Taraji P. Henson on Why She Agonized About Taking the Role of Cookie

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 (opens in new tab) now on Amazon.