Taraji P Henson's past as teacher influenced her decision to accept role in 'Abbott Elementary'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Taraji P Henson is excited to play guest-role in ‘Abbott Elementary,’ Wednesday Special episode. The ‘From The Rough’ star will be portraying the character of lead Quinta Brunson's Janine Teagues. According to the network’s synopsis, the episode is titled ‘Mom’, in which "Janine's mother makes a surprise visit to ask for help" leading her to "put off her solo trip for Memorial Day."
Ahead of the episode’s premiere, Henson revealed the reason she couldn’t turn down the offer, "I actually have an affinity for teachers. I was a substitute teacher before my career took off. So I really have a fondness for that show," said Henson as per People. The ‘Four Brothers’ actor continues, "It's witty, it's smart. I see myself in it. And I'm just proud of Quinta. I'm proud of her. I just applaud her." While talking about the shooting, she said, "Amazing being on that set. The cast is just amazing. So giving and sweet. I had such a great time. It didn't feel like work at all!"
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'Working towards mental health'
Henson was promoting her Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation's partnership with Kate Spade New York for a new mental wellness program. "We chose Kate Spade as our first partner for the She Care Wellness Pod because of their deep commitment to helping women live their fullest lives," Henson talked about the venture. "And they recognize a vital role that mental health plays in that." Henson’s organization launched a partnership with Kate Spade New York for its She Care Wellness Pods recently. It promises to offer women on the campuses of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) frontline mental health care, which includes free therapy sessions and yoga classes.
What's next for Taraji P Henson?
The Oscar nominee will next be seen in Blitz Bazawule’s 'The Color Purple'. It is a historical drama adapted from Alice Walker’s novel. This musical adaptation focuses on the lifelong challenges of an African-American woman residing in the South during the early 1990s. It is being released under the umbrella of Warner Bros, Pictures and is slated for a December release.