“This is insurance liability, it’s very dangerous”: Taraji P. Henson and Her Co-stars Did Not Even Get Drivers and Security on The Color Purple Set
Actress Taraji P. Henson gained recognition from portraying the character of a prostitute in 2005’s Hustle & Flow. She later starred in David Fincher’s The Curious Case of Benjamin Button alongside Brad Pitt in 2008. Her work in the latter was highly lauded, and she managed to earn an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
The actress recently starred in the critically acclaimed movie The Color Purple directed by Blitz Bazawule. Alice Walker’s 1982 novel of the same name is based on the coming-of-age musical period drama. 2023’s The Color Purple is the second movie adaptation of the novel after Steven Spielberg directed one in 1985. The movie received recognition along with securing various nominations, but the actress opened up about not having a smooth time while filming the movie.
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Taraji P. Henson opens up about her experience on sets of The Color Purple
Taraji P. Henson starred in The Color Purple alongside Danielle Brooks, Corey Hawkins, Halle Bailey, Fantasia Barrino, Colman Domingo, and more. In her profile for the New York Times, the actress opened up about how the cast members had stuff on sets because she fought for it. She said,
“They gave us rental cars, and I was like, ‘I can’t drive myself to set in Atlanta.’ This is insurance liability, it’s dangerous. Now they robbing people. What do I look like, taking myself to work by myself in a rental car? So I was like, ‘Can I get a driver or security to take me?’ I’m not asking for the moon. They’re like, ‘Well, if we do it for you, we got to do it for everybody.’”
The actress continued,
“Well, do it for everybody! It’s stuff like that, stuff I shouldn’t have to fight for. I was on the set of Empire fighting for trailers that wasn’t infested with bugs. It wears on your soul because you fight so hard to establish a name for yourself and be respected in this town to no avail.”
P. Henson noted during her interview that with Black movies, the makers just do not want to take them overseas, and she does not understand why. She elaborated that she has a fan base in China of all places and why would makers not capitalize on that, she doesn’t understand.
Taraji P. Henson wants to pass the baton to the actresses behind her
The actress touched upon the subject of her willingness to pass the baton to actresses who are coming up behind her and explaining what she thinks can be easier for them. She said,
“Hopefully, we’ll get to a place where people are getting paid what they’re worth. At least can we start there? So that’s why I fight so hard. When I was younger, I would be so full of fuel when I talked about it because I’m thinking I’m making a change, then 10 years later, I’m still having the same conversation.”
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The brilliant actress mentioned that everything seemed like a joke at this point, adding that she witnessed studios telling her that she needed a new team. She notes that she did get a new team, but nothing changed. Taraji P. Henson adds during the conversation with the New York Times when asked what could be the issue,
“When Black women speak, no one listens. And I’m not making this up.”
The Color Purple is available for VOD on Prime Video. It is most likely to stream on Max in the coming days.
