Everybody loves Cookie Lyon. The lead character of the "Empire" TV series, who Taraji P. Henson portrays, has endeared to fans right from the time she stepped her way out of prison in season one.
The "Boo Boo Kitty" gal is one of the reasons why many are excited about "Empire" season 2 release date. Many are excited to hear another iconic catchphrase from her and how awesome she will win another catfight.
Many followers of the Fox show are excited about Cookie. However, Taraji P. Henson, who is the first to reveal "Empire" season 2 release date, is not as sold as everyone to Cookie at the start. In fact, she hates her character because sh thinks Cookie stole her real-life identity.
"I hate that bitch Cookie. She has stolen my identity," the actress said during The Hollywood Reporter's Drama Actress Roundtable. "I'm getting called Cookie everywhere. My friends don't want to talk to me unless it's about Cookie."
Of course, Henson was just fooling around. She loves the character. In fact, Cookie got her right from the first time she read the script for the pilot.
"Cookie scared the hell out of me," she said adding that this "Empire" TV series role help her decide to go back television again. "I said, 'F- it all, I'm going back to theater.' I just wasn't fulfilled in what I was doing, and I felt lazy, and I felt like I needed to sharpen the tools again."
"I was petrified. But for me, that fear means it's a challenge that I had to take on. Because if it doesn't shake me up, then why am I doing it?"
"Empire" season 2 release date is set on September 23 and will have 18 episodes, six longer compared to the first season. Aside from Henson, other returning cast are Terrence Howard who plays Cookie's husband Lucius, Trai Byers, Jussie Smollett, and Bryshere Gray who play their sons Andrei, Jamal, and Hakeem, respectively. New guest stars are Chris Rock, Lenny Kravitz, and Alicia Keys.
