Taraji P. Henson claims she fired her whole team for failing to capitalize on her “Empire” character’s success. In a recent SAG-AFTRA discussion facilitated by Angelique Jackson of Variety, Taraji P. Henson said that she let go of team members when her career reached a brick wall, even though the Fox musical drama series “Empire,” on which she starred for six seasons from 2015 to 2020, was a worldwide blockbuster.
Henson received two Emmy nods and a Golden Globe for portraying the feisty and outspoken Cookie Lyon. Despite being in production, a spinoff centered on Cookies was eventually shelved when Fox declined it and could not find a buyer.
Henson said, “Firing everybody after Cookie,” when asked what her finest business move was. “Everyone had to fuck off.” What’s the deal? My commercial is missing. At the top of the fashion game was Cookie.
Where’s my approval going? After this, what were you expecting? You guys haven’t seen me in a while because of this. Nothing was set up for them. Their only desire was to see another Cookie show.
Henson said the Cookie spinoff was her team’s priority, and the actress was eager to work on it if the “Empire” follow-up was directed “correctly.”
Their only request was for another Cookie show, to which I said, ‘I’ll do it, but it has to be done well.'” The people ought to…she’s too adored for you guys to screw it up. They had nothing else, so when they didn’t get it right, I said, “Well, that’s it.”
“Every one of you is fired,” You are the winner; it took me years to get there. Never lose sight of it. The talent is inside you. Check, you’re there. Never lose sight of it. You employ them. If not, someone else will take over. I spent years playing for the same squad.
Henson is receiving praise for her supporting performance in “The Color Purple,” which brought in $18 million on Christmas Day.
However, she almost declined the job due to financial concerns so that she might serve as an inspiration to her female co-stars. Henson broke down in tears talking about the wage inequality problems she still encounters in Hollywood, even after her success in “Empire” and her Oscar nomination. The conversation took place during a widely shared SiriusXM interview earlier this month.
Henson expressed his fatigue, saying, “I’m just tired of working so hard, being gracious at what I do [and] getting paid a fraction of the cost.” “I’m sick of listening to my sisters repeat the same points. You get weary. I hear comments like, “You work so hard.”
I guess I have to. There is no math involved. You have a team when you start working a much. Large bills accompany our work. It’s not just the two of us. We have an entire squad at our back. They must be compensated.
Henson said, “When you hear someone say, ‘This and that made $10 million,’ that didn’t go into their account.” Uncle Sam will get 50% of the whole amount. Currently possess $5 million. Not after what Uncle Sam stole, but rather, 30% of what you make goes to your team. Proceed with the calculations. I’m only a person.
When it’s time to renegotiate, I’m at the bottom again, as if I’ve never done what I just did, and I’m exhausted every time I do anything and shatter another glass ceiling. I’m worn out. You become tired of it.
What is meant by that? What does it indicate to me? What am I doing if I can’t fight for them when they approach me from behind?
Henson continued by explaining that, despite her accomplishments, she hears excuses such as “Black actors and stories don’t translate overseas” and “there’s not a lot of money on the table.”
Henson said, “I’m tired of hearing that my entire career.” “After over twenty years in the industry, I still hear the same things and see what you do for other productions, but they never have the money to stand up for us. And all I have to do is grin, smile, and endure it.
It’s got to end! I have other [brands] because this business can take your soul if you allow it to. I’m not going to let it happen.
Warner Bros.’ “The Color Purple” is now showing in cinemas around the country. Watch the video below to see Henson’s whole SAG-AFTRA interview.
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