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‘Empire’ Creator Lee Daniels Mourns Death Of His Sister Lydia, Who Inspired Taraji P. Henson’s Cookie

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Story by Armando TinocoJanuary 10, 2025 • 7:40 PM
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Emotional blow as 'Empire' creator Lee Daniels loses his sister Lydia, the real-life inspiration behind Taraji P. Henson's iconic character Cookie Lyon.
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  • 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.
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Lee Daniels, Lydia Daniels, Taraji P. Henson, Empire, Empire
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