Cast & Creative
Taraji P. Henson is an Academy Award-nominated actor, producer, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author, mental health advocate and entrepreneur, with a globally celebrated career that extends beyond the screen.
In March 2026, Henson made her Broadway debut in August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone opposite Cedric the Entertainer and directed by Debbie Allen. The play will run through July 26, 2026 at the Barrymore Theatre in New York City. In 2024, her producorial efforts on the play Jaja’s African Hair Braiding earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Play.
Also in 2026, Henson will reunite with longtime collaborator Tyler Perry and Netflix for two projects: the Perry-directed Why Did I Get Married Again? and ‘Tis So Sweet, directed by Tasha Smith. Also on the horizon is the TV adaptation of 50 Cent’s novel The Accomplice. The series, which was picked up by Peacock, will see Henson both star in and executive produce under her production banner TPH Entertainment.
In June 2025, Henson starred in Tyler Perry’s Straw for Netflix. Straw debuted as the No. 1 film globally on Netflix in its first week and became one of the streaming service’s most watched films of the year. It also earned Henson an NAACP Image Award for Best Actress in a TV Movie. Following the success of Straw, Henson and TPH Entertainment signed a two-picture acting and producing deal with Netflix.
In October 2025, Henson inked a first-look deal with Fox Entertainment Studios for TPH Entertainment. Under the multiyear pact, Henson, alongside Jamila Jordan-Theus, Head of Development and Production at TPH Entertainment, and their team will develop a slate of scripted and unscripted projects for Fox Entertainment Studios spanning comedy, drama and reality formats. Henson will executive produce and could potentially star. In March 2026, in collaboration with Fox Entertainment Studios, TPH Entertainment partnered with Lifetime to executive produce two new original films.
In 2024, Henson starred in Peacock’s limited series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist,” which launched as the most watched premiere in Peacock history and the No. 1 original drama. The show earned the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie), and Henson took home the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie).
Henson rose to fame with her breakout role in John Singleton’s Baby Boy. The film was the first of many in collaboration with the acclaimed director and producer. In 2005, they reteamed for the critically acclaimed Hustle & Flow, which earned Henson a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination and a BET Award for Best Actress. In 2023, she starred in the award-winning musical adaptation of The Color Purple, winning an NAACP Image Award and receiving a Screen Actors Guild Award ensemble nomination. Other film highlights include Hidden Figures, Acrimony, Proud Mary, Think Like A Man and Think Like A Man Too, Smokin’ Aces, No Good Deed, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
On television, she has garnered multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations, most recently for her guest turn on “Abbott Elementary.” Previously, Henson won a Golden Globe Award, received multiple Emmy nominations, and became the first Black woman to win a Critics’ Choice Television Award in the Best Actress in a Drama Series category for her portrayal of Cookie Lyon on the smash hit series “Empire.”
Henson is also a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author, having published two books. In 2024, she released her children’s book You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!), which also earned her an NAACP Image Award for Best Children’s Book. In 2016, Henson released her New York Times bestselling novel Around the Way Girl.
In 2018, Henson created the Boris L. Henson Foundation, which exists to both normalize and improve access to mental health services for Black communities in hopes of eradicating the stigma around seeking help and support. Furthering her passion for creating and uplifting her community and beyond, Henson founded TPH by Taraji in 2020, an award-winning brand of inclusive, spa-inspired products. In April 2025, she acquired full ownership of the brand. Expanding her business portfolio even further, Henson partnered with Seven Daughters Moscato to become the brand’s strategic advisor and creative collaborator. After joining forces in late 2024, Seven Daughters has grown 40.3% in dollar sales in the latest 52-week period, according to Nielsen.
Cedric “The Entertainer” (Seth Holly) Cedric Antonio Kyles, better known by his stage name, Cedric “The Entertainer,” is an executive producer, director, actor, comedian, and novelist. Over the course of a career spanning 30 years, he has solidified his status as one of the world’s premier performers on the stage, in film, and on television.
Most recently, Cedric has developed and will serve as executive producer of the new comedy sitcom “Crutch,” starring Tracy Morgan, for Paramount+. He has also joined forces with Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum artist, actress, producer and entrepreneur Toni Braxton for a music and comedy experience with their joint residency, Love & Laughter, at The Chelsea in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
In the literary world, Cedric released his debut novel, Flipping Boxcars, for Amistad Press/HarperCollins in September 2023. Collaborating with Alan Eisenstock, the literary noir tale drew on stories from his own close-knit family’s colorful history to serve up a fast-paced and diverting fictional crime caper.
On the TV front, Cedric is the star and executive producer of the CBS hit comedy ”The Neighborhood,” which was recently renewed for an 8th season and continues to hold the spot for one of the top 3 most-watched comedy shows on broadcast television. The series features star-studded guests, including George Lopez, Toni Braxton, and Tracy Morgan, to name a few. In 2023, Cedric received an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series for “The Neighborhood,” making it his sixth inclusion within the category.
Concurrently, he is starring in and executive producing the ”Kings of BBQ” series now on Hulu, where he and Anthony Anderson tie in their love of BBQ with their lifestyle brand, AC Barbeque. Cedric also hosted and executive produced ”The Greatest #AtHome Videos” and has previously hosted and produced the 73rd annual Primetime Emmy Awards. In addition, Cedric reprised his role as Uncle Bobby in Disney+’s ”The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder”—the long-anticipated revival of the groundbreaking animated series “The Proud Family.” Other noteworthy television credits include ”The Last O.G. “ opposite Tracy Morgan and Tiffany Haddish, ”The Steve Harvey Show,” “Cedric the Entertainer Presents” and ”Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.”
His versatile film work spans genres, from memorable performances in comedies such as the hit Barbershop franchise and The Original Kings of Comedy concert film—which chronicled his record-breaking comedy tour with fellow comedians Steve Harvey, D.L Hughley and the late Bernie Mac—to dramas like Paul Schrader’s critically acclaimed, Oscar-nominated drama First Reformed, co-starring Ethan Hawke and Amanda Seyfried, as well as his signature baritone voice in animated hits such as Disney’s Madagascar and Planes franchises, Ice Age, and Dr. Dolittle 2, among many others.
He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2019. Cedric has continuously been passionate about his philanthropic efforts through The Kyles Family Foundation, where they have raised funds and donated to organizations and programs including the Boys & Girls Club of America, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, United Negro College Fund, SSM Health’s Women’s Health Initiative, UNCF, Amazing Grace Conservatory, and more.
Ruben Santiago-Hudson (Bynum Walker). Ruben most recently helmed the world premiere of John Leguizamo’s The Other Americans at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., and the Public Theatre in NYC. He will star opposite Tom Hanks and Kelli O’Hara in This World of Tomorrow, written by Hanks and James Glossman, at NYC’s The Shed in November 2025. His Broadway production of Skeleton Crew by Dominique Morisseau received 4 Tony® nominations, including Outstanding New Play. His own autobiographical Lackawanna Blues was awarded The Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards as well as a Tony Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor. With Lackawanna Blues, Ruben became the first person in the history of Broadway to write, direct and star in a play. His Broadway production of Jitney garnered several awards for Outstanding Revival including the Tony Award and six Tony nominations. Santiago-Hudson adapted August Wilson’s play Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom for Netflix: produced by Denzel Washington, directed by George C. Wolfe, and starring Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman.
Santiago-Hudson received a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance in August Wilson’s Seven Guitars and made his Broadway acting debut alongside Gregory Hines in Jelly’s Last Jam; other Broadway credits include Stick Fly and Gem of the Ocean.
Ruben wrote, executive produced and co-starred in the HBO film Lackawanna Blues based on his Obie- and Helen Hayes Award-winning play. The movie received many honors, including an Emmy, Golden Globe, NAACP Image Award, The Christopher Award, and the Humanitas Prize.
Film and television credits include “East New York,” American Gangster, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Shaft, Devil’s Advocate, Domestic Disturbance, Forgotten Genius, The Red Sneakers, Selma, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Solomon and Sheba (the first time a biblical movie starred actors of color), Rear Window, “The Quad,” “Public Morals,” “Low Winter Sun,” “David Makes Man,” “Billions,” “The West Wing,” “Law & Order,” and numerous other guest star appearances. Santiago-Hudson starred in the hit ABC series “Castle” for three seasons as Capt. Roy Montgomery.
Ruben’s other honors as writer, director or actor include the Humanitas Prize, the National Board Of Reviews, the Christopher Award, the Clarence Derwent Award, the Lucille Lortel Award, 4 Obie Awards, 6 Audelco Awards, the Helen Hayes Award, the NAACP Image Award, the Glen Bartle Distinguished Alumni Award, the SDCF Joseph Calloway Directing Award, the Lloyd Richards Directing Award, the Nederlander Apple Award, and honorary doctorate degrees from Wayne State University and Buffalo State University.
Maya Boyd (Molly Cunningham) starred in the title role in the Broadway smash hit & Juliet while completing her senior year at Michigan. Prior to & Juliet, she made her Broadway debut in Merrily We Roll Along. BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan.
Rosalyn Coleman (Understudy for Bertha Holly and Molly Cunningham). Broadway: To Kill A Mockingbird, Travesties, The Mountaintop, Radio Golf, Seven Guitars, The Piano Lesson, Mule Bone, and The Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant. Film: Rob Peace, Miss Virginia, Frankie and Alice, Brooklyn’s Finest, Vanilla Sky, Our Song, Brown Sugar, and Music of the Heart. TV: “Bull,” “Jessica Jones,” “The Black List,” “Blue Bloods,” “Madam Secretary,” “Kidnapped,” “DC,” “Oz,” and “Law and Order SVU” and “Law and Order Criminal Intent.” Recent Off-Broadway: The Wedding Band, Native Son, Breakfast with Mugabe.
In 2002, with her husband/partner Craig T. Williams, Rosalyn formed Red Wall Productions, a film production company. Rosalyn has created and directed film projects, including several award-winning short films and the groundbreaking documentary “Black Sorority Project.” Instagram: @iRozapp
Abigail Onwunali (Martha Pentecost) most recently appeared in Jaja’s African Hair Braiding at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. Her credits include Broadway’s Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, King Lear (La MaMa), Bloodwork (National Black Theatre), The Half-God of Rainfall (New York Theatre Workshop), The Grove, and Sojourners (Huntington). A Princess Grace Award winner and playwright, her work has been workshopped by New York Theatre Workshop, Red Bull Theater, Fault Line Theatre, The New Harmony Project, Liberation Theatre Company, and Ensemble Studio Theatre. A graduate of the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, Abigail calls Houston, Texas, and Nigeria home. She is grateful to God and all who support her.
Nimene Sierra Wureh (Mattie Campbell). (NIM-in-knee). Broadway: Our Town, Mary Jane (MTC). Off-Broadway: Minor.ity (WP Theatre); The Apiary (Second Stage). TV: “FBI: Most Wanted” (CBS), “That Damn Michael Che” (MAX), “Inside Amy Schumer” (Hulu). Thank you God, Penny and Jordan, Ms. Debbie Allen, Mr. Brian Moreland, ARC Casting, and those who support me. For Kalonjee and Sandy. www.nimene.com @nimenesierrawureh
Debbie Allen (Director) is a BFA graduate of Howard University in Theater and Classical Greek Studies, holds five honorary doctorate degrees, has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was named a Kennedy Center honoree, and is an award-winning director/choreographer who has choreographed the Academy Awards a record 10 times. She has directed and choreographed for legendary artists such as Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, James Earl Jones, Phylicia Rashad, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Gwen Verdon, Lena Horne, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dolly Parton, Savion Glover, and most recently, Tyler Perry’s A Jazzman’s Blues.
Allen received a Golden Globe for her role as Lydia Grant in the 1980s hit series “Fame,” the Drama Desk Award for her portrayal of Anita in West Side Story, and is a four-time Emmy award winner in Choreography for “Fame” (twice), “The Motown 25th,” and “Christmas on the Square.” She also received the Emmy award for Outstanding Movie Made for Television as executive producer of “Christmas on the Square,” and the Governors Award at the 73rd Emmys. Awarded 10 Image Awards as director, actress, choreographer and producer for “Fame,” “A Different World,” “Motown 25th,” “The Academy Awards,” “The Debbie Allen Special” and Amistad, she has also directed the best that TV offers, including “Scandal,” “How To Get Away With Murder,” “Jane The Virgin,” “Empire,” “Insecure,” “Ms. Pat,” and Samuel L. Jackson’s “The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey.” She currently serves as executive producing director of “Grey’s Anatomy”, where she recurs as Dr. Catherine Fox. She is the daughter of poet Vivian Ayers and Dr. Andrew Allen, wife to NBA All-Star Norman Nixon, sister to Phylicia Rashad, Tex Allen and Hugh Allen, mother of Vivian and Thump, and grandmother of four.
Paul Tazewell (Costume Designer) has profoundly impacted theater, film, and television over three decades with his innovative and inspired designs. Renowned for visually stunning costumes, his work enhances both storytelling and character development.
Paul’s recent achievements include winning an Academy Award for Best Costume Design for his work on Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu and featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. This accolade was accompanied by a BAFTA Award for Best Costume Design, a Critics Choice Award, the Costume Designers Guild’s Excellence in Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film award, NAACP Image Award and the Innovator Award from the African American Film Critics Association, underscoring his critical role in bringing the fantastical world of Oz to life. Additional accolades include an Academy Award nomination for West Side Story in 2021, an Emmy for “The Wiz! Live,” and recognitions for his contributions to “Harriet, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” and “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.”
On Broadway, his costumes in Death Becomes Her currently on Broadway and the 2024 production of Suffs demonstrate his ongoing influence, earning him a Drama Desk Award in 2024 and a Tony Award nomination. His revolutionary designs for Hamilton won him a Tony Award in 2016, further establishing his reputation in theatrical costume design.
Throughout his career, Tazewell has earned multiple Lucille Lortel Awards, Helen Hayes Awards, and additional accolades from the Costume Designers Guild. His dedication is also evident in his collaborations with The Metropolitan Opera, The Bolshoi Ballet, and The English National Opera.
Educated at New York University and the North Carolina School of the Arts, Tazewell has shared his expertise as a guest artist at these institutions and served on the faculty at Carnegie Mellon University from 2003 to 2006.
Based in New York City, Tazewell continues to inspire and shape the future of costume design, bringing life to a rich tapestry of characters through his artful and intricate designs.
Mia Neal (Hair and Wig Designer) is an award-winning wig designer hailing from Gary, Indiana. With an impressive list of accolades under her belt, including an Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling and a BAFTA Film Award for her work on Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Neal is definitely a force to be reckoned with in the world of stage and screen. Her talents have been recognized not only by the Academy, but also with an Emmy for “Annie Live!,” an Emmy nomination for “Pose,” and Drama Desk Awards for Shuffle Along… and Ain’t No Mo’. Her work can also be seen on the brightest stages of Broadway, with productions such as Hell’s Kitchen, Proof, The Last Five Years, Othello, The Notebook, Gypsy, Shucked, KPOP, 1776, West Side Story, The Iceman Cometh, and A Raisin in the Sun.
In addition to her work in theater, Neal has also left her mark on the big screen with films and television projects like The Smashing Machine, White Noise, Hustle, The Humans, Uncut Gems, Ghostbusters, “Younger,” “The Carrie Diaries,” and The Amazing Spider-Man.
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for her craft, Mia Neal continues to push boundaries and set new standards for excellence in wig design.