Taraji P. Henson Shares How Doing Her Own Makeup Helps Her Get into Character for “Joe Turner's Come and Gone” (Exclusive)
Taraji P. Henson Shares How Doing Her Own Makeup Helps Her Get into Character for “Joe Turner's Come and Gone” (Exclusive)
Desiree Anello, Aliza SesslerMon, April 27, 2026 at 6:29 PM UTC
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Taraji P. Henson attends 'Joe Turner's Come And Gone' opening nightCredit: John Nacion/Getty -
Taraji P. Henson exclusively tells PEOPLE why doing her own makeup for Joe Turner's Come and Gone on Broadway helps her get into character
“I don't have a hair and makeup team,” she admits, emphasizing that she does her own glam before every show
The Empire star also shares how starring on Broadway has differed from other projects she's worked on
Taraji P. Henson finds comfort in doing her own makeup before stepping on stage in Joe Turner's Come and Gone.
While celebrating the opening night of her Broadway debut in August Wilson's 1984 play alongside Cedric "The Entertainer," the 55-year-old actress tells PEOPLE that doing her “own makeup” before every single show has become one of her preshow rituals.
“I don't have a hair and makeup team,” Henson says, noting that she spends the moments before a show “preparing and putting Bertha on.”
In the show, the Empire star — who previously served as a producer on the Tony Award-nominated Jaja's African Hair Braiding — portrays Bertha Holly, the warm and welcoming matriarch of a Pittsburgh boarding house. Meanwhile, Cedric, 61, plays her husband Seth.
Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Cedric the Entertainer, Taraji P. Henson and Joshua Boone in 'Joe Turner's Come and Gone'Credit: Bruce Glikas/WireImage
“It's literally me putting Bertha on,” Henson continues, going on to explain that she does have a pair of people who help her put on her wig and a dresser to help her get into costume. “That helps build, get me prepared. And then we always do a prayer circle right before we have to go to places as a family.”
The Oscar nominee also reflects on why adding Broadway to her long list of credits has felt like “going back” to her roots.
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“I trained in theater, so I actually feel more confident and comfortable on the stage,” she admits. “That's why I can host those live award shows because of the theater training. So this is home for me. I'm comfortable here.”
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Taraji P. Henson and Cedric the Entertainer at opening night of 'Joe Turner's Come and Gone'Credit: Bruce Glikas/WireImage
During an appearance on Live with Kelly and Mark earlier this month, Henson further explained why her background in theater has proven so useful in her recent journey, which she admitted has felt like “boot camp.”
“Broadway is a different animal,” she said, noting that the “exchange you have with the audience” eight times a week brings a completely different kind of energy than film or television.
“When you do feature film or television, you don't know if the joke worked until they yelled cut because no one can laugh right away or else you blow the shot,” she added. “But in the theater, it's so alive. I love the energy; the synergy with the audience. The show is different every night. It's never picture lock."
Tickets for Joe Turner's Come and Gone are now on sale.
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
