She's an award-nominated actress thanks to her role as Queenie in the New Orleans-rooted “Benjamin Button," and now Taraji P. Henson is again heading to the Big Easy and she's bringing some friends.
Henson has spent a lot of time in the city since the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina - first for “Button," and then working opposite Forest Whitaker in the upcoming sports drama, "Hurricane Season." New Orleans native and cough syrup enthusiast Lil’ Wayne also stars in the flick.
"I play Forest Whitaker's wife,” explained the 38-year-old actress, finally gaining fame after years of supporting roles in flicks like “Smokin’ Aces” and “Talk to Me.” “[His character] is a devout coach, and so the family takes a backseat to what he does for a living.”
Based on a true story, “Season” tells the tale of Al Collins (Whitaker), a basketball coach at John Ehret High in Louisiana, who assembled a team of displaced high school students and taught them to channel their post-Katrina frustrations into a state championship-caliber season.
Lil’ Wayne and Bow Wow are among the actors who’ll be shooting hoops in the flick. Unfortunately, however, Henson told us that most of her scenes were kept off the court and in the family home her character shares with Whitaker’s coach.
"I didn't have many scenes with the fellas,” she said of the hip-hop stars/actors. “All of my stuff happens at the New Orleans house, so I didn't get to interact with a lot of other people. That's how it was on ‘Hurricane Season,’ it was me and Forest - which I don't mind."
Perhaps the reason why Wayne was so eager to work with Henson for his feature film debut was that she’s become such a good luck charm for rappers-turned-actors. The career of Common soared after they shared the screen in “Aces,” and Ludacris’ Hollywood career similarly benefitted after they made “Hustle & Flow” together.
“I only did one scene with [Wayne],” she said of the “Lollipop” rapper’s small role in the flick.” I think he only has a couple scenes.”
"And I have a fondness for Bow Wow," Henson added, sending out a wish to another multi-talented co-star. "I hope all your dreams come true."
Based on what you know about Lil’ Wayne, do you think he’ll make a good actor?
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