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Taraji P. Henson flaunts her toned body in little striped dress at season two premiere of Empire one day after turning 45

Published: 00:39 EST, 13 September 2015 | Updated: 02:37 EST, 13 September 2015

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She celebrated her milestone 45th birthday just one day ago.

And Taraji P. Henson looked as incredible as ever when she attended the second season premiere of Empire on Saturday in New York City, where she put her fashion stripes on show.

The birthday girl packed a punch with a little black dress that had a red, blue and champagne-hued column running down the torso.

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Packing a punch: Taraji P. Henson worked her magic in a chic one-shoulder dress at the season two premiere of Empire in New York City on Saturday

The Fox star looked picture perfect with her dark brunette hair falling down in wild waves, while her crisp bangs added a dramatic touch.

Her one-sleeved number highlighted her toned shape and flashed a hint of her cleavage.

The actress carried a piano themed clutch while she worked her magic for photographers, flashing her wide camera friendly smile.

Posing princess: Henson showed off her camera friendly appearance for photographers

Harmonious! The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button actress carried a piano themed clutch

Taraji also donned a pair of golden heels, while her light yellow manicure was the finishing touch to the look.

At one point, the star cosied up to Empire co-creator Lee Daniels, who pulled the leading lady in for a warm embrace.

Other Empire stars in attendance included Naomi Campbell, Gabourey Sidibe, and Taraji's on-screen ex-husband Terrence Howard, who brought his ex-wife Mira Pak less than a month after the New York Daily News reported that they had divorced.

Keeping it comfortable! Empire co-creator Lee Daniels donned sweatpants and a loose black top

Former flames: Terrence Howard attended the bash with ex-wife Mira Pak less than one month after the New York Daily News reported they had divorced

The soap opera has enjoyed smash success in its debut season.

The television drama focused on the lucrative and successful record company Empire, and the family - who rose from rags to riches - that now oversee the organisation.

Just like her beloved - and feared - character Cookie on Empire, Taraji has had to ignore what others think she should do and listen to her own voice.

All that glitters! Naomi Campbell looked ravishing in a silver halter top and black maxi skirt slashed at the thigh

Edgy touch: Mary J. Blige turned heads in a tight and long-sleeved black dress that had silver studs on the sleeves and torso, while Gabourey Sidibe wore an elegant gold top and flowing black dress

The Empire star - who had her son Marcel, 21, when she was still in college - was not going to let that define her but instead used being a young single mom to inspire her.

Taraji recently told Glamour: 'When I got pregnant in college, people said, ''This is it for her.'' But I did not stop. I never missed a class. I was in the school musical when I was six months pregnant - we just made the character pregnant.

'I wanted to be an actress; I moved out to L.A. with him. People were like, ''Are you crazy, moving to California with your son?'' My father was like, 'Leave him home.'' I said, ''I can't leave my son at home.''

Va-va-voom! Grace Gealey and Kaitlin Doubleday kept the attention firmly fixed on themselves with their eye-catching gowns

Looking good! Jaina Lee Ortiz looked incredible in a tight maroon number as she posed beside Morris Chestnut

'[And eventually] my father said, ''That's your baby. That's your blessing. He's going to be your strength.'' And you know what? He was. I didn't have time to go to the club to 'network.' That's B.S. No business deals go down at the club. So I didn't get caught up in that. I had a mission. I had to make my dream come true. If I didn't, what was I proving to my son?'

Her determination, of course, paid off with her Cookie earning her an Emmy nod and is one of the most popular characters on television.

'She is everybody's alter ego. She crosses cultures.

There she is! Rosie O'Donnell kept it comfortable with a flowing purple dress, ankle boots, and a lightweight black sweater

Super sharp: Bryshere Gray looked incredible in his dapper and sleek suit

Making a buzz! Ne-Yo grinned while donning a hat and bumble bee necklace

'[Last year] we went to Paris and screened the pilot for a thousand people. Lee Daniels [the series' co-creator] brought me onstage. The audience stood up on their feet and clapped. I cried because, for so long in Hollywood, I've been told that black women don't do well overseas, that they can't open a film overseas. That moment for me was the best moment of my life.'

Cookie also inspires her to keep going: '[I feel most like Cookie] when I don't feel fear. Fear will cripple you, fear will kill you, fear will make you believe you're not worthy. After 17 years in prison, Cookie feels there is nothing to fear. She made it out alive. In her mind that's how strong she is. We all have that strength inside us. We just have to choose it.'

Being part of such an acclaimed show that has an almost all-black cast is something Taraji is very proud of and says she believes Hollywood is starting to make progress.

'I think we are making strides in Hollywood. It's the world that I'm more concerned about [Once my son] came home crying, like, ''Why do white people hate us? Why can't we fix this?'' This can be fixed. I'm gonna try my best to make change.'

The second season of Empire will return on September 23.