What a goofball! Taraji P. Henson displays a silly face along with her shapely figure in tight monochrome dress at NYC event

By Dailymail.com Reporter

Published: 19:25 EST, 12 June 2015 | Updated: 06:50 EST, 13 June 2015

She plays one of the most well-known characters on TV, Empire's Cookie Lyon.

But Taraji P. Henson gave fans a glimpse of her own glittering personality while showing off her svelte figure on A Conversation with Taraji P. Henson during the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) at the Hilton in New York City on Friday.

The 44-year-old looked chic in a short-sleeved black and white optical illusion themed dress.

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Looking good! Taraji P. Henson showed off her svelte figure in a black and white optical illusion themed dress during A Conversation with Taraji P. Henson during the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) at the Hilton in New York City on Friday

Looking good! Taraji P. Henson showed off her svelte figure in a black and white optical illusion themed dress during A Conversation with Taraji P. Henson during the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) at the Hilton in New York City on Friday

She paired the fitted knee-length frock with sexy black pumps detailed with silver stiletto heels.

The mother-of-one's long locks were voluminously swept into a half-up 'do, showing off her dangling earrings.

Taraji happily struck a few poses on set, as well as multiple silly expressions - which included crossing her eyes.

Working it: Taraji looked to be doing dance moves as she showed off her fitted frock
Working it: Taraji looked to be doing dance moves as she showed off her fitted frock

Working it: Taraji looked to be doing dance moves as she showed off her fitted frock

The event was described to be a discussion about Taraji's seventeen-year career in Hollywood, as well as her latest role as Cookie on Fox's hit series, Empire.

Though the actress is sure to be thankful for her successful role, she recently had some other words to say to The Hollywood Reporter. 

'I hate that bitch Cookie. She has stolen my identity,' Taraji told the publication - explaining how everyone assimilates her with the bold character. 

So silly: The star was seen giving googly eyes during the sit-down interview

So silly: The star was seen giving googly eyes during the sit-down interview

Animated: The mother-of-one used her hands to express her emotions

Animated: The mother-of-one used her hands to express her emotions

'Art is so powerful,' the Oscar-nominated actress added.

'I felt like this subject matter [Empire] is dealing with is something that we'd never seen on primetime network television. 

'And if we do it well, if we handle it well, then it's going to force people to have conversations that they are afraid to have, and that's what art is supposed to do.'

Long run: The conversation delved into Taraji's 17 years in Hollywood

Long run: The conversation delved into Taraji's 17 years in Hollywood

Matching: The beauty sported a white manicure to coordinate with her dress

Matching: The beauty sported a white manicure to coordinate with her dress

Taraji's credentials also include Baby Boy, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Think Like A Man, and Hustle & Flow.

On Thursday, the actress attended the Dope Opening Night Premiere at the 2015 American Black Film Festival at the SVA Theater.

She was among other stars such as Chanel Iman - who can be seen in the dramedy.

Professional: Gayle King, left, served as the moderator

Professional: Gayle King, left, served as the moderator

TV star: Taraji is most-known for her current role as Cookie Lyon on Fox's Empire

TV star: Taraji is most-known for her current role as Cookie Lyon on Fox's Empire

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