15 Things You Didn't Know About Taraji P. Henson

She's far more than 2015's "breakout star."

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Don't get comfortable calling Taraji P. Henson "Cookie from Empire"—she deserves more respect than that. 

She may have surprised some by stealing every scene she was in during Empire's maiden voyage, but she's hardly a rookie. Since moving to Los Angeles nearly 20 years ago, Henson has ascended the ranks, moving from an office job to bit parts, becoming a lively character actress, and finally arriving at the top of the mountain. It took Henson years to shake the "Yvette" brand that her animated performance in Baby Boy earned her, but her turn as ride-or-die chick/brilliant A&R Cookie Lyon on arguably the year's best show has erased that.

If that showing doesn't result in her cleaning up at the Emmys and Golden Globes, someone call the authorities. It will be the year's biggest robbery.

Tonight, Henson will bask in her glory, and TV audiences will bask in her radiance, as she slides beneath her biggest spotlight yet: hosting Saturday Night Live. Prior to that, soak up everything you didn't already know about her.

Follow Julian on Twitter @JRK316.

She Went to North Carolina A&T Before Howard University

She Refused Special Treatment After Getting Pregnant During College

She Appeared in Dreamgirls During College

After College, She Moved to L.A.

Smart Guy Was Her First Major Acting Break

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In 1997, she played the character Monique on Smart Guy. A year later, she played Leslie on the show for two episodes. She also guest starred on an episode of Sister, Sister.

She's a Big Animal Rights Advocate

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Henson, who's posed nude for PETA in the past, considers her dog, Willie, a family member.

She Kind of Flipped Out After Learning She'd Be Auditioning with Tyrese for Baby Boy

Her Role in Hustle & Flow Nearly Went to Another Actress

She's an Academy Award Nominee, So Recognize

And, Technically, She's Already an Academy Award-Winner

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She's also technically already an Oscar-winner. She sang the vocals on the version of "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp" seen in Hustle & Flow. The song infamously won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2006.

She's Amazing at Improvising Shade

Funny Enough, She's Used to Being Called “Cookie”

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According to her, "Cookie" was her nickname for part of her life.

She's a Mary J. Blige, J. Cole, and Joey Bada$$ Fan

She Almost Passed on the Role of Cookie Lyon

Empire's Homophobia Isn't What Concerned Her the Most About the Show

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