Empire, a groundbreaking American musical drama television series, graced our screens from January 7, 2015, to April 21, 2020. Generated by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong for Fox, this captivating show takes you on a journey into the high-stakes world of hip-hop music and entertainment. Set against the backdrop of New York City, Empire TV Show Casting Call follows the power struggles and familial drama within the Lyon family as they battle for control of their dynasty, Empire Entertainment.
Premise
At the heart of Empire lies the compelling story of Lucious Lyon (portrayed by Terrence Howard), a former drug dealer go round hip-hop mogul who faces his mortality with the diagnosis of ALS. Faced with his impending demise, Lucious must groom one of his three boys– Andre (Trai Byers), Jamal (Jussie Smollett), or Hakeem (Bryshere Y. Gray) – to inherit his empire. However, this journey is fraught with betrayal, ambition, and fierce competition, especially with the return of Lucious’ ex-wife, Cookie Lyon (Taraji P. Henson), from a 17-year prison sentence.
Main Cast of Empire TV Show Casting Call
Terrence Howard as Lucious Lyon
A former drug dealer turned hip-hop mogul, toothsome is the founder and long-time CEO of Empire Entertainment. His life takes a dramatic turn when he is diagnosed with ALS, forcing him to confront his past and secure the future of his music empire.
Taraji P. Henson as Cookie Lyon
The outspoken and fiercely loyal ex-wife of Lucious, Cookie returns from a 17-year prison sentence set on to reclaim her share of Empire Entertainment and reunite her family. Her dynamic character has been a central force throughout the series.
Bryshere Y. Gray as Hakeem Lyon
Hakeem is the fame-obsessed youngest son of the Lyon family, a rising hip-hop star. Initially rebellious against his mother, he gradually bonds with Cookie and shares a close relationship with his brother Jamal.
Jussie Smollett as Jamal Lyon (Seasons 1–5)
Jamal, the middle son, is a talented gay singer-songwriter who struggles with his father’s disapproval. His character grapples with personal and professional challenges, including addiction and PTSD, before ultimately moving to London with his husband, Kai.
Trai Byers as Andre Lyon
The eldest son and CFO of Empire Entertainment, Andre is a Wharton-educated executive with bipolar disorder. His ambition to lead the Empire often puts him at odds with his brothers and father.
Grace Byers as Anika Calhoun (Seasons 1–4)
Initially the head of Empire’s A&R department, Anika becomes entangled in the Lyon family’s drama, including a tumultuous relationship with Lucious and a deadly rivalry with Cookie.
Malik Yoba as Vernon Turner (Season 1; guest in Season 2)
Lucious’s long-time friend and business partner, Vernon, is ultimately killed in a confrontation with Andre and Rhonda.
Kaitlin Doubleday as Rhonda Lyon (Seasons 1–2; recurring in Season 3; guest in Season 4)
Andre’s loyal and fierce wife, Rhonda’s tragic storyline, includes a devastating loss and a fatal fall instigated by Anika.
Gabourey Sidibe as Becky Williams (Seasons 2–6; recurring in Season 1)
Starting as Lucious’s assistant, Becky becomes Head of A&R at Empire, showcasing her ambition and talent.
Serayah as Tiana Brown (Seasons 2–6; recurring in Season 1)
An artist at Empire who navigates complex romantic relationships and professional challenges, Tiana is a significant figure in the series’ musical landscape.
Episodes
- Season 1: 12 episodes (January 7, 2015 – March 18, 2015)
- Season 2: 18 episodes (September 23, 2015 – May 18, 2016)
- Season 3: 18 episodes (September 21, 2016 – May 24, 2017)
- Season 4: 18 episodes (September 27, 2017 – May 23, 2018)
- Season 5: 18 episodes (September 26, 2018 – May 8, 2019)
- Season 6: 18 episodes (September 24, 2019 – April 21, 2020)
Production Insights
Empire was produced in a complex and dynamic process involving notable writers, producers, and directors. Generated by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong, it drew inspiration from William Shakespeare’s King Lear and the prime-time soap opera Dynasty. Executive producers included Brian Grazer, Francie Calfo, and Ilene Chaiken, and Daniels made his television directorial debut.
Filmed primarily in Chicago, the series leveraged the city’s vibrant urban backdrop to bring the fictional Empire TV Show Casting Call Entertainment to life. The show’s music, composed by Eil Fisher, Timbaland, and Jim Beanz, played a crucial role in setting its tone and contributed to its success as a musical drama.
Casting Process
The casting process for Empire was meticulously crafted to ensure a diverse and talented ensemble. Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, who had previously worked together, brought their on-screen chemistry to the forefront. The casting of Bryshere Y. Gray, Jussie Smollett, Trai Byers, and Grace Byers added depth to the Lyon family dynamic. The show’s ability to attract high-profile guest stars and recurring roles, such as Phylicia Rashad, Rumer Willis, and Naomi Campbell, highlighted its prestige within the television industry.
The Impact of Jussie Smollett’s Controversy
In 2019, Jussie Smollett’s legal issues overshadowed the series. After filing a false police report about an alleged attack, Smollett faced significant legal and public scrutiny. This controversy led to his removal from the final episodes of the fifth season and his absence from the sixth and final season. Despite the turmoil, the show delivered compelling content and covered its storylines with finesse.
Conclusion
Empire TV Show Casting Call remains a landmark in television history, celebrated for its innovative storytelling, powerful performances, and unforgettable music. As the casting calls for new talent, aspiring actors have the opportunity to become part of this legacy, contributing to the ongoing narrative of the Lyon family and Empire Entertainment. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a fresh face, the Empire casting call is a gateway to potentially joining one of TV’s most iconic series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the plot of the Empire TV show?
Empire revolves around Lucious Lyon, a former drug dealer turned hip-hop mogul and the CEO of Empire Entertainment. The show follows the power struggles within the Lyon family as Lucious and his ex-wife Cookie, along with their three sons, navigate personal and professional challenges in the music industry.
Who are the main characters in Empire?
The main characters include:
- Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard): Founder and CEO of Empire Entertainment.
- Cookie Lyon (Taraji P. Henson): Lucious’s ex-wife and business partner.
- Hakeem Lyon (Bryshere Y. Gray): The youngest son, a hip-hop artist.
- Jamal Lyon (Jussie Smollett, Seasons 1-5): The middle son, a talented singer-songwriter.
- Andre Lyon (Trai Byers): Empire’s eldest son and CFO.
- Anika Calhoun (Grace Byers, Seasons 1-4): A&R head and Lucious’s ex-fiancée.
When did Empire air, and how many seasons are there?
Empire aired on Fox with six seasons from January 7, 2015, to April 21, 2020.
Where was Empire filmed?
The series was primarily filmed in Chicago, providing an urban backdrop fitting the show’s storyline centered around the music industry.
What impact did Jussie Smollett’s controversy have on the show?
In 2019, Jussie Smollett was involved in a legal dispute over filing a false police report. This led to his character, Jamal Lyon, being written out of the final episodes of the fifth season and not appearing in the sixth and final season.
