Fox Network's 'Empire' Star Taraji P. Henson Says 'Without God, I'm Nothing' After Critic's Choice Award Win
Fox Network's "Empire" star Taraji P. Henson said she is "nothing without God" after winning the Best Actress category at the Critics' Choice Television Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on Sunday night.
"You know, I don't know what to say, I just … so many people to thank," Henson began during the annual awards ceremony, which honored her portrayal of Cookie Lyon on "Empire."
The 44-year-old star first rattled off thanks to Fox, colleagues, and critics before turning her attention to God.
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"Thank you God, because without God, I'm nothing," said Henson. "And the fans. I love awards, they're great, but this just means I'm touching lives, and that's why I got into acting."
It comes as no surprise that Henson acknowledged God in her acceptance speech. In a past interview with The Christian Post, the star credited faith in God as the reason for her success.
"I moved to California with $700 in my pocket with my son and a dream and faith," explained Henson. "And every time a door would close I would pray to God, like 'I know you've got a plan for me because I'm still here.' There's a plan for me and I believe in that."
Henson, who's also an Academy Award and Primetime Emmy award nominee, never faltered in her faith, despite early disappointments in her career.
"Whenever I thought I was supposed to get something and it didn't fall through, I would just fall back to God and be like, 'OK, well what else, because whatever you've got must be better than this,'" added the actress.
Henson also revealed that faith in God helps her understand others around her.
"Faith keeps me from snapping on people because people will test you and push you. … Humans hurt each other because we're hurt," explained the actress. "That's what humans do; so why would you give that much power to another human? You've got to look to something higher."
Henson stars on the Lee Daniels-created "Empire" alongside Terrence Howard, Trai Byers, Grace Gealey and others. Season two of the drama premieres at 9 p.m. ET Sept. 23 on Fox.
