It's back! The show we've all been waiting for, "Empire," returns for season two tonight, and much has changed in the Lyons den since we last left the bickering family.
Fans can also expect an expanded season with 18 episodes instead of the 12 offered in the first season, and one series star ready for the challenge is Henson. Thanks to her role as the devious Cookie she's finally arrived. Emmy nominations and accolades aside, she's happy the public has connected with the character and is ready to fill those stilettos for another 18 episodes.
"I think she's everyone's spirit animal, or their alter ego," reveals Henson when asked why she thinks Cookie clicked. "She lives in truth. If we lived in a world where people weren't afraid to live their truth I think it would be a better place."
HNGN and a small group of reporters caught up with Henson at a recent press event to promote the show.
Season 2 of "Empire" premieres tonight at 9 p.m. EDT on Fox
Were you rooting for Cookie to be the one to put Lucious in his resting place last season?
Cookie is not a killer; the one time she did make a mistake and had someone killed it was a mistake and she didn't do it. She's not really a killer. I think she could never pull herself to kill the love of her life. Basically she still needs him; she has three sons that need their father.
What excites you most about this new season?
Her fashion. I wish I could show you some things, but I can't.
What do you love about dressing up as Cookie?
I love the fact that you're going to get to see it grow. Think about it, she was in jail for 17 years and came out a little rusty and little behind the curveball in fashion, but in the second season - wow! We're getting so much love from fashion houses that it's crazy. Moschino, Chanel, you name it, we've got it, and Cookie will wear it.
Do you get to keep any of these?
You know I always go into to my wardrobe fittings like, "I want to keep it all," but after you wear it for a few days it's like, "nah."
Can you reveal any of the season two storylines?
We're going to see more of her backstory, maybe what her 17 years in prison were like, and a lot more flashbacks.
She has a new love interest with Adam Rodriguez, correct?
There are two coming my way; I live vicariously through her (laughs).
What do you think it is about Cookie that hit a nerve with the public?
She lives in truth. We're so busy running around trying to be politically correct and what is that? One thing Cookie is not his politically correct but she says it like it is. I mean you get asked a question and the first thing that comes to mind is the truth, we've been taught in society to manipulate the truth, so we breathe, hear the question and then manipulate it. Cookie does none of that.
Does she give you an outlet?
Absolutely, she's bold and doesn't bite her tongue or compromise. She calls it as she sees it and she's not safe, you never know what is going to fly out of her mouth.
Do you think she's a good role model?
I think she is in as far as being who you are and not apologizing for your journey in life - no one is perfect, and at the end of the day she might be judged because she sold drugs, but guess what, when minimum wage is $5 an hour and you have three mouths to feed, that McDonald's check isn't gonna cut it. She did what what any human would do to survive, and she got caught and served her time. But she survived 17 years in prison and didn't lose herself or miss a beat, and that is to be commended.
What's it like when people meet you and have the expectation that you are Cookie?
They'll usually hit me, and I'm like, "Owww, don't touch me." They call me Cookie, and I'm like that's not my name. But people really do think I'm her. So there are a lot of things, like I don't sell drugs and I'm not trying to go to prison so...
Have you had any fun fan encounters?
I just get random pictures of people pressing their pets up like Cookie or their babies, and people dressed up like