
1. Moment I felt I'd made it: I don't really know what "made it" feels like. I'm constantly improving and looking for other great opportunities.
2. Most agonizing career decision I've ever made: Going back to television and taking the part of Cookie. I was so afraid people would hate her.
3. Favorite perk of the job: Knowing that your performance could change someone's life.
"I want to see more women in charge not just behind the camera, but actually as studio heads making the real decisions."
4. Worst pitfall of the job: Fame.
5. Change I'd like to see in my industry: I want to see more women in charge not just behind the camera, but actually as studio heads making the real decisions. You go, Dana Walden [chairman/CEO of Fox Television Group]!
6. How I made my first dollar: Doing fabulous manicures for my friends.
7. Song I'd want played at my funeral: Anything by Prince.
A post shared by taraji p henson (@tarajiphenson)
A photo posted by on
8. What every woman should try once in her lifetime: She should ALWAYS dance like nobody's watching.
9. One thing I'm exceptionally good at: I am a really good cook.
10. One thing I'm epically bad at: Calculus.
11. Superhero power I'd want to have: I want to fly! No more TSA, no more security.
12. How I clear my mind after a crappy day: Pray.
13. Something nice I did for myself recently, because, hey, why not? Had champagne and caviar for breakfast.
14. If I could compete in an Olympic sport, I'd like it to be: Gymnastics.
15. The last time I felt beautiful was: When my son said he loved me.
16. The beauty essential you'd have to pry out of my cold, dead hands: Rice blotting papers.
17. The three qualities I thought I wanted in a partner: Tall, dark, and handsome.
18. The three qualities I know now matter: A sense of humor, kindness to everyone, and honesty.
19. Advice to a woman with a broken heart: Please love yourself.
A post shared by taraji p henson (@tarajiphenson)
A photo posted by on
20. Relationship advice to my younger self: You can't change him.
21. The craziest thing I did for love: Put a boyfriend's apartment in my name.
22. Best career advice I've gotten: Never give up!
23. Kind of work I'd do for free: The kind of work I already do! I would act for free but, please, do not tell the studios or networks.
24. What does your career look like in 5 years? I still want to be making art that moves audiences.
25. Last thing you binge-watched? House of Cards.
26. On my bucket list: I would love to visit every foreign country I have not already had the opportunity to visit.
"I would act for free but, please, do not tell the studios or networks."
27. My perfect day would begin: Waking up in the morning.
28. My perfect day would end: Sitting by the pool with a glass of red wine.
29. What my high school boyfriend would say about me: That I am super cool and he is really proud of me.
A version of this article appears in the November issue of Marie Claire, on newsstands November 18. Order Around the Way Girl now on Amazon.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
-
Celebrities Flock to Balenciaga Show, Which Turned an L.A. Residential Street Into a Runway
One boldfaced name took to the runway to help model the Fall 2024 collection.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
One of King Charles’ Siblings Was Adamant That Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Be Evicted from Frogmore Cottage
Meanwhile, another sibling was “uneasy” about the decision.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Despite the Royal Family’s Disdain for Princess Diana When She Was Alive, It Regularly Pushed Both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle to Dress Like Her, New Book Claims
“During the past 13 years, Diana cosplay has become a royal staple.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
By Mehera Bonner
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
By The Editors
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J. Igoe
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors