Taraji P. Henson on Her Golden Globe-Winning Role, Handing Out Cookies

Marisa Roffman January 10, 2016, 11:14 pm

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Taraji P. Henson at the Golden Globes — Kevin Winter/Getty Images

ANUARY 10: Actress Taraji P. Henson, winner of Best Performance in a Television Series - Drama for 'Empire,' poses in the press room during the 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 10, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California.

Taraji P. Henson gave back after she won her first Golden Globe award: she handed cookies to other celebrities on her way to the stage.

“I just did not expect them to call my name; I never do,” Henson told reporters backstage. “I never put that much on it. I come to these events…and then when they called my name, it was visceral. It was like, ‘The cookies are here, I might as well hand them out.’ It was just a fun thing in the moment.”

.@TherealTaraji wins Best Actress – TV Series, Drama. Let them eat cookies. #GoldenGlobes https://t.co/zSP38iAqbc

— Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) January 11, 2016

Henson was thrilled her big swing on Empire paid off. “I’d have to say Cookie [was my biggest risk],” she said. “I was very nervous when I received the script. She wasn’t the most likable character. I’ve played some pretty edgy characters, but this was particularly a challenge because it was primetime network television. I wasn’t sure how people would receive her…I took a risk…I don’t just jump feet first on any project; I knew this was something special.”

Henson also said that rather than spinoff Cookie’s younger years, it seems that story will be told on Empire. “I think they’re going to try and accomplish that in flashbacks on our show,” she said.

Henson also shut down 50 Cent’s thought that Empire might be suffering in the ratings due to its homosexual content. “We ignore that,” she said. “It’s nonsense and fear…the numbers speak for themselves.”