks, scandalous revelations, and unwavering family loyalty. Its final season, which began airing on September 24th, marked a bittersweet conclusion for both its dedicated fanbase and its cast. For Taraji P. Henson, the journey with Empire, particularly through her iconic character Cookie Lyon, afforded her opportunities she once deemed impossible. Reflecting on her global impact during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on September 19th, Taraji shared, “I got to travel the world. I never thought a television show would take me global. I thought a movie would do it. Who knew that Cookie [Lyon, her character], with her loud mouth and her craziness, would go overseas. I never saw that.” This sentiment underscores the extraordinary and unexpected reach of her character, transforming her into an international sensation.

Cookie Lyon was more than just a character; she was a cultural phenomenon, a force of nature who redefined what it meant to be a matriarch on television. Taraji P. Henson eloquently captured this sentiment when discussing her Empire character with Entertainment Weekly, stating, “She gave me a second life in this industry and made me a pop star in my 40s. Cookie was a movement. Long after I’m gone, people will be talking about Cookie.” This powerful statement highlights the profound impact Cookie had not only on popular culture but also on Taraji’s own career trajectory, elevating her to an unprecedented level of stardom in her mature years. While Taraji had already garnered significant critical acclaim for her diverse and compelling roles in films such as 2005’s Oscar-winning Hustle & Flow, 2008’s visually stunning The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and the widely celebrated, Oscar-nominated 2016 film Hidden Figures, it was undeniably her portrayal of the fiercely independent and stylish matriarch of the Lyon Family that catapulted her into household name status. After dedicating five intense seasons to her character’s relentless sacrifices for her family, her husband, and her beloved sons, Taraji expressed a hopeful vision for Cookie in Empire‘s final season. She envisioned a transformative arc where her character would finally “save herself and love herself. … Everything has been about doing something for her family, for her husband, for her sons — when has Cookie ever done anything for her?” This narrative shift promised a deeply satisfying resolution for a character who had consistently put others before herself, allowing her personal growth to take center stage.

Beyond its gripping drama and electrifying musical performances, Empire made significant strides in social commentary and representation, a legacy Taraji P. Henson holds dear. She articulated her immense pride in the show’s impact on the LGBTQ+ community, particularly during her insightful “Actors on Actors” session withVariety, where she engaged in a candid conversation with Ellen Pompeo. In this discussion, she specifically referenced the groundbreaking storyline of Jamal Lyon, the openly gay character compellingly portrayed by Jussie Smollett. Taraji emphasized, “I think for me, one of our proudest moments was the gay marriage. We didn’t know how the black community would accept Jamal. That storyline of the gay son, because it’s so taboo in our community.” The decision to prominently feature a gay character, and specifically a gay marriage within a Black family, on prime-time television was a bold and intentional move by Empire‘s creators. This narrative choice bravely tackled a topic often considered sensitive or even taboo within various cultural contexts, aiming to spark dialogue and foster greater understanding. Taraji reflected on the reception, acknowledging, “And to have him so well-received — and you know there’s the negative homophobes on Twitter, but those are small voices compared to the resounding voices of love that the character gets.” This statement beautifully encapsulates the powerful positive impact Jamal’s character had, demonstrating how television can serve as a potent tool for social change and acceptance, even in the face of some dissenting opinions. The storyline not only resonated deeply with many viewers but also opened up crucial conversations about identity, acceptance, and family within the Black community and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on television history.

However, the journey of Empire was not without its significant challenges, particularly stemming from the unfortunate and highly publicized incident involving actor Jussie Smollett. In the wake of the Chicago incident, Empire’s visionary creator, Lee Daniels, made the difficult but firm decision to confirm that Jussie would not be returning for the final season. This decision came after a complex series of events that began with Jussie’s claim of being attacked by two men wearing “MAGA” hats, who he alleged hurled racist and homophobic slurs at him. The initial outpouring of support for Smollett was widespread, reflecting concerns about hate crimes and social justice. However, the narrative took a dramatic turn when Jussie was subsequently accused by authorities of fabricating the attack, leading to charges of making a false police report. While these charges were later dropped, the controversy surrounding the incident cast a long shadow, creating a tumultuous period for the show and its cast. The lingering questions and public scrutiny ultimately necessitated a creative decision regarding his character’s fate. To address Jamal Lyon’s absence gracefully and respectfully, Empire showrunner Brett Mahoney provided a narrative resolution, informing TVLine that Jamal and his husband, Kai Givens (portrayed by Toby Onwumere), “have decided to stay in London” and enjoy an extended honeymoon. This plot device allowed the character to exit the series without directly addressing the real-world controversy, ensuring that the focus of the final season remained on the central Lyon family saga and the stories of its remaining beloved characters, while acknowledging the impact of Jussie Smollett’s portrayal on the show’s early success and his character’s significant legacy.

Taraji P. Henson’s presence at the Emmy Awards, particularly her regal and bold fashion choice, transcended mere celebrity spectacle. It was a powerful reminder of her enduring influence, her incredible resilience, and the indelible mark she has left on both the entertainment industry and cultural discourse. As Empire concluded its run, Taraji’s reflection on Cookie Lyon’s journey, from global sensation to a character seeking self-love, highlighted the depth and evolution she brought to the role. Her commitment to diverse representation, particularly through Jamal Lyon’s storyline, showcased her dedication to using her platform for meaningful social impact. Despite the controversies that sometimes shadowed the show, Taraji P. Henson consistently stood as a beacon of strength and authenticity, both on-screen and off. Her career, spanning critically acclaimed films and iconic television roles, underscores her versatility and talent. The 71st Primetime Emmy Awards served as another chapter in her storied career, a moment where she, the queen of Empire, elegantly transitioned from one era to the next, ever-regal and forever iconic.

Beyond her remarkable acting prowess, Taraji P. Henson has also become a prominent advocate for mental health, particularly within the Black community, through her Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation. Named after her father, the foundation aims to eradicate the stigma around mental health and provide culturally competent mental health services and resources. This personal mission adds another layer to her public persona, revealing a compassionate leader dedicated to healing and empowerment. Her work with the foundation exemplifies her holistic approach to leveraging her influence for the greater good, extending her impact far beyond the confines of the entertainment industry. Whether gracing red carpets with her signature style, delivering powerful performances, or advocating for crucial social causes, Taraji P. Henson continues to inspire and redefine what it means to be a multifaceted star in contemporary Hollywood, solidifying her status not just as an actress but as a cultural force.