Taraji P. Henson’s Bold Move: Firing Her Team Post-Empire
In a bold career move, acclaimed actress Taraji P. Henson revealed that she fired her entire team following the success of her character Cookie Lyon on the popular TV series “Empire”. The decision came after Henson realized that her team had not adequately capitalized on the momentum and fame she gained from the show.
Henson, speaking at a recent Q&A for SAG-AFTRA, expressed her frustration with her team’s lack of foresight and planning for her career post-“Empire”. She noted that there were no new roles or endorsements lined up for her after the series, which ran from 2015 to 2020, ended. Her character, Cookie Lyon, had become a fashion icon and a beloved figure in pop culture, yet, according to Henson, her team failed to leverage this popularity into further career advancement.
In her words, Henson said, “Firing everybody after Cookie. Everybody had to f**kin’ go. Where is my deal? Where’s my commercial? Cookie was at the top of the fashion game. Where is my endorsement? What did you have set up for after this?” This statement highlighted her disappointment in the missed opportunities and lack of strategic planning by her team.
Henson’s decision underscores the importance of having a team that is proactive and aligned with an artist’s career aspirations and potential. It also serves as a powerful reminder to aspiring actors about the value of self-advocacy in the entertainment industry.
