Taraji P. Henson covers Ebony: ‘I’m still treated like I’m on the D-list’

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I love Taraji P. Henson. I didn’t start loving her until The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which was the role that earned her an Oscar nomination. That’s when I started reading about her and she’s just a really cool, talented woman. She’s had a diverse career in film and TV and she’s currently starring in No Good Deed, the Idris Elba home-invader movie. Taraji + Idris? I hope the film makes money, because she deserves to keep getting lead roles. Anyway, Taraji covers the new issue of Ebony to promote the film, and she talks about how little respect she gets in Hollywood even with her varied and accomplished career. Sound familiar? Oh, right. Viola Davis was just talking about that too. Is it that these accomplished and wonderful actresses just aren’t working hard enough? Or is that Hollywood is really difficult place for women of color?

Ebony: What body part will you have to fix in five years?
Taraji:
My stomach. I get it from my mom, who had to get a tummy tuck because she didn’t exercise. I try to work out at least five days a week. But if it reaches the point where I am not satisfied, I’m just going to be like, “Can you suck this out of me? Thanks!”

What’s your No. 1 guilty pleasure?
Watching ratchet, ratchet television—like any of the Real Housewives shows, especially when they were fighting and a girl got her weave snatched out—that is my guilty pleasure. Sometimes, I’ll just sit in front of the TV, screaming, “Ratchet, ratchet, ratchet! Where’s the ratchet TV?”

What’s the last thing you used your celeb status to get?
To get my fat a– into a restaurant. If someone tells me there’s a wait, I’ll walk right to the front of the line like, “I need a table now. I need to eat, and I want this. So let’s work this out.”

On her No Good Deed character
“It’s a real girl-power film; she never stops fighting. It delivers the message that you don’t ever have to become the victim.”

On the best advice she’s ever received
“My dad always told me to get away from those who have the same problem and get around people who have a solution.”

On her career
“I’m still treated like I’m on the D-list. I’m still being considered with actresses who haven’t done half the stuff I’ve achieved. When people tell me no, I get hyped. Because when I prove that I can and will, I love watching people eat crow.”

[From People & Ebony]

I like that she admits to pulling the “I’m a celebrity, I need a table!” card. Because if it was, like, Nicole Richie or a Kardashian (or someone less accomplished than Taraji), the restaurant would have already seated her. And it’s good that her “D-list” status motivates her, but it shouldn’t have to. She shouldn’t have to fight this friggin’ hard.

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Photos courtesy of WENN, cover courtesy of Ebony.

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110 Responses to “Taraji P. Henson covers Ebony: ‘I’m still treated like I’m on the D-list’”

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  1. lucy2 says:

    I really like her too. She was the main reason I started watching Person of Interest, and she was really great on that show. I’m sad she decided to leave it, but I hope more good things come her way.
    I also remember her just killing it on the red carpet during awards season the year she was nominated.

    • Hiddlesgirl85 says:

      Taraji actually didn’t decide to leave Person of Interest. The creator decided to write her character off to make room for the other female actress on the show. Even the head of the network was surprised about Taraji’s character being written off.

      • lucy2 says:

        That’s interesting. I saw her on a talk show just after and I thought she implied it was her decision, that she never wanted to be on it for too long.

      • MCraw says:

        No Hiddles, she’s done plenty of interviews where she said she was done with the repetitiveness of the show and wanted off. She was done. I worked with her while she was on the show and she really is in person how she comes across in interviews: funny, opinionated and like a gf you’ve known for years. She truly deserves the success and so much more.

        I just want to point out how much this is an issue of racism in Hollywood and not ageism. It would be easy to point out that as a middle aged women, her roles are dwindling like any other white woman her age. But Keke Palmer is going thru the same thing at half Taraji’s age. Keke is not as popular in the media as say, Ariana Grande, even though she’s accomplished more and would be a media darling if she were white. Lainey had a great article on this yesterday on why there is no celebration of this young woman breaking barriers. Women have to work so hard to get the same level of respect as men. For women of color, multiply that fight x5.

