Taraji P. Henson Nearly Bares All in Plunging Mini Dress at ‘Fight Night’ Premiere
Taraji P. Henson is having quite a year. Time named her one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2024. Her haircare line, TPH by TARAJI, has taken off. She published a picture book, You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What), and hosted the 2024 BET Awards. Now, the 53-year-old is commemorating her most-anticipated role of 2024. Henson stars in Peacock‘s Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist alongside several Hollywood icons. As she walked the red carpet on September 4, 2024, the Empire star celebrated with a jaw-dropping outfit.
Taraji P. Henson stars in ‘Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist’
NYC’s Lincoln Center hosted the cast of Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist for its world premiere on Wednesday night. Henson, the crime drama’s leading lady, wore a plunging mini dress that might’ve quietly paid homage to her Fight Night character Vivian’s bold personality.
The Hidden Figures actor paused on the red carpet to speak with E! News correspondent Justin Sylvester. He asked the Henson, “Has Vivian gotten into you?” She replied, “When they yell, ‘That’s a wrap,’ I leave the character there. So, yeah, I’m done with Vivian. But thanks, Vivian!”
Henson stars in Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist as the mistress of Kevin Hart‘s character, Gordon “Chicken Man” Williams. The Oscar-nominated actor joins the Peacock drama’s star-studded cast, which includes Hart, Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, Chlöe Bailey, and Lori Harvey. Fight Night is set against the backdrop of Muhammad Ali’s 1970 comeback fight. It follows a group of criminals planning a daring heist during the high-profile affair.
Filmed in Atlanta, Fight Night examines the complexities involved with a high-stakes robbery set against the soulful ’70s. Henson gave Sylvester her take on the time, saying, “The ’70s was a great time in history, in my opinion. That’s one decade I wish I was an adult in. I was just born in 1970 when this heist happened. But that’s one decade I wish I was an adult in. I would’ve had fun in the ’70s.”
Taraji P. Henson’s revealing red carpet look paid homage to the ’70s
Henson’s red carpet look certainly gave a nod to the ’70s. The sequined silver dress featured oversized shoulder pads, a tapered collar, and a tiny split skirt. The neckline plunged nearly to Henson’s belly button as body tape likely kept The Color Purple star’s top in place.
Henson accessorized with silver jewelry and chrome strappy heels. She carried a Mini Sam Icon Duffle bag in metallic leather from Kate Spade New York. The Annie Live! actor partners with the label to aid the Global Fund for Women’s Mental Health. Henson acknowledged her edgy hairstyle as she chatted with E! News. She swept her short cut to the side and colored it bright orange.
Henson discussed Vivian’s role in Fight Night with Sylvester, who asked, “Is there someone you modeled this character after in your life?” Henson responded, “I take bits and pieces from different parts of life and different people that I’ve met throughout life … For me, the interesting part about Vivian was how she moved in a world full of men. There’s a certain way a woman has to move when she’s dealing with all men. And she can’t be emotional. She has to hold [her] tongue a lot and hold her emotions tight to her chest and literally operate like a man.”
So far, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist has garnered strong reviews. Variety called the eight-episode limited series “riveting” and “briskly paced.” It described Henson as getting “a full box of toys to play with, from a riveting dance sequence to a mid-season makeover to some Cookie Lyon-esque animal prints.”
Fight Night‘s first three episodes are available to stream on Peacock. The remaining episodes will air weekly on Thursdays.
