Lee Daniels is sharing unfortunate news about the person who inspired his famous “Cookie Lyon” character off his popular 2015 music drama show, “Empire.”
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As you may know, Lyon—who was masterfully portrayed by Taraji P. Henson—was the matriarch of the highly successful yet problematic Lyon family who owned one of the biggest and fictitious music labels in the country. But what you may not know is exactly who Daniels partly derived Lyon’s character and story from and that person was none other than his younger sister Lydia. Sadly, in a post to Instagram on Thursday, the acclaimed director explained to his followers and fans that she passed away and was dealing with the grief of this loss in addition to witnessing the devastation currently happening with the Los Angeles wildfires.
“As the fires are burning , so is my heart. My younger sister Lydia has passed. She was also my best friend. In Empire, the character of Cookie was based partly on her life,” Daniels said in part before explaining that his sister was survived by four children and five grandchildren.
“RIP Girly, I LOVE YOU FOREVER,” Daniels said.
In the comments section, countless celebs sent their condolences including comedian Loni Love who wrote: “I’m so sorry Lee...condolensces to you and the family...remember the good times.”
Friend Ts Madison echoed similar sentiments, writing: “Omg Im soooo sorry for your loss.
Ryan Destiny, who starred in Daniel’s popular show “Star” back in 2016 said: “Oh no. Lydia! Praying for the whole family, sending you so much love.”
Other celebs like Billy Porter, Halle Berry, Al B. Sure, Sheila E., Kelly Rowland, Robert Glasper, Omar Epps, Ta’Rhonda Jones, Naturi Naughton-Lewis and more also expressed their sadness and sent well wishes.
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