      • Tiffany :) says:

        McCraw, thanks for sharing that she is awesome in person! My girl crush can continue… 😉

      • Petrichor says:

        McCraw, thanks for the inside scoop! I don’t know much about her, but I always like hearing that celebrities are nice people. Too often I am disappointed when I really like someone’s work and then find out they’re just a nasty person IRL.

    • mom2two says:

      I miss her on Person of Interest. I don’t find Root (Amy Acker???) or the female version of Jim Caviezel’s character nearly as interesting as I found Carter. The show really lost something when she left.
      In my mind she is definitely not D list. It sucks that she feels that way. I do have to give her credit for admitting to using the “celebrity” card to get a seat in a restaurant, even if I don’t feel like it’s the right thing for her to do.

      • Tiffany :) says:

        I agree. Root’s coy way of speaking drives me insane.

        Not just compared to the other females, Taraji was the best part of POI, but I didn’t realize that until after she left. She really kept it grounded in the “realness” of her acting style.

      • anne_000 says:

        Her character is really needed on POI. Like Tiffany said, she grounded the show in the realness of her acting style. Too bad they killed her off instead of having her shipped off somewhere so that she could have come back later.

      • SaltnPepper says:

        Mom, you don’t agree with her using the “C” card but you give her credit for admitting it. If that is not twisted sister thinking I don’t what is. I have found that people who behave with a “do you know who I am attitude” tend to play that like a deck of cards to everyone they interact with. Now that will land you on the D-list faster than the age of your body or color of your skin.

  2. Jegede says:

    Nope.

    That ‘I’m famous ergo, I deserve a table’ entitlement does not fly with me.

    A or D list

  3. GoodNamesAllTaken says:

    I think she sounds like sort of a jerk. Sorry. I can’t stand people who use their status to cut in line in front of people who have already been standing there for 45 minutes. You are NOT better than other people just because you’re famous, and if you can’t stand to wait, leave and go to a different restaurant, you brat.

    • Linn says:

      I couldn’t agree more.

      ““I need a table now. I need to eat, and I want this. So let’s work this out.”

      Guess what, other people need to eat too. If you can’t wait than make a reservation like everybody else.#

      I would be so pissed if I had to wait just because some diva feels entitled to get special treatment. That would certainly be the last time I ever went to that restaurant.

    • Dani2 says:

      Yeah, I love her but she came across as a real jerk with that line.

    • Sabrina says:

      I agree and this would make me less likely to want to support her work in the future.

      I do like that she admits to it though.

    • Erinn says:

      I found her whole interview kind of obnoxious, really.

      I also really have no idea who she is. Which, after reading the interview, I’m not sure I care to learn.

      • Ellen Smith says:

        Which is precisely why she is right where she belongs – D-list.

      • BangersandMash says:

        Hold the bus!!

        I would take her over Zoe Saldana everyday and any day. She has worked HARD for this entitlement she is putting out there. She is working hard to keep up with the Kardashians, and the Saldanas of the world, she and Viola Davis, granted Viola does it with class, but none the less, you can’t shade her for wanting the priveledges that others get just for breathing in the entertainment business.

        At least she’s not lying about it (Ariana Grande)

      • Linn says:

        @BangersandMash
        So many non-famous people work hard and often harder than any Celebrity. Do they get special treatment because they work so hard?

        Yes I can shade her for feeling entitled to getting better treatment because she’s actress and I do.
        Obviously other people in the entertainment business shouldn’t get a special treatment either and when they demand it, I’ll shade them too.

      • Josefa says:

        @Ellen Smith

        The problem about this argument is there’s much less talented and much more diva-like actresses far above her.

        I actually think admitting it is worse than hiding it. The people hiding it at least know it’s wrong and don’t want people to know about it. If you openly accept it, it gives the impression you think it’s no big deal.

        Taraji is very talented and she works hard but that line rub me the wrong way. Sit your ass down, Taraji. You’re not above anyone else at that restaurant.

    • Irishserra says:

      Agreed. I don’t care how good of an actress she may be, if she regularly treats people this way, she will never get very far.

      • LeahMommy says:

        @IRISHSERRA…That’s a nice sentiment but the biggest stars in Hollywood are the biggest jerks so they do get ahead even if the are horrible people. Nice and thoughtful people in hollywood seem to be the exception not the rule. Taraji is not getting ahead because she is a woman of color. Like she said she has done enough not to be considered D-List.

    • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

      Since I brought this up, I feel compelled to say that while I do hate line jumping, she has a point about women of color struggling for recognition in Hollywood that is valid and the more important part of her interview. I recognize that and apologize for focusing on a minor (though really annoying!) point.

  4. Lady Macbeth says:

    I think all women are generally left behind in HW. However, women of colour a lot more than their white counterparts. Really a shame, she is very talented!!

    @GNAT
    Yes, she sounds like a jerk but they all do that 🙁

  5. Mata says:

    I looked her up on IMDB and, aside from person of interest, I hadn’t seen anything she was in. She’s talented, but she has 52 actress credits listed and most of them are in movies I never heard of or bit parts in TV. This would explain the lack of recognition. Well, hopefully Person of Interest and this new movie will raise her status.

    • Clever hand says:

      I think this is part of the color divide she is talking about in Hollywood. Taraji is a major star to most people in minority and I have seen at least 20 films with her in them. We have known her since she was Jody’s girlfriend in baby boy. But I find most non minorities only know her from benji button.

    • Pager90 says:

      She played Brad Pitts mom in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

    • Dani says:

      She’s also in Think Like A Man (1 and 2). I’ve seen at least 15 films she’s in. She has an amazing on screen presence.

      • Brionne says:

        She was also in Oscar Nominated Hustle and Flow. I remember her singing its hard out here for a pimp at the academy awards when the song was nominated. She was also in Talk to Me with Don Cheadle. They had great chemistry.

  6. Jessica says:

    I saw her on Jimmy Kimmel’s show a few days ago. She seemed like a cool chick. I don’t like the whole using her status to get a table, though. I don’t think that’s a cool move on anyone.

  7. NewWester says:

    Ratchet TV my new phrase of the day! Love it!

  8. Anonymous says:

    I remembered her from Baby Boy. She did sound like a real jerk with that line. I do agree with what the article said about Hollywood and women of color. It would be nice if she got into a major movie franchise or something like Zoë Saldana. Zoë Saldana is in like all the movie major franchises, and I’m not really a fan of Zoe to begin with.

  9. HH says:

    I prefer her with her short asymmetrical bob. It just brings out her face so much more!

    And I’m 50/50 on the celebrity status thing:I don’t like when people pull that card, BUT, she pulled it for food. HAHAHA! If there is anything I would use it on, that’s it. When I’m craving something and there’s a wait… UGH!

  10. Mar says:

    I really like her a lot. She does good work and does not have her head up her arse

  11. Ennie says:

    Truth about using her status, but while we hear about it, others just get seated.
    I had not hear About her before TCoBB, non white here

  12. Lex says:

    Never ever heard of her and have never seen her face. Perhaps she *is* D list?

    • T.C. says:

      She is an Oscar nominated actress and played Brad Pitt ‘s mom in the curious case of Benjamin Button and she has been in several films with an all Black cast. She is a good actress but wasn’t given more opportunities because she’s not Biracial like Halle Berry or. “exotic” looking like Zoe Saldana. Same old story about not enough good roles for Black women .

      • Pager90 says:

        For some reason ,I thought for years she was biracial. Not sure why?
        But anyway she’s a really good actress and stunning. I hope she gets more work.
        I love her in everything she’s been in. She’s a wonderful actress.

        I hope Hollywwod starts doing more colorblind and ageless casting and gives actresses more work.

      • Anne says:

        Find it pathetic people rationalizing her sense of entitlement , I can understand calling to book a reservation and admit using your celebrity , probably every single celebrity, even non celebrities, like politicians do that .. But what she’s referring to is showing up somewhere and throwing around the ” do know who I am” … cause she’s too precious to wait for her turn like us peasants

        And even more troubling is trying to make this about race, there are dozens of white actresses, that are in many movies , tv shows but never the headliner and have been nominated for best supporting Oscar in last decade like her who like her don’t have popular name recognition who don’t think they have the right to go anywhere and not wait in line and demand service cause they ” need a table now” and ” need to eat now ” …..

