Taraji P. Henson Quotes

It is about understanding and working the spaces and angles between what is obvious to everyone else, and using those quiet moments to stand out. To win. That is the hallmark of a true hustler.

Acting for me is very therapeutic. It's my shrink.

I don't ever want to get boxed in, playing the same characters, over and over again. That's why I prefer features over television.

I just like when I work with people that are professional and good.

I feel like I'm already a winner. I've made so many dreams come true. I'm here. Whether you walk away with a statue [ Emmy]or not, you shouldn't make it about it that necessarily. Everyone who's here in this house tonight is a winner.

Date a woman with children only if you are ready to man up, because it's a position that comes with responsibility.

When I meet a person and that chemistry is there, I cannot hide the electricity. I need to learn more about him, and once I feel safe, I'm gone, I'm in love, and I give it my all!

A woman is gentle, soft, delicate, and a man's position is to protect her, help her up stairs, make sure she's in the car safely first. Take good care of your woman, and the sky's the limit!

Every human walks around with a certain kind of sadness. They may not wear it on their sleeves, but it's there if you look deep.

I'm really silly. That's the thing that people don't get.

I'm not interested in disposable music.

If I were to meet the most incredible man, and he just so happened to not make as much money as I do, I wouldn't hold it against him.

I feel like we all have our skeletons.

Love is the greatest gift that God has given us. It's free.

I'm not a selfish actor. I believe that it's a team effort. You're not in a scene by yourself.

When I go home to visit, they never treat me like a celebrity. They still treat me like TJ. If I leave dishes in the sink, they'll let me know.

With TV, you get on a show and you're there for 11 years playing the same character. I would pull my hair out. Yes, the money is good. But I'm really not in this business to chase dollars.

On my iPad, and I'm quite a fool for this, but I use Post-It notes to cover up the camera. It's just weird with that little eye there and sometimes it'll be green and I know I didn't turn it on. It's very spooky.

I'm a creative person, so I have to stay busy.

I'm always talking to the writers because I find it so fascinating, how they're able to go to these different levels with the different stories, and have all these layers to peel back.

I'm always interested in challenging myself and pushing and seeing how far I can go.

I would love to do a biopic of a famous singer, like Diana Ross or Donna Summer, or an old jazz story that we haven't seen before. I would love to do that! I would love to play Diana Ross 'cause she's an icon. I'm salivating to do that.

I love New York. Love it.

I don't ever want to feel complacent.

I don't harp on the negative because if you do, then there's no progression. There's no forward movement. You got to always look on the bright side of things, and we are in control. Like, you have control over the choices you make.

Humans have a light side and a dark side, and it's up to us to choose which way we're going to live our lives. Even if you start out on the dark side, it doesn't mean you have to continue your journey that way. You always have time to turn it around.

Sometimes you have to say the words exactly how they are on the page, but sometimes when you improv, it only helps to get across what's on the page, and I just love working with directors who allow that.

I like to be home with my son, kickin' it and watching ESPN, a very normal life. I like to take him to school every day, watch his games.

I would love to play a superhero. I wish I could be in 'The Avengers,' kicking butt.

Most men are fragile.

I love the art of acting, so I don't care if I'm in a movie with 10 people, two people, or by myself. I just really enjoy it.

Improvisation helps because you get what's on the page and you make it a little more palatable to your tongue. And that's the beauty of creating and being spontaneous. That's the way I love to work.

I think I'm a better comedic actress than I am a dramatic actress, but everybody believes I'm this dramatic actress and I'll take it.

You could be laughing one day about the same issues that you're crying about the next day, so that's life.

I hate when things get labeled as "black movies." I don't say, "Oh, this weekend, I want to see an all-white movie," or "I want to see a black movie." I just go to a movie because I saw the previews and I relate to it. I want to see it because the previews look interesting.

I'm always the cousin that can't make it to the family functions because I'm busy.

I've been doing a lot of drama, but I feel like comedy is my strength.

I love children.

At the end of the day, I stand by who I am. I'm a good person.

If I feel like I've reached this greatness in my career than there's no more room for growth. I don't think I'm ever going to get there. If I ever get complacent, it's time for me to bow out.