Why Taraji P. Henson almost turned down her role on Empire

At the time that Lee Daniels used the function of Empire‘s Cookie to Taraji P. Henson, she “was finished with tv,” as she openly showed Voguein 2015. “I resembled, ‘I do not like being caught in a little box. I’m a film star!'” She eventually chose to handle the character after recognizing her opportunities to play a character like a Cookie in the future would be slim to none. “Not just would I never be provided a character like a Cookie in a film, however she does not exist,” she informed W publication. “Cookie is strong and insane, and she likes the battle. She began with absolutely nothing, and now she’s at the top. Because method, we’re alike: Cookie is the American Dream.”

Henson went on to take the program with her representation of Cookie and ended up being a fan-favorite. “They desire Cookie,” Henson stated. “They see her heart. They see her intents. And they enjoy her design– her design is 17 years behind the style curve, that makes the clothing a character on the program.” The program lasted 6 seasons and provided Henson among the most unforgettable functions in her profession.