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Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson is the cover story for the latest issue of Monarch magazine.

Here are some excerpts and pics from the interview:

Who was your inspiration when you first began your acting career? I would have to say Diana Ross was my original inspiration. My all-time favorite movie is Mahoghany. I love the character that she played. But when I went to Howard, Debbie Allen was it. I was told that I reminded people of her because of my lively spirit and spunk.

Who is your inspiration now? Oh, the incomparable Ms. Ruby Dee by far. I remember when I was at Howard, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis would come teach a theater class and I as always front and center row. They were amazing and truly inspirational. James Earl Jones even compared me to Ruby Dee once and I was honored.

Taraji’s one on one with Radio One’s Cathy Hughes.

What’s the one thing you do without on a daily basis? Oh, that’s an easy one, I can’t live…without a kiss and hug from my son.

What achievement to date are you most proud of? Being a mother! Honestly, I have done a hell of a job as a single mother and Marcell is an incredible kid. I believe children are closest to God’s heart, like little angels, and because I take good care of him that’s why I am so blessed.

Get Taraji’s Oscar hair.

For 2024’s iteration of MadameNoire and HelloBeautiful’s annual series Women to Know, we knew we wanted to celebrate the people who help make the joys of film and television possible. To create art is to create magic. This year, we spotlight Hollywood Executive’s changing the face of cinema.