Actress Taraji P. Henson, known for her role as Cookie Lyon in Fox’s Empire, expressed her thoughts on Hollywood’s views regarding Black representation saying, “Black people don’t translate overseas,” and added, “I lied to me.”
In a video she shared, Henson remarked, “I’ve been in this industry for 30 years, and this is my first time at the Cannes Film Festival.” She acknowledged, “I should have been here long ago, but everything happens for a reason.”
The actress recalled a past experience while promoting Empire internationally, stating, “I was told, ‘Black won’t translate overseas.’ But I thought, ‘Really? I see Asians wearing afros and that’s fine.'” She shared her experience in Paris where during a Q&A session, the creator of Empire encouraged attendees to ask her about Cookie Lyon instead.
“As he was about to mention my name in a room filled with 1,500 people, there was an immediate wave of applause,” Henson added, referencing her earlier work in Hustle & Flow.
Henson explained, “When I got on stage, I couldn’t help but cry because I felt deceived by this mythology.” After leaving the event, she noted being called by her name, rather than her character’s name, which she appreciated, mentioning that she saw “real fans” acknowledging her personally.
During the festival, Henson also reflected on how, for many years, she was “gracious” about being underpaid. “No more!” she declared, asserting that contrary to Hollywood’s claims, Black talent can indeed resonate internationally.
