Emotional blow as 'Empire' creator Lee Daniels loses his sister Lydia, the real-life inspiration behind Taraji P. Henson's iconic character Cookie Lyon.
beat sheet
Lydia Daniels, Lee's sister, passed away, leaving the 'Empire' creator devastated as she was the muse for Taraji P. Henson's breakout role as the tough-as-nails Cookie.
Henson's performance as Cookie Lyon has been widely acclaimed, with the character becoming a cultural phenomenon - now fans will know the heartbreaking real-life story behind her creation.
call sheet
Lee Daniels, Lydia Daniels, Taraji P. Henson, Empire, Empire
Emotional blow as 'Empire' creator Lee Daniels loses his sister Lydia, the real-life inspiration behind Taraji P. Henson's iconic character Cookie Lyon.
beat sheet
Lydia Daniels, Lee's sister, passed away, leaving the 'Empire' creator devastated as she was the muse for Taraji P. Henson's breakout role as the tough-as-nails Cookie.
Henson's performance as Cookie Lyon has been widely acclaimed, with the character becoming a cultural phenomenon - now fans will know the heartbreaking real-life story behind her creation.
call sheet
Lee Daniels, Lydia Daniels, Taraji P. Henson, Empire, Empire