Actress Taraji P. Henson Says Being a Single Mom “Almost Broke” Her

Nationwide — Taraji P. Henson recently opened up on Michelle Obama’s podcast about the hardships she faced as a single mother. She revealed that raising her son, Marcell Johnson, alone “almost broke her.” Still, she used her struggles to fuel her mission to help others.

Taraji became a mother while studying at Howard University. After leaving an abusive relationship, she decided to raise Marcell on her own. She faced criticism but stayed focused on giving him the best life she could, calling it a “sound parenting decision,” according to CNN.

To support them both, she worked several jobs, including a secretary role at the Pentagon and performing as a singing-dancing waitress. She battled financial stress while chasing her dream of becoming an actress. In her 2016 Redbook interview, she said, “We can do it all, but I wouldn’t wish being a single parent on my worst enemy. It is not easy.”

In her memoir Around the Way Girl, Taraji shared more about her decision to leave a toxic relationship for the sake of her and her son’s well-being. Her determination eventually led her to Hollywood success.

In 2018, Taraji founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation to fight mental health stigma, especially in the Black community. Inspired by her own experiences and her late father’s struggles, she openly talks about attending therapy and encourages others to seek mental health care.