Cast of Empire

Terrence Howard portrays Lucious Lyon, the charismatic and ruthless CEO of Empire Entertainment. Lucious is a music mogul who built his empire from the ground up, but his troubled past and family dramas threaten to tear it all down.

Taraji P. Henson portrays Cookie Lyon, Lucious' ex-wife and a formidable force to be reckoned with. After serving 17 years in prison, Cookie returns to claim her share of the company she helped build and to reconnect with her sons.

Bryshere Y. Gray portrays Hakeem Lyon, the youngest son of Lucious and Cookie. Hakeem is a talented musician and rapper, but struggles with personal and professional insecurities as he tries to find his own identity within the music industry.

Jussie Smollett portrays Jamal Lyon, the middle son of Lucious and Cookie. Jamal is a talented singer-songwriter and a member of the LGBTQ+ community. He faces discrimination and acceptance challenges both within the music industry and his own family.

Trai Byers portrays Andre Lyon, the eldest son of Lucious and Cookie. Andre is a highly intelligent and ambitious businessman, but he struggles with bipolar disorder and the pressure to live up to his father's expectations.

Malik Yoba portrays Vernon Turner, a longtime friend and business associate of Lucious Lyon. Vernon is the chairman of the board at Empire Entertainment and often acts as a voice of reason to Lucious, though their friendship is tested as the series progresses.

Ta'Rhonda Jones portrays Porsha, Cookie's loyal and witty assistant. Porsha provides comic relief and is always there to support Cookie, even in the midst of the Lyon family's numerous conflicts.

Grace Byers (formerly known as Grace Gealey) portrays Anika Gibbons, a talented singer and Lucious Lyon's former fiancee. Anika is ambitious and manipulative, and her complicated relationship with Lucious adds another layer of tension to the series.