Taraji P. Henson, the acclaimed actress and recent star of the Netflix hit Straw, shared a heartfelt moment of gratitude during an interview on The Grio, praising filmmaker Tyler Perry for stepping up when the film industry went silent after her 2009 Oscar nomination for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
Henson recalled the stark contrast between the frenzy of the Oscars and the quiet that followed. “After the Oscars, the phone just stopped ringing,” she said, visibly emotional. “It’s weird because you’re so used to being everywhere, then suddenly, nothing. No calls, no offers—just silence.”
In the midst of that silence, Henson revealed it was Tyler Perry who reached out. “This man right here called me and offered me a leading role—not a supporting one—a leading role in I Can Do Bad All By Myself,” she said, her voice breaking with gratitude. “He didn’t just give me a role. He told me what to ask for, gave me a quote. I didn’t even have a quote until Tyler Perry came into the picture.”
Perry’s belief in Henson’s talent and his commitment to ensuring she was paid her worth marked a turning point in her career. “People on my team were asking why I’d do a Tyler Perry movie, and my answer was simple: No one else called to offer me the lead,” she said.
Henson’s emotional tribute emphasized the rarity of such support in Hollywood, especially for Black actresses, who often face limited opportunities and pay disparities even after receiving critical acclaim. “I don’t care how big I get or how many awards I win,” Henson declared. “Whenever Tyler Perry calls, I’m there.”
The collaboration between Henson and Perry has produced some of the most memorable performances of her career, including her roles in Acrimony and Straw. Perry’s efforts to center Black talent, both in front of and behind the camera, have made him a unique force in an industry often criticized for its lack of diversity and equitable opportunities.
Henson’s story has sparked discussions about the systemic challenges faced by Black actresses in Hollywood. Critics and fans alike have pointed to her experiences as emblematic of broader inequities, with Henson’s own career serving as both a cautionary tale and a testament to resilience.
Her latest film, Straw, currently topping Netflix’s charts, is a reminder of her enduring talent and the importance of allies like Tyler Perry in shaping careers and challenging industry norms. As Henson’s career continues to soar, her gratitude to Perry underscores the transformative power of support and loyalty in an often unforgiving industry.