Empire (TV) Cast
The cast of Empire. Updated on August 21, 2025.
109 actors
Terrence Howard
as Lucious Lyon (102 episodes)

Terrence Howard plays Lucious Lyon, the ambitious and ruthless founder of Empire Entertainment.

Taraji P. Henson
as Cookie Lyon (102 episodes)

Taraji P. Henson portrays Cookie Lyon, Lucious's ex-wife, known for her fierce personality and business acumen.

Bryshere Y. Gray
as Hakeem Lyon (102 episodes)

Bryshere Y. Gray appears as Hakeem Lyon, the youngest son of Lucious and Cookie, who is a talented and aspiring rapper.

Jussie Smollett
as Jamal Lyon (84 episodes)

Jussie Smollett plays Jamal Lyon, the middle son with a passion for music and a struggle for acceptance.

Trai Byers
as Andre Lyon (102 episodes)

Trai Byers is Andre Lyon, the eldest son, whose business skills are essential to Empire Entertainment.

Malik Yoba
as Vernon Turner (12 episodes)

Malik Yoba portrays Vernon Turner, a close friend and confidant to Lucious and an executive at Empire.

Ta'Rhonda Jones
as Porsha (79 episodes)

Ta'Rhonda Jones plays Porsha, Cookie Lyon's assistant with a lively personality.

Grace Byers
as Anika Gibbons (66 episodes)

Grace Byers appears as Anika Gibbons, initially engaged to Lucious, with a strategic and competitive edge.

Serayah
as Tiana Brown (77 episodes)

Serayah plays Tiana Brown, a rising pop singer who becomes romantically linked with Hakeem Lyon.

Gabourey Sidibe
as Becky (96 episodes)

Gabourey Sidibe portrays Becky, an assistant to the music label, known for her loyalty and humor.

Alejandro Cordoba
as Carlos (18 episodes)
A.Z. Kelsey
as Jeff Kingsley (18 episodes)

A.Z. Kelsey plays Jeff Kingsley, a character involved in the corporate aspects of Empire Entertainment.

Kaitlin Doubleday
as Rhonda Lyon (31 episodes)
Xzibit
as Shyne Johnson (36 episodes)
Morocco Omari
as Tariq Cousins (18 episodes)
Andre Royo
as Thurston 'Thirsy' Rawlings (48 episodes)
Terrell Carter
as Warren Hall (18 episodes)
Rumer Willis
as Tory Ash (18 episodes)
Nicole Ari Parker
as Giselle Sims-Barker (18 episodes)
Chet Hanks
as Blake Sterling (18 episodes)
Rhyon Nicole Brown
as Maya (18 episodes)
Vivica A. Fox
as Candace (18 episodes)
Lindsey Pearlman
as Patti Sharp (12 episodes)
Paul Blain
as Club Leviticus Bartender (18 episodes)
Naomi Campbell
as Camilla Marks (5 episodes)
Eka Darville
as Ryan Morgan (4 episodes)
Rafael de la Fuente
as Michael Sanchez (6 episodes)
Nealla Gordon
as Harlow Carter (3 episodes)
Damon Gupton
as Detective Calvin Walker (4 episodes)
AzMarie Livingston
as Chicken (5 episodes)
Courtney Love
as Elle Dallas (2 episodes)
Derek Luke
as Malcolm Deveaux (4 episodes)
Judd Nelson
as Baretti (2 episodes)
Tasha Smith
as Carol Hardaway (3 episodes)
Raven-Symoné
as Olivia (2 episodes)
Estelle
as Delphine (1 episode)
Sway Calloway
as Himself (1 episode)
Antoine McKay
as Bunkie Campbell (1 episode)
Mary J. Blige
as Angie (1 episode)
Jennifer Hudson
as Michelle White (1 episode)
Leah Sava Jeffries
as Lola (5 episodes)
Jerod Haynes
as Reg (1 episode)
M. Emmet Walsh
as Harold Blakeley (1 episode)
Rada Portzer
as Janet Blakeley (1 episode)
Reggie Baker
as Ralph Anderson (1 episode)
Yanis Kalnins
as Carl Johnson (1 episode)
Andre Teamer
as Barry Richardson (1 episode)
James Earl Jones II
as Marcus Mitchell (1 episode)
Dennis Grimes
as Marvin Menchel (2 episodes)
David Darlow
as Terry Schiller (1 episode)
Jennifer Joan Taylor
as Dr. Shahani (1 episode)
John Hoogenakker
as Dr. Lester Mason (1 episode)
Jeffrey T. Rogers
as Detective Frost (1 episode)
Dan Waller
as Drew Riley (1 episode)
Jim Saltouros
as Lamont Harris (1 episode)
Pierre Antoine
as Antoine Dixon (1 episode)
Tim Hopper
as Dr. Steve Calhoun (1 episode)
DeRay Davis
as Rose Thug (1 episode)
Marisa Tomei
as Mimi Whiteman (1 episode)
Chris Rock
as Frank Gathers (1 episode)
Kelly Rowland
as Leah Walker (2 episodes)
Don Lemon
as Himself (1 episode)
André Leon Talley
as Himself (1 episode)
Ludacris
as Officer Mcknight (1 episode)
John Judd
as (1 episode)
Patrick Mulvey
as Jago Locke (1 episode)
Mike Moh
as Steve Cho (1 episode)
Elizabeth Whitson
as India Spring (1 episode)
Becky G
as Valentina Galindo (2 episodes)
Queen Latifah
as Carlotta Brown (1 episode)
Claudette Burchett
as Juanita/ Housekeeper (14 episodes)
Linda Bright Clay
as Dr. Jamilla Johnson (1 episode)
Forest Whitaker
as Eddie Barker (1 episode)
Alfre Woodard
as Renee (1 episode)
Stef Tovar
as Doctor (1 episode)
Paul Dunckel
as Head of Development (1 episode)
Sean Gallagher
as Lawyer (1 episode)
Kevin Gudahl
as Kevin (2 episodes)
Lupe Fiasco
as Lupe Fiasco (1 episode)
Japhet Balaban
as Bryson (1 episode)
Patrick Blashill
as Dr. Ceccia (1 episode)
William Smillie
as Agent Davis (3 episodes)
Mario
as (1 episode)
Amanda Detmer
as Tracy Kingsley (1 episode)
Kiandra Richardson
as Yana (1 episode)
Tai David
as “A List Musician” (1 episode)
Bre-Z
as Freda Gatz (2 episodes)
Diamond White
as lala (1 episode)
Nefetari Spencer
as Sarah Landon (1 episode)
Mindy Bell
as Nurse (1 episode)
Lyonel Reneau
as (1 episode)
Andy Cameron
as Nurse (1 episode)
Brian P. Weddington
as Daryl Dolan (1 episode)
Paul Turner
as Detective #1 (1 episode)
Amir Abdullah
as Infirmier #1 (1 episode)
Geno Walker
as Gus Rodriguez (1 episode)
Taylar Fondren
as Wife (1 episode)
Chris Lee
as Tommy Turner (1 episode)
Belmont Cameli
as Cute Guy (1 episode)
Carlos Miranda
as Santiago (1 episode)
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