Taraji P. Henson. The “P” stands for Penda. Says the single mom and Best Supporting nominee for “Benjamin Button.”

“My career’s good, but I think about my family. It’s just the two of us.

After the best private schools, my college son, 20, is now a writer, trying to figure it out. Needing to like what he does. He writes essays, stories, and he’s also into music.

“Listen, we’re like the Jeffersons. Now a big LA house. To us, it’s a mansion. When his father passed away, I had only $900 to my name. And getting nominated, I blew it all on a pair of Louboutin shoes. I figured I deserved it.

“There’s also my mama, who was my date at the Oscars. She lives in Florida, and I’ll give her anything she wants. But she doesn’t want anything. She remarried. She found her lucky sucker. So if you ask how’s Mama making it alone, you’re confused. She’s not alone. It’s me who’s alone. I’m always looking.

“Hard to maneuver when you’re in show business. It shrinks the search pool. I don’t want an actor. I want a life partner. A real one. I had a guy, but cut to the chase. He was starstruck. They fall for the lady on-screen.

“Face it, I don’t wake up looking like Beyoncé. I think I’ll have to start hunting abroad. Maybe get off the Northern Continent. I know you just cannot have two narcissists together.”

About her new movie “Think Like a Man Too,” it’s: “I play Lauren. She’s single, she’s the successful CEO of a company. The cast’s unreal. Great camaraderie. Michael Ealy, La La Anthony. We could improv the whole movie.”

Traces of truth

Tracing ancient history, someone discovered the origin of the name Barack. It’s Kenyan for incapable. Tracing modern photography, someone discovered Taylor Swift’s daily “candid” walking shots — always looking toward camera. Might swift Swift stay indoors one day?

Whirlwind week

That new “Holler If Ya Hear Me” musical based on Tupac Shakur. Opening night Mel Charlot made her B’way debut. Weekend night, she got married in Canada. So far next week — nothing.

Stuck for conversation with DiCaprio? Know his best birthday was 16th “because I started to drive,” his habit’s “biting my nails.” A fixation? “Bubble gum.”

Make plans for summer

Greenbrier, July 3 Lionel Richie. July Fourth, Adam Levine and Maroon 5. Next night Jimmy Buffett.

July 24, Williamstown Theatre Festival has, besides Sam Rockwell and Nina Arianda in “Fool for Love,” also Renée Fleming.

Tuesday, Kellogg’s doing a free B’way & 52nd “Recharge Bar”: cereals, grains and names like “DWTS” Derek Hough and “The Doctors” doctor Travis Stork.

Vacationing here? Do East 48th’s Sea Fire Grill. Every fish but gefilte. Not even whales eat this good.

Pay attention

Will Smith: “I’ve had a bunch of 140-pound Rottweilers. Shame to live like that — because I really like people.” . . . ROCK-star nannies earn several thou a week. An agency who placed them for Bon Jovi and Rod Stewart refuses those who basically want work with a rocker, saying: “Who wants nannies looking to get fixed up with the bass player?” . . . DIVORCING Antonio Banderas: “Is Latin lover someone in gold chains and rings sitting at the bar? This is not me. I am very Latin but not so much lover.”

Chat about a new pol looking to join the tight Albany club: “He’s a former teacher, lecturer, city council member, part-time scholar and musician. This guy can’t hold a job.”

La La a great actress?

“Hey, she’s learning. Not just hitting her marks. She’s really learning.”

Only in New York, kids, only in New York.