Cyrus Langhorne
“Empire” star Taraji P. Henson showed off her acting chops last night (April 11) on her long-awaited hosting spot for NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” show.
While parodying rap heavyweight Nicki Minaj in a “Home” parody sketch, Taraji brought her fan favorite “Cookie” character to the live broadcast.
It wasn’t until after “Weekend Update” when Henson impersonated comedian Wanda Sykes in a “Hollywood Game Night” sketch that she found her comedic footing. Henson drew big laughs as she nailed Sykes’ voice and walk. To no one’s surprise, “Empire” made its way onto the show and Henson once again proved how funny she is as Cookie this time on a “Sesame Street” short that include an Elmo coat. (The Wrap)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJAq8iWf3YY
Henson also used the live broadcast to take a few digs at “SNL” during her opening monologue.
In her monologue, Taraji P. Henson says of her first hosting gig, “It proves that after 20 years in show business, white people know who I am.” Which, being about as subtle a burn on SNL’s spotty racial history as it is, also reinforces how seasoned a professional Henson is, a level of experience that serves her well tonight. The monologue itself is—wait for it—another musical number, but Henson (backed by a full church choir) has the pipes, and her song sees her joyfully expressing how damned happy she is at her hard-won success. (AV Club)
The sketch comedy show broke the big news of Taraji’s hosting duties last month.
Taraji also celebrated the news on her social media pages.
