Taraji P. Henson Thanks Debbie Allen for Helping Her Through College While Pregnant

It was a big night for Empire star Taraji P. Henson after she won an award during VH1's Big In 15 with Entertainment Weekly. As she accepted her award from actress Debbie Allen, Henson, who plays Cookie Lyons on the hit FOX series Empire, thanked Allen and her sister, Phylicia Rashad, for helping her through college while she was pregnant with her son.

Allen presented Henson with her trophy and said, "I want to thank you for your beauty, for your grace, for your artistry, for the image of a mother who will stand in the face of any storm to protect the family." Allen continued, "Know that we're going to be standing and watching and waiting to see this incredible journey...but tonight we celebrate you as the VH1 Big TV Star, Taraji P. Henson."

After those positive words, Henson hugged the iconic actress and took the mic and revealed that Allen helped her get where she needed to be in her career long before her Cookie days.

Henson said, "I just want to say Debbie Allen you got to know the history. I went to Howard University, she's from Howard and I became pregnant in college and there was a fear of not being able to continue my education," she noted.

"I have Debbie and her sister Phylicia Rashad [to thank] because I really had no money to finish my education. They established this award in honor of their father Andrew Allen, but you gotta be a triple threat, honey. You gotta act, sing, dance. I won it. And I was six months pregnant. And I was able to finish my education. I couldn't imagine anyone else presenting me this award tonight, I love you."

Congrats to all of your success, Henson! MStars News surely does love watching you as Cookie on Empire. You are truly a triple threat! Hopefully more awards come your way.