        Remember reading Amy Adams interview in it she said she doesn’t consider herself a list because she really doesn’t get treated A list in the industry from salary , to impute on movies to even showing up on red carpets …a 5 time oscar nominee who headlined major block busters and critically acclaimed movie..

      • Yup, Me says:

        You are conflating two different issues.

      • Danskins says:

        @Anne you may need to reread the article because you clearly missed her main point in the interview about the lack of opportunities for women of color in Hollywood.

        Frankly it’s troubling how people on the board seek to gloss over the much larger issue of racism on Hollywoid and choose to focus instead on something that ALL celebrities do, they just don’t admit to it. At least Taraji is honest and keeping is real unlike half of these fake humble-bragging actors out here.

        I respect her honesty as well as her great talent.

  13. AG-UK says:

    She was really good in Hustle and Flow

  14. Tig says:

    Isn’t this interview a bit all over the place? I get the vastly increased difficulties for women of color in HW, but she turns around and says she uses her clout to get seated in restaurants? Mercy, what would she do if she was an A list-demand the restaurant be cleared? Will give her a pass-but she better not try to bump me-LOL!!! She always looks great on a red carpet.

  15. Mia4S says:

    Did she actually seriously say that about getting a table in a restaurant?? Sure lots of stars do it but they have the self-awareness not to admit it!! Yuck.

    Hollywood has many diversity issues but she’s pushing it here. I’d put her in the same catagory as Oscar nominees like Virginia Madsen, or Rachel Griffiths. Great performances but not really the next A list stars. Rachel also had great success on TV.

  16. AlmondJoy says:

    Ok I’m torn. I do NOT like when celebs try to cut lines in restaurants or pull the “Dont you know who I am?” card. At the same time I have been a fan of Taraji for a LONG time, I’ve seen almost all of her movies and read most of her interviews. Taraji has always been VERY honest, but at the same time silly. She jokes around alot. She’s definitely not a jerk like others are saying upthread, she’s quite charming and I think you have to know that about her before you read such an interview. I can definitely see how her answers would make her look bad though. Also, I have many friends that have met her and said she was very sweet.

    • FingerBinger says:

      I saw her on Wendy Williams and she seems really nice and cool. I don’t think she feels entitled to things either. People like to bash celebrities for the most inane things.

    • Candy Love says:

      She is very nice I’ve seen her on The Talk and she had the ladies in rolling.

    • Kiddo says:

      Yeah, I think she was being frank about the restaurant thing. If you’re more than d-list, you just are guided past the plebes to the front, you don’t have to ask. I’m sure, if nothing else, 95% (or more) of celebs take advantage of the service privilege that comes with fame.

    • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

      This is the first time I’ve read an interview with her, so judging solely from that, I said she seemed like sort of a jerk. I really have a problem with people thinking the rules don’t apply to them because of a, b or c and they shouldn’t have to wait in line like everyone else. However, anyone can have one bad interview , so I will trust your judgment that she’s nice, and give her another chance.

  17. Marianne says:

    Even if she has worked really hard and done many movies or TV shows, she still isn’t A-List. I wouldn’t say she’s D-list, she’s just not A-list. Its all about how much of a household name she is. I’m not doubting that WOC have a harder time in Hollywood, but I would argue that the likes of Viola Davis or Octavia Spencer are more famous than her.

    BTW, I saw her on an Episode of Hollywood Game Night and she was so loud and abrasive. And she would purposefully shout things when the other team were doing their clues or whatever to distract them and it really rubbed me the wrong way. I really wanted to tell her to STFU.

    • Brionne says:

      Viola Davis? Yes. Octavia Spencer? NO.

    • bns says:

      What’s your point here? Not being rude, I’m genuinely curious.

      • Marianne says:

        I was trying to say that I don’t think race is totally to blame here. I think she just has honestly not had enough memorable roles. Plus, I was sharing an opinion I had of her based on an appearance she did.

  18. Kori says:

    I LOVED her in Person of Interest and she was a tough, compassionate, smart and capable woman on that show. It always angered me she didn’t get more attention for it–as a WOC playing the female lead and just as a great female character altogether. I was stunned beyond belief when she was killed off last season and really, genuinely upset. (Though the show did get some great episodes out of it) She had to be the ‘normal’ one but she embued that character with such heart, brains and integrity–she’s really missed. I loved her relationship with each of the men on the show–all in different ways–especially Kevin Chapman who played her partner Fusco. (Thinking of how he honored her makes me want to cry now). And just when they were flirting with her and Jim Caviezel’s character (whose conscience she had really been) WHAM!

    But it was said that she had always only signed on for a few years and wanted to go back to movies so I can’t be too bitter. I just wish more attention had been paid to what she as an actress and her character had brought to the table while she was on the show

  19. BeckyR says:

    Never heard of her and don’t think I have missed much based on this interview.

  20. Jamie says:

    I want to like her, but she sounds kind of like an ass in this interview. The “I need a table, I’m famous” thing so entitled, ditto with “I don’t like hearing ‘no'”. And there’s absolutely no humility anywhere in this interview. If she’s such a great actress she could at least pretend she doesn’t think she’s above everyone else.

    • word says:

      I don’t know why celebs think they can just walk into a restaurant and get a table while “regular folk” have been waiting over an hour for theirs. How is that fair?

  21. kibbles says:

    I’ve only ever seen her in one supporting role in the movie “Something New” with Sanaa Lathan and Simon Baker. I personally think that Sanaa and Simon are two actors with more charisma, attractiveness, and star power than Taraji and they aren’t even on the A-list. From what I’ve read about her in interviews, she comes off a bit egotistical and entitled. Hollywood is tough for minorities but it’s just a tough business overall. 99% don’t make it to the A-list and most struggling actors would consider themselves lucky if they could go from obscurity onto the C-list or D-list and that is regardless of race. Also, her face looks either tweaked or photoshopped in this cover photo.

    • deehunny says:

      i agree that she looks crazy photoshopped here, both body and face. They made her look like a Jackson where she really does have a naturally beautiful face

    • Lila says:

      *sigh* That woman is gorgeous! I don’t understand the ridiculous overuse of photoshop.

  22. Jess says:

    I like her (although I hate that cover shot). And I agree – you see white starlets (of both sexes) who have done crap being elevated while there are talented actors (of both sexes) of color that still have to struggle to get the respect they deserve.

  23. Hiddlesgirl85 says:

    Taraji is also an Executive Producer on the film, No Good Deed.

  24. Rusty machine says:

    I HATE that magazine cover. Bad makeup, bad outfit, possibly bad photoshop. They did her no justice in that photo. I think she’s really pretty in general, but not on this cover.

    • I Choose Me says:

      IKR? Why in the hell did they put such a beautiful woman in that ice-skater meets Las Vegas showgirl monstrosity?

  25. Dotty says:

    Who???

  26. floretta50 says:

    Tajagi Hanson is moving up in the movie star ranks even if she thinks it’s not fast enough. Look at Jennifer Aniston she is well known but does not headline a movie she is usually part of a crowd with a well known male star to carry the movie. Tajagi is black but she is actually headlining this movie and she is black actress, that is rare. Girlfriend just keep it moving.

  27. Snazzy says:

    Is it just me or did they lighten her face for the cover? Soooo annoying!

  28. Dawn says:

    I also like her lots but I really hate when any celebrity uses their job to go the head of the line for anything. And I don’t care if they are A, B, C or D. And I hate it because their jobs are no more important than a sales clerk, an assistant or an IT professional (wink!) and in some ways less important than say a surgeon or a cop or a teacher. I hate that sense of entitlement just because you are on television or in a movie. So she loses a point on that one, but I do agree with her other points and with that I wish her good luck in her career!

  29. littlestar says:

    I saw the trailer for her new movie last night, and wow, it looks really good. I’m actually tempted to go see it in the theatre.

    • Virgilia Coriolanus says:

      littlestar–go see it for me! I am so pissed right now. I was looking it up last night to see if my local theater was playing it since it comes out tomorrow–NOPE. And get this–they’re playing two free movies (kids movies) tomorrow–but they can’t be bothered to put a film in with two black leads.

      That’s part of the reason why I hate living where I am. Any sort of non-white film, they don’t play it. It’s all kids movies, crappy romcoms, and action films.

