Taraji P. Henson Lands Role of Math Genius, Katherine G. Johnson In New Film, 'Hidden Figures'

By Ariel Celeste Johnson (ariel.johnson@mstarsnews.com) | Feb 12, 2016 04:30 PM EST

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Taraji P. Henson is starting Black History Month off right with a celebration of her new role as Katherine G. Johnson, a legendary math genius who helped launch an astronaut into space. The new film from Fox 2000, Hidden Figures retells a pivotal moment in history where a group of African American women surpassed all race and gender barriers to help move America forward in the space race. Hidden Figures is expected to hit the big screen January 13 of next year.

Hidden Figures is an adaptation of the book by Margot Lee Shetterly "Hidden Figures: The Story of the African-American Women Who Helped Win the Space Race." The book and the film highlights the contributions that Katherine G. Johnson Dorothy Vaughn and Mary Jackson made to one of the greatest moments in American history. The film will be directed by Ted Melfi (St. Vincent) with Peter Chernin and Jenno Topping as producers.

This dynamic trio of NASA scientists are behind the launch of astronaut John Glenn into space and bringing him back safely. Glenn flew the Friendship 7 mission in 1962, becoming the first American to orbit the Earth. Hidden Figures will bring to light the valuable contributions that three African American women made to this historical moment in a time plagued with racist and sexist tensions.

The Golden Globe winning Empire actress, will take the lead role as Katherine Johnson. She shared via Instagram her excitement in landing the role and shared some knowledge about the space maven with her fans. Henson ended the post with a nod to Black History Month with a hashtag.

She stated "This project is so important. Honored to portray #KatherineJohnson Katherine G. Johnson...who contributed to America's aeronautics and space programs with the early application of digital electronic computers at NASA..."

Don't miss Taraji P. Henson on the big screen as innovator and American hero, Katherine Johnson in Hidden Figures on January 13, 2017!

Until then, catch Henson as Cookie Lyon when Empire returns Wednesday March 30 on FOX.

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