Taraji P. Henson Shows Off her Cookies [Photos]

44-year-old Empire star, Taraji Henson shows off her body in the August issue of W magazine. 

Here is what she had to say.

On her role of Cookie in Empire: “Not only would I never be offered a character like Cookie in a movie, but she doesn’t exist. Cookie is bold and crazy, and she loves the struggle. She started from nothing, and now she’s at the top. In that way, we’re alike: Cookie is the American Dream.”

On originally turning down Cookie: “I was like, This is stupid. Hip-hop—dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb. But then I started to think, Cookie is going to piss so many people off! She hits her son with a broom; she talks back. Clearly, this was a challenge.”

On moving to LA to pursue acting when her son was a toddler: “It was a struggle. But my son grew as my career grew. I never had a nanny—I did TV so I could be home with him. I wasn’t making my millions, but I was able to fulfill my dreams and be a mother.”

She is one tough cookie. Check out more photos below!