  30. anne_000 says:

    I hope she was kidding about cutting in line in front of non-celebrity people who’ve been patiently waiting to eat too. I can understand why restaurants would want celebrities to be seen eating there, but I think it’s obnoxious of celebrities to think they’re entitled to more privileges than ‘regular folk.’

    • jwoolman says:

      Actually, it’s a good way for the restaurant to get free advertising, so I can see why it’s an expected perk. In olden times, they used to get free meals for sitting at a table right in front of a big window. Nowadays, one anonymous tip sent to the right places will get a mention all over the net as well as possibly a picture of the celeb coming out of the restaurant. So it gets publicity for the celeb and priceless free advertising for the restaurant. Win-win.

      But I thought that people made reservations if they didn’t want to stay in line for an indefinite period?

  31. JB11322 says:

    Cuz you are, honey.

  32. Tristan says:

    She just isnt that famous, which is why she feels d list. I am sure all the megawatt stars like Beyonce, Rihanna, Oprah, Halle Berry, etc have the red darpet rolled out wherever they go

  33. bns says:

    You guys needs to stop focusing on her talking about cutting in line and look at the bigger picture of what she’s saying.

    • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

      Yes, you’re absolutely right. Women of color have a harder time making it to A list status in Hollywood. And that more important than my pet peeve of line jumping. I apologize.

      • bns says:

        Don’t be sorry! I agree that the line jumping comment didn’t come off very well, but I just felt after reading all of the comments in here that some of the points that she made in her interview were overlooked, that’s all.

      • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

        No, you’re right. Line jumping was hardly the big issue here. Not that people can’t mention it, as Andypandy says, but I agree with you that it took on a life of it’s own while the more important discussion just sat there.

    • andypandy says:

      @bns
      If line cutting is a pet peeve for people then they are free to talk about it AND still see the bigger picture
      People don’t have to be always singular in thought

      • bns says:

        Most of the comments in here are just trashing her. I don’t see anyone starting a discussion about the real important issue, which is the rampant racism in Hollywood in 2014.

  34. Kim1 says:

    Taraji is A/B list in the Black community she is more popular and well known than Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer.Taraji’s personailty is loud,honest and she jokes around alot.

    • FingerBinger says:

      She’s not A/B list in the black community. Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne , Nia Long would be A. She’s C at best.

      • deehunny says:

        Really? I mean, I guess she primarily does African American movies, but I certainly know who she is, if not by name. So to be that’s solid B list.

      • Pager90 says:

        I like she’s definitely A- in the black Hollywood community. She’s known, she is asked to host award shows ,Either BET Awards or Soul Train, appears at NAACP Awards, gets covers in the black media. She’s well known in the black community.

        She has one a Oscar nomination under her belt and is respected as a good actress.

  35. Rena says:

    Sorry, I have no idea who she even is!

  36. I Choose Me says:

    To get my fat a– into a restaurant. If someone tells me there’s a wait, I’ll walk right to the front of the line like, “I need a table now. I need to eat, and I want this. So let’s work this out.”

    I love her so I hope she was mostly joking about this. I can’t stand line jumping. Like hello, your time is not more valuable than mine. We need less self entitlement in this world, not more.

    Having said that, I do feel her on having to work and hustle harder to be recognized in Hollywood and I hope her new movie makes lots of money. I find her so compelling to watch onscreen.

  37. andypandy says:

    I like Taraji she is talented funny honest and down to earth however and this may not be popular She often has an inclination in her voice tone and overall behavior(even the tone of this interview ) that’s says well …..Urban .
    If you compare her filmograhy to even say Kerry Washington Before Scandal , Taraji has a much better resume but there is something about the way that Kerry speaks and presents herself that a wider cross section seem to be able to relate
    Am I suggesting that she change who she is ? No
    Is this the way the world should be ? No
    But at the end of the day this the reality of crossover/mainstream appeal in Hollywood and serves no purpose pretending otherwise

    • bns says:

      You’re completely missing the point.

      • andypandy says:

        Sooooh there can only be one point ?

        I am well aware of racism/colorism in HW and that fact that beautiful talented people like Tariji have to work twice as hard to get hard half as much and have to constantly prove themselves even when they are already ‘proven ”
        In fact I’ve defended this point quite vigorously on here before
        I am however also making another observation, which I believe is allowed on forums such as these

    • Sooloo says:

      And “urban” is, by definition, something bad or incapable of being understood (tolerated?) by a wide cross-section like what Kerry Washington can reach? I agree with bns; this is completely missing the point.

