Empire may be on a break until the highly anticipated season two premiers, but the fan conversation surrounding the hit series is still running rampant. The number one show following the drama of the Lyon family’s musical dynasty is FOX’s highest rated program since 2012. BlackEnterprise.com caught up with two of Empire’s fan favorites, Taraji P. Henson and Jussie Smollet, at the Summer Sizzle BVI Launch Party to talk their career strides, which actors they admire, and what’s next.
[Related: 5 Male All-Stars from American Black Film Festival]
Henson, an Oscar-nominated actress who will serve as this year’s American Black Film Festival ambassador, is beyond deserving of all the rewards Empire has bestowed. After punching in overtime for over a decade, starring in popular films like Baby Boy (2001) and Hustle & Flow (2005), she tells BlackEnterprise.com that the evolving success is attributed to “hard work, tenacity, [and] never giving up.” The star who transforms into an ex-con, musical genius and loyal-to-a-fault mom and ex-wife reveals, “I studied the craft. I know I have a voice, I know I understand the craft of acting.”
While such understanding comes from days and years of hitting the acting books, Taraji P. Henson also credits a certain legendary actress for the inspiration behind her compelling performances. When we ask her to name one actor she would like to brunch with, without a second thought, she responds, “Bette Davis because I studied all her work. John Singleton named me Bette Davis eyes when I did Baby Boy.” The director and producer was the one to teach Henson “it’s all in the eyes.” She lights up as she reflects back on how Singleton kept calling her Bette Davis, as she reminded him of the icon. “I knew exactly who Bette Davis was, but I wasn’t really an avid student of her work. So, I just bought everything she’s ever been in… And you’re talking about somebody who can just slice you with a look! She doesn’t have to say a word, it’s all in her eyes.”
Jussie Smollett, who plays Henson’s middle son, is a Hollywood newcomer. He doesn’t have the years of experience as Henson or Empire’s other leading actor Terrence Howard, but his raw talent caught the attention of a reported 16.5 million finale viewers—and the show’s creator, Lee Daniels, too. He takes BlackEnterprise.com back to the moment when he landed the role: “I had gone to the beach the day that I knew the decision was being made, and I just prayed and meditated for four hours. I lied to everybody; God, forgive me. I said that I had meetings all day just because I didn’t want anybody to be like, ‘Hey, have you heard?’, ‘Are you okay?’ Smollett says, “I didn’t pray for the role. What I prayed for is that God would give it to whoever it was for. If it was for me, let it me be for me. If it’s for the other actor, who’s a brilliant actor, let it be for him.” After a few hours of conversing with God, the new talent drove home and spoke to his mother on bluetooth. En route, he received a text message and pulled over, “because Oprah would not want me texting and driving…” The message read, “It’s YOU.”
Read onto page two and see what Jussie says about his new music career and having children.
“The thing I love about Lee is that he’s so old Hollywood. He’s all about the
story, he’s all about the dream. He’ll give you that; he’ll give me a story to tell,” Smollett says. “It’s a story so that no matter what else happens in my life or my career, I’ll always be able to tell my grandchildren and my children the story of how I got the role of Jamal Lyon.”Most recently, another chapter was added to the breakout star’s story when he signed a record deal with Columbia. Fully aware that there is often a disconnect when artists try to tackle acting and music, he remains cool and unphased by the hurdle. “The cool thing is that I don’t have to really worry too much about a transition because I’m in a project where people see that I can do both,” Smollett says. “I take life very seriously, but I don’t take this very seriously. It’s not real. I just try my best to work hard and be the best that I can be… I’m just into recording good music and introducing myself to the world, and changing it in the process.”
Jussie Smollett has made quite the introduction. With such a rush so early in his career, we’re curious as to where he sees himself in seven years. “I want to have a baby, sooner
than seven years. I want to have a family, and I want to continue to test people’s minds… someone like Harry Belafonte who managed to keep his voice as an artist and as an activist,” he says.  The rising actor is certain in his purpose to “spread love.” He prays that within seven years, society makes a shift for the better. “I know that seven years from now isn’t a really long time, but I feel like if we pull together, there’s a lot we can do in seven years. Here’s hoping, here’s praying,” he says on a final note.There has been no official say of when Empire will make its season two debut, but fans will be happy to know that Taraji P. Henson is the brand ambassador for American Black Film Festival. Meet us and your favorite “Cookie” at the three-day event June 11-14.
Black Enterprise and Film Life present The 19th Annual American Black Film Festival June 11-June 14 in New York City. To register now and find out more visit, ABFF.com. Join us at The American Black Film Festival, the largest gathering for film and TV enthusiasts