Leading Lady Taraji P. Henson covers Rhapsody Magazine October Issue

Taraji P. Henson is the latest cover star for Rhapsody Magazine October issue, the 47-year-old who is best known for playing Cookie Lyon on Fox’s megahit Empire looks sultry in the cover photos.

But being the queen of the Empire isn’t enough, the Washington D.C. born actress wants to change the narrative of what it means to be an actress of color in Hollywood in 2017.

Inside the magazine, she talks about growing up, the success of her movie Hidden Figures and what it means to be a leading lady in 2017.

On changing the narrative: “Can we stop saying ‘black’ and ‘white’? We get caught up on labels. Whatever happened to the good material? I don’t go to the theater and say, ‘Hmm, do I feel like seeing a white movie this weekend?'”

On playing Cookie Lyon on Empire: “Cookie scared the life out of me,’ Taraji said. ‘I was like, ‘Do we need this character on TV representing black women? How is this going to help us?. But fear is a sure sign I need to do the role. If it doesn’t scare me, I don’t do it – that’s too easy.”

On telling her story: “I have to be particular about the roles I choose because I really do want to inspire. You know, I’m an around-the-way girl. I grew up in the hood. I’m just a regular girl who had dreams, and my story’s important.”

Credits: Rhapsody’s Magazine | www.rhapsodymag.com