Mary J Blige Says That Taraji P Henson Inspired Her To Overcome Her Fears Of Becoming An Actress!

( 📸: Getty Images)

Cousins! Mary J. Blige has opened up to fans about her fear of stepping into the acting world and the inspiration she found in Taraji P Henson‘s legendary role of ‘Yvette’ in John Singleton‘s 2000s film, ‘Baby Boy’

While appearing in her Strength Of A Woman summit in New York City for Mother’s Day weekend, Mary spoke on her love for film and television and how she was interested in acting but extremely hesitant.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer says that it was Taraji’s role in ‘Baby Boy’ and how she represented Black women around the world that helped her realize what she could bring to the big screen.

“When I first saw Taraji in ‘Baby Boy’, while recalling how she felt the first time she saw her on screen, “I was like, yo if this is not us!”

Mary added, “ I was so excited I was like, I can’t wait to meet this girl.” She says that the very first time they officially crossed paths was on set for Tyler Perry’s early 2000s film, ‘I Can do Bad all by Myself.’

“We met, just poured into each other and the rest is history.”

Taraji shared that she had communicated to Mary that all she had to do was pour her true self into acting the way she does with music.

“Mary you got it. If you could figure out how to translate what you do through your music, and just put it into speaking because it’s already in you because you make us feel all of this emotion.”

Throughout the years Mary has successfully racked up an extensive resume of acting credits; from musicals, television shows, films and more.

In 2018 she made history earning two Oscar nominations for her performance in the film Mudbound forBest Original Song and Best Supporting Actress. The 53-year-old holds the title for being the first performer to ever gain a nomination for both singing and acting in a film.

Mary currently stars in the hit original series ‘Power Book II: Ghost’ as Monet Tejada a firey, fashionable mother of four and the head of a major narcotics operation in New York City. Fans can watch her in the series’ fourth and final season airing only on STARZ on June 7th.