Here's a little secret about Taraji P. Henson: In real life, she's everything you ever imagined her to be. This past Monday, Fox invited a group of editors (including yours truly) for a special sneak peek at the season 1 finale of Empire, the smash television show that has swept the nation by storm. Taraji is immaculate as its leading lady, Cookie, a mother-of-three who served 17 years in prison for drug dealing and hustling to help fund her husband's fledgling music career. When she's finally released, she sees her former love, Lucious, has built one of the most powerful record labels in the country...all without saving room for her in the spotlight.
Cookie goes on to claim her rightful place at Empire Records, of course, all while becoming the most nuanced and beloved character on the show. Taraji, as Cookie, has inspired legions of fans who want to speak like her, dress like her, and, well...be her. We got the chance to sit down one-on-one with Taraji to hear more about the magic of Cookie, her most epic moments from the set, and her favorite guest star. Oh, and as for tonight's sure-to-be-epic finale? "I'm so, so sorry," Taraji told us, before the sneak peek of the final episode began. Tune in TONIGHT at 8/7 p.m. central on Fox and brace yourselves — you're in for quite the surprise.
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