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Taraji P. Henson’s Braless Figure Featured In ‘W’: ‘Empire’ Star Shares All About Cookie

By Regina Avalos
Published on: 22:58 PST, Jun 24, 2015

Taraji P. Henson’s braless photo spread for the latest issue of W Magazine is raising some eyebrows this week. For the interview, the actress opened up and talked candidly about her role on Fox’s hit series, Empire. Henson stars as Cookie, and the magazine reports that the Fox series owes part of its success to Henson’s portrayal of Cookie.

Empire was a smash hit for Fox from episode one, and Cookie is one of the most popular characters on the series. Henson revealed that she played a little hardball with Danny Strong and Lee Daniels when she auditioned for the Fox series.

Her audition was over Skype, and she made it clear she would take the role if they brought in Terrence Howard to play her ex on the series. She had worked with him before, and she knew he was the right man for the part. Daniels agreed to allow Henson and Howard do a screen test, and the pair now star together on the series.

Henson revealed why she decided to take on the role to W.

“I was like, ‘This is stupid.’ Hip-hop—dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb. But then I started to think, Cookie is going to piss so many people off! She hits her son with a broom; she talks back. Clearly, this was a challenge.”

Cookie will have some new challenges during Empire Season 2. Adam Rodriguez will join the series as a new love interest for her character, according to a previous Inquisitr report. Cookie is definitely a fan favorite, but the character is a “work in progress.” That is a part of the character’s charm, according to the actress.

“They want Cookie. They see her heart. They see her intentions. And they love her style—her style is 17 years behind the fashion curve, which makes the clothes a character on the show. As Cookie grows, you’ll see her fashion grow. And people love that—she’s a work in progress. The only thing that never changes is her spirit: To me, Cookie is living, breathing, walking truth.”

Henson is not new to television. She appeared on CBS series, Person of Interest, and she appeared on the big screen in several films. That is where she worked with Howard. The pair starred together in the 2005 film release, Hustle & Flow. She also starred in The Curious of Benjamin Button with Brad Pitt.

Empire has brought Henson more success though. Seventeen million viewers tuned in to watch the Empire season finale. Now, Henson is on the cover of W Magazine, and she also appeared on the cover of Allure Magazine.

In her interview with Allure, Henson revealed her policy on dating her co-stars, according to People Magazine. It is something she will never do.

“I always wanted to be known for my work. Not who I dated. Not who I slept with…. I have a gift, and my gift is acting. I started in the business at 26 with a kid, so I was smart enough to know reality from fantasy. I didn’t want to blur the lines. This is a job that I have to do. I cannot get caught up in it. And if I sleep with these guys, why would they want to work with me again? The conquest is up. Now I’m just used-up. You have to stay professional. It is a business. I’m not letting no knucklehead dude come between my hard work and my money.”

Henson has been in the news for more than Empire recently. The actress spent some time in the hospital, according to Entertainment Weekly. She shared a photo of herself in a hospital bed on her Instagram, and she made it clear that the hospital stay was a wake-up call. She captioned her Instagram snap with the lesson she learned.

“God has a way of saying “you’re doing too much!” “SAT DOWN SOMEWHERE”. I’m listening Father!!! I am taking several seats!!! Don’t worry y’all I’m a tough cookie! HA! I will be just fine. My momma and best friends are flying in to check on me. I AM FINE!!!!!!! Just need to SAT ALL THE WAY DOWN for a bit. #listentoyourbody.”

What is next for Taraji P Henson? Deadline reported on Wednesday that she was teaming up with Danny Strong on another project. The actress will star in The Best Of Enemies with Tobey Maguire. Robin Bissell wrote the script, and she will also direct. The film will tell the true story of Ann Atwater and C.P. Ellis. Henson has taken on the role of Atwater.

In a more lighthearted appearance, Henson will battle her Empire co-star, Terrence Howard, on Spike’s Lip Sync Battle. Entertainment Weekly reported that the episode featuring the pair will air on July 9. A preview is below.

What do you think of Henson’s steamy photo shoot for W Magazine? Will you be watching more of Cookie on Empire Season 2?

[Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images]

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