      • andypandy says:

        Nowhere in my comment did I say urban is bad I also specifically noted that she should not have to change and that the world shouldn’t be that way
        But judging from the numerous responses of people who had no clue who she is even though she is a fairly established actress, I am realistically pointing out some of the things that may be hampering her crossover appeal

        We may not like to hear them they are not fair but they are real and as I replied to Bns above I wasn’t aware that there can only be one point

        P.S I hope her new movie with Idris may prove different

  38. shaboo says:

    She doesn’t come across well in this particular interver, though she seems really nice when I’ve watched videos of her.

    The restaurant things makes her sound douchey. Also, yeh shes been nominated for an Oscar, shes accomplished, but the fact is she just doesnt have the name or face recognition to warrant what she seems to crave. If I asked my friends who Taraji was, they’d have no idea. The only people that know who shes is are people that read online gossip or are really into films.

    Of course, I use that only for instances like the restaurant one, things in general life. People in the business ought to know and respect her.

  39. V says:

    I get that some of y’all love her and all, but the bottom line is that she really hasn’t done much work that was memorable. Yes, she was great as Carter on Point of Interest, but what else is she known for? I’ve never seen Benjamin Button, but my family does watch tons of black films and has watched most of the shows Taraji had recurring roles on and guess what? No one remembers her. My mom saw a movie Taraji starred in, I Can Do Bad All By Myself, and didn’t know who she was. When that movie came on TV while my mom was channel surfing, mom said, “oh it’s that girl from Person of Interest. I didn’t know she was in this movie and I’ve seen it a few times.” My Mom was also a devoted follower of a show Taraji was on called The Division…still didn’t remember her when she started watching POI and my mom always remembers faces.

    So, if someone who has seen a lot of your work didn’t consider you to be worth remembering until recently, why would you be remembered by broader audiences who haven’t seen most of your work? Being black and female certainly doesn’t help matters, but she’s been on quite a few popular shows and no one I know thought twice about her until she played Joss Carter. If she wants to blame racism for problems finding jobs now, I’m in her corner, but before Joss Carter? I don’t remember her even though I’ve apparently seen quite a bit of her work and you need to be remembered in order to be A-List.

  40. Lux says:

    The cover is confusing me, it’s like her body isn’t matching up with her head.

  41. Emily C. says:

    Taraji + Idris?

    This is my happy place for the rest of the day.

  42. Veronica says:

    I get why people are bothered by her statement, but you have to keep in mind that this is pretty standard practice with high profile clientele. The wealthy and famous have always been given priority because their presence is a commodity – their publicity brings attention to the establishment, while their wealth makes them a viable repeat customer. More viable than one or two non-celeb patrons who may walk out frustrated. Entitled? Sure. But if white celebrity is seeing that privilege, then why the hell should she settle for less? Why is black celebrity inherently less valuable than white? This woman was an Oscar nominee a few years back, and she’s done prolific amounts of good work. So where are the jobs? Where is the recognition? The journalism? The advertisements? If she’s offering everything a white actress would, where’s the pay off? She’s not the first black actress to point out this discrepancy, and I doubt she’ll be the last.

  43. Goodnight says:

    I like how candid she is. It sucks that she doesn’t get the same recognition she would get if she were a 20-something white woman.

    I also think they lightened her face. One of my personal pet peeves is magazines lightening people’s skin. I hate it so much.

  44. perplexed says:

    I didn’t think she sounded entitled or “do you know who I am?” when relating the restaurant stuff.

    I thought she sounded more matter-of-fact about it — the interviewer must have asked her if there’s a perk if she’s ever used, and then she gives an example of when she’s used it for negotiation purposes. If she had actually said in the quote “do you know who I am” I would have thought she was odd, but the way she made her strategy sound seemed more about negotiation. Like, I could see even regular people with a certain amount of money using the same strategy — i.e guy from Wall Street with extra cash who wants a certain table to impress his date, and consequently employs the strategy of “Let’s make a deal.”