People.com Celebrity Parents Taraji P. Henson: 'Once a Mom, Always a Mom' By Staff Author Published on February 17, 2009 06:30 PM Share Tweet Pin Email For The Curious Case of Benjamin Button star Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Brad Pitt‘s mom in the critically-acclaimed film, the role was an easy one to slip into. As mom to 14-year-old Marcel in “real life,” the 38-year-old actress feels that “once a mom, always a mom.” What’s more, Taraji says that she has a hard time turning off those maternal instincts — even when her son isn’t in the picture. “I try to mother my friends. It’s like riding a bike: You never forget how to be a mom.” In typical mom fashion, Taraji boasts that Marcel gets a home-cooked breakfast each and every morning. “I don’t buy cereal,” she explains. “Sometimes he wants scrambled eggs, sometimes he’ll have bacon, or pancakes.” The nature of her job as an actress can sometimes threaten Marcel’s need for a hot breakfast…but Taraji has found a way around it! “Even if I have a 5 a.m. call, I’ll cook and leave his food in the microwave before I leave. You expect a child to succeed and do well in school, but how are they going to do that if they have no brain food?” Marcel is Taraji’s son with ex-boyfriend William Lamar Johnson, who died in 2004. Source: USA Today Related Articles Stars Giving Commencement Speeches and Earning Honorary Degrees in 2022 Celebrity Foodies: See What the Stars Are Snacking on Today Picks and Pans Review: Taraji P. Henson Is ... Living Her Dream From Pancakes to Pool Time: How the People Celeb Parents Squad Celebrates Father's Day How Taraji P. Henson Escaped Abuse to Find Hollywood Stardom as a Single Mom Team USA Mogul Skier Tess Johnson Turned to 'Ratatouille' After Losing Her Shot at Beijing Olympics Mother Knows Best! People's Celeb Parents Squad Shares the Best Advice Mom Ever Gave Them How Living Though Her Parents' Violent Marriage Gave Taraji P. Henson the Strength to Leave Her Abusive Ex Taraji P. Henson Pushes Her Wedding Date Again Due to Coronavirus Outbreak: 'We Have to See' All of the TikTok Chefs and Food Stars You Should Be Following Right Now Taraji P. Henson Reveals She Thought About Taking Her Own Life amid Coronavirus Pandemic 49 Very Candid Celebrity Snapshots Every Parent Can Relate To 'People' Food Awards 2021: The Best Supermarket Products of the Year Bite Size: What Your Favorite Stars are Eating & Drinking Right Now 'Mommy Is Always There for Me' Shining Stars Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies