Taraji P. Henson, the acclaimed actress and Oscar nominee, has shared heartfelt reflections on her grandmother, Patsie Ballard, who has recently celebrated her 102nd birthday. In an enlightening discussion with Vulture, Henson expressed her admiration for Ballard and outlined the significant role her grandmother has played in her life and career, particularly as she prepares for her Broadway debut in August Wilson’s acclaimed play, *Joe Turner’s Come and Gone*.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Taraji-P-Henson-Patsie-Ballard-67th-Annual-Primetime-Emmy-Awards-2015-051326-6253936f36a84d578af8da9c8e1d8f78.jpg)
Speaking warmly about her grandmother, Henson revealed that Ballard was born in 1924, stating, “It just blows my mind.” The 55-year-old actress is particularly excited about Ballard attending her Broadway performance, highlighting the generational significance of this momentous occasion. Henson remarked on the challenges faced by individuals from her grandmother’s era, noting that “people in her position…weren’t allowed to dream.”
Henson reminisced about her childhood summers spent in North Carolina with her grandparents, a time when Ballard nurtured her creativity. “She allowed me to dream and create and come up with all these different characters,” Henson noted, adding that it was this empowering environment that allowed her to explore her acting prowess. Reflecting on the simplicity and freedom of those times, she shared, “I had nobody to play with. That’s why I could play all these characters. Because all I had was time.”
In recognition of her grandmother’s influence on her journey, Henson fondly recollected attending the Academy Awards in 2009. After receiving an Oscar nomination for her performance in *The Curious Case of Benjamin Button*, she felt compelled to have Ballard and her mother, Bernice Gordon, by her side for this prestigious event. The celebration became a cherished family affair, emphasising Henson’s strong bond with her maternal lineage.
*Joe Turner’s Come and Gone*, currently showcasing at New York’s Barrymore Theatre, marks a significant milestone in Henson’s career as she takes on the role of Bertha Holly. Starring alongside Cedric the Entertainer, who portrays Seth Holly, the production delves into the life of Herald Loomis, portrayed by Joshua Boone—a man on a quest to reunite with his lost wife after years of adversity. Directed by Debbie Allen, the show opened on April 25 and is slated for a limited run until July 26.
Amidst the joy of her Broadway debut, Henson also conveyed the bittersweet aspects of family. She candidly shared that upon reaching her centenarian milestone, Ballard expressed frustration over having to cease her driving—a common symbol of independence that many cherish. Yet, Henson’s reflections also highlight the strength and resilience of women in her family, as she noted, “I come from a line of incredible mothers.”
In addition to her stage debut, Henson continues to evolve her cinematic repertoire, having recently starred in Tyler Perry’s *Straw* and with a drama titled ‘Tis So Sweet on the horizon. As her career flourishes, she remains grounded by the strong familial roots that have shaped her.
In a world that often seems fast-paced and impersonal, Henson’s relationship with her grandmother serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of family bonds and the power of dreams. As she embarks on this exciting new chapter in her life, with her grandmother among the audience, Henson continues to inspire others to appreciate the indomitable spirit of those who came before us.
Tickets for *Joe Turner’s Come and Gone* are currently available, inviting attendees to witness Henson’s celebrated performance and the rich storytelling of a remarkable play that resonates deeply with themes of love, loss, and the quest for identity.