Support for the cut comes from Kate Spade New York. Close your eyes.

Imagine if Joy were a sound. What would it be?

If Joy had a flavor, what would it taste like?

And how does Joy feel to you on your skin? For me Joy

feels like freedom and if you're looking to bring Joy into your wardrobe look

no further than Kaids fade New York. Shop their Spring Collection now and stay tuned for more. Hello and welcome to Inher Shews. I'm Lindsay Peoples, editor-in-chief of the cut.

Taraji P. Henson is an actress, producer, and entrepreneur,

best known for her work in television and film.

They include her career-defining roles like Shug in Housell and film. They include her career-defining roles like Shug in Hustle and Flow, Cookie Lion on Empire,

and Catherine Global Johnson in Hidden Viggers. In 2020, Henson also established her

own production company with a mission to expand diversity in filmmaking, and more recently has been outspoken about persistent pay inequality for black women in Hollywood.

Hi Teraji, thank you so much for joining me today.

Hi, Lindsay.

I'd love to start.

You've done a million red carpets this year on Color Purple, and I know that you said you

originally turned down the opportunity to star in the Broadway

adaptation but eventually came around when you were approached to play Shag Avery in the latest

version. So walk me through what kind of caused a change of heart and

the decision making around you wanting to to be part of the color purple this time.

Well I mean clearly she'll came back to get me so that means I'm supposed to do it for me

vocally I felt like I could handle it you know you sing it once you record it

and then you don't have to really sing it every night like you would on stage.

...