Taraji P. Henson discusses the challenges as a Black actress in Hollywood regarding pay, treatment and more. She also hinted at quitting acting.
Taraji P. Henson tearfully reveals why she might “Quit Acting.”
During a recent interview, Taraji P. Henson broke down in tears Wednesday (Dec. 20.), in a SiriusXM interview with Gayle King, claiming she’s “being paid a fraction of the cost” of what she should be making in Hollywood.
P. Henson starring in “The Color Purple” appeared on the episode alongside the film’s director Blitz Bazawule and co-star Danielle Brooks to promote the upcoming flick, which is produced by King’s pal Oprah Winfrey.
Co-host asked the “Acrimony” star if she was serious in previous statements about being done with acting, to which Henson replied by taking a deep breath and putting her head in her hand before responding.
“I’m just tired of working so hard, being gracious at what I do [and] getting paid a fraction of the cost,” she said, becoming emotional. “I’m tired of hearing my sisters say the same thing over and over. You get tired. I hear people go, ‘You work a lot.’ Well, I have to. The math ain’t mathing.”
The Oscar-nominated star continued, “When you start working a lot, you have a team. Big bills come with what we do. We don’t do this alone. It’s a whole team behind us. They have to get paid. When you hear someone go, ‘Such and such made $10 million,’ that didn’t make it to their account.”
“Off the top, Uncle Sam is getting 50%. Now have $5 million. Your team is getting 30% off what you gross, not after what Uncle Same took. Now do the math,” Taraji P. Henson explained.
“I’m only human,” Henson declared. “Every time I do something and break another glass ceiling, when it’s time to renegotiate I’m at the bottom again like I never did what I just did, and I’m tired. I’m tired. It wears on you. What does that mean? What is that telling me? If I can’t fight for them coming up behind me then what the f–k am I doing?” she concluded, again covering her face as she sobbed.
Henson has a Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice Movie Award, and SAG award. She’s also been nominated for four Primetime Emmys, as well as one Oscar.