"Empire" is a gripping and dramatic television series that follows the story of the Lyon family, who are at the helm of a powerful music empire. The show's main characters include Terrence Howard as Lucious Lyon, the patriarch and CEO of the company, and Taraji P. Henson as Cookie Lyon, his ex-wife and mother of his three sons. Lucious is a former drug dealer turned hip-hop mogul who has built the empire from the ground up, while Cookie served time in prison for her role in the drug trade that financed Lucious' early career.
The series kicks off with Lucious being diagnosed with a degenerative illness, which sets off a power struggle among his three sons - Andre, Jamal, and Hakeem - each vying for the top spot in the company. Andre, the eldest son, is a highly intelligent businessman with a background in finance, but he is often overlooked due to his lack of musical talent. Jamal, the middle child, is a gifted singer-songwriter who struggles with his sexuality and his father's homophobia. Hakeem, the youngest, is a talented rapper with a penchant for partying and women, but he lacks the maturity and focus needed to run the company.
As the sons battle for control of the empire, Cookie steps back into the picture, determined to reclaim her rightful place in the company and protect her sons from the manipulations of Lucious. The show is full of twists and turns, as alliances are formed and broken, secrets are revealed, and the family's dark past comes back to haunt them. Through it all, "Empire" explores themes of power, family, loyalty, and the high cost of success in the ruthless world of the music industry. With its compelling storylines, complex characters, and catchy music, "Empire" is a must-watch for fans of drama and hip-hop alike.
Main Cast of Empire
Terrence Howard
Lucious Lyon
Terrence Howard delivers a commanding performance as Lucious Lyon in the television series "Empire." His portrayal of the cutthroat music mogul is both captivating and nuanced, as he seamlessly shifts between Lucious' ruthless business tactics and his vulnerable personal struggles. Howard's performance is highlighted by his ability to convey Lucious' complex emotions, making viewers alternately root for and against him as he navigates his tumultuous family and business life. Overall, Terrence Howard's performance brings depth and intrigue to the character of Lucious, making him a compelling figure in the world of "Empire."
Taraji P. Henson
Cookie Lyon
Taraji P. Henson's portrayal of Cookie Lyon in the television series "Empire" is nothing short of phenomenal. She brings a fiery intensity and unapologetic authenticity to the character, making Cookie a standout among TV's most memorable figures. Henson's ability to seamlessly transition from tough-talking ex-convict to a nurturing, fiercely loyal matriarch adds layers of complexity to the character. Her performance is a tour de force, showcasing her incredible range as an actress and creating a character as captivating as the music industry setting of "Empire". Cookie's story arc, combined with Henson's masterful delivery, results in a performance that is as powerful as it is entertaining.
Jussie Smollett
Jamal Lyon
Jussie Smollett delivers a captivating and emotionally resonant performance as Jamal Lyon in the hit television series "Empire." His portrayal of the sensitive, musically gifted middle son of hip-hop mogul Lucious Lyon is both nuanced and powerful, as he navigates through his complex relationships with his family, while also attempting to carve out his own identity and rise to stardom. Smollett's nuanced acting, combined with his beautiful singing voice, offers audiences a compelling character journey that is complemented by the show's exploration of music, power, and family dynamics.
Malik Yoba
Vernon Turner
Malik Yoba's portrayal of Vernon Turner in the hit TV show 'Empire' was nothing short of captivating. As Lucious Lyon's lifelong friend and chairman of Empire Entertainment, Yoba brought an intensity and depth to the character that was both compelling and commanding. His ability to balance Vernon's fierce loyalty to Lucious with his own moral compass and struggles with addiction created a complex character that kept viewers engaged and intrigued. Yoba's charisma and talent truly shone in this role, making Vernon Turner a standout character in the ensemble cast of 'Empire'.
Bryshere Y. Gray
Hakeem Lyon
Trai Byers
Andre Lyon
Ta'Rhonda Jones
Porsha
Grace Byers
Anika Gibbons
Serayah
Tiana Brown
Gabourey Sidibe
Becky
Alejandro Cordoba
Carlos
A.Z. Kelsey
Jeff Kingsley
Kaitlin Doubleday
Rhonda Lyon
Xzibit
Shyne Johnson
Morocco Omari
Tariq Cousins
Andre Royo
Thurston 'Thirsy' Rawlings
Terrell Carter
Warren Hall
Rumer Willis
Tory Ash
Nicole Ari Parker
Giselle Sims-Barker
Chet Hanks
Blake Sterling
Rhyon Nicole Brown
Maya
Vivica A. Fox
Candace
Lindsey Pearlman
Patti Sharp
Paul Blain
Club Leviticus Bartender
Crew of Empire
Full backstage crew list →