The 5 Highest-Paid Movies of Taraji P. Henson

Taraji Penda Henson is an American actress. Her accolades include a Golden Globe Award, alongside nominations for an Academy Award, six Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award. In 2016 and 2024, Time named Henson one of the 100 most influential people in the world

Let’s take a closer look at the five movies that not only boosted her profile, but also delivered some of her highest paydays.

The Family That Preys (2008)

This Tyler Perry drama marked a major turning point for Taraji. She was paid $500,000 for her role, a record for her at the time.

Notably, Perry paid Henson the full amount upfront, an act that set a new standard for her Hollywood earnings and represented a breakthrough moment in her career. For many actors, that six-figure payday is a significant milestone, and for Taraji, it opened new doors.

Acrimony (2018)

Teaming up once again with Tyler Perry, Taraji starred in this psychological thriller that grossed $46.4 million worldwide on a $20 million budget.

While her exact salary isn’t public, industry insiders estimate her compensation for Acrimony landed in the high six-figure range, reflecting her continued star power and value as a lead in Perry’s films.

What Men Want (2019)

A breakout comedy hit, What Men Want grossed $72.2 million globally and positioned Taraji as a formidable box office draw.

With a $20 million production budget and her status as the face of the film, industry experts put her paycheck comfortably in the high six-figure category, a reflection of both her lead billing and marketability.

Proud Mary (2018)

Starring as the lead in this action thriller, Taraji again found herself carrying a film both critically and commercially, with Proud Mary pulling in $21.8 million at the box office.

As the central figure in a genre picture, Henson would have earned a mid-to-high six-figure salary, further solidifying her place as a Hollywood mainstay.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

While this Oscar-nominated role earned Henson widespread acclaim, it also made headlines for a very different reason: the pay gap. Taraji was reportedly paid $150,000 for her standout performance, less than two percent of what her co-star Brad Pitt earned (over $10 million).

The disparity sparked important conversations in Hollywood about pay equity for Black actresses, and Taraji has spoken openly about this experience as a turning point in her advocacy.

Why These Numbers Matter

Taraji P. Henson’s journey underscores the persistence required to break Hollywood’s glass ceilings,especially for Black women.

Taraji P. Henson’s story is a real lesson in grit and determination. Breaking through in Hollywood, especially as a Black woman, has never been easy. Early in her career, her paychecks were a tough reminder of how unfair the industry can be.

But over the years, thanks to her hard work and key partnerships with people like Tyler Perry, Taraji not only raised her own earning power but also helped pave the way for fairer pay for others.

Now, she’s not just getting the respect (and pay) she deserves—she’s showing other actors that it’s possible to stand up for yourself and get what you’re truly worth.

Quick Salary Snapshot

Movie	Year	Reported/Estimated Salary
The Family That Preys	2008	$500,000
Acrimony	2018	High six figures (estimated)
What Men Want	2019	High six figures (estimated)
Proud Mary	2018	Mid-high six figures
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button	2008	$150,000