It looks like we’re getting a couple more Black female leads on primetime television!
It was announced yesterday that Taraji P. Henson is set to star in Lee Daniels and Danny Strong’s FOX drama, Empire.
THR reports:
In the family drama set in the world of a hip-hop empire, Henson will play Cookie Lyon, the ex-wife of Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard), the head of a record label at the center of the drama. The character is described as a total badass who has just been released from prison after serving 17 years for dealing drugs — money she funneled into Lucious’ then-fledgling music empire. Released for good behavior, she now wants what’s hers. She’s the real force behind his rise to superstardom and champions her son Jamal’s (Jussie Smollett) career, but that puts her at odds with her ex, who has an issue with their son’s homosexuality.
The show hasn’t been given a launch date yet, but we’ll keep you posted!
In other news, Halle Berry is coming to television this summer in Extant, a sci-fi series on CBS.
Extant, from Steven Spielberg’s Amblin TV and CBS Studios, centers on an astronaut (Berry) who returns home from a year-long solo mission in space and tries to reconnect with her husband and son in their everyday life. Her experiences in space and home lead to events that ultimately will change the course of human history.
“There’s only one Halle Berry and we are incredibly honored that she has chosen Extant to expand her illustrious career,” Spielberg said. “As she does with everything she touches, she will bring a deep authenticity to her role and I very much look forward to working with her.” Added CBS Entertainment president Nina Tassler, “Halle is the type of award-winning actress you dream of collaborating with for an event project such as Extant.”
Playing Halle’s character’s ex-husband Marcus is newcomer Sergio Harford. The series is co-produced by Steven Spielberg and Halle Berry.
We can’t wait to watch!
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