Taraji P. Henson to Star in Remake of "The Color Purple"
Taraji P. Henson, best known for her compelling roles in movies like "Hidden Figures" and "Baby Boy," is set to venture into new territory as she takes on the role of blues singer Shug Avery in the upcoming remake of the film, "The Color Purple."
Henson, a talented alumna of Howard University with a background in musical theater, expressed surprise at the physical toll the role demanded, as she had to combine singing, dancing, and acting.
Despite the challenges, Henson embraced the role, which included numerous table-climbing scenes that were closely monitored by Oprah Winfrey, who starred as Sofia in the 1985 film adaptation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and is also a producer for the new movie.
"It was 88 times, and what you didn't see was me icing my knees in between takes," Henson revealed.
In preparation for the role, Henson underwent intensive vocal training with a coach in Los Angeles for two months prior to filming.
Taraji P. Henson Finds Inspiration in Music for New Role
"I had to get on top of it because I knew after that, then I had to ... we were going to add the layer of choreography and then talking and walking, so I needed the music in me, to live in me," she said.
Henson said she listened to a range of artists that included Bessie Smith and Ida Cox to immerse herself in the experiences of the women she was portraying.
"I would just get in the tub and a tub full of bubbles and just lay back and listen to these women and I would let it just kind of overtake my body," she said.
Reflecting on her life, Henson said she felt she and her character of Shug Avery are alike. Henson left her hometown with almost no money to chase her dreams in Hollywood, despite having a young son at the time.
Taraji P. Henson Overcomes Doubters to Achieve Success
"I left my zip code and went out into a big scary world and made my dreams come true," Henson said.
Henson said people doubting her ability to succeed was motivational for her.
"I will prove you wrong every time you doubt me," she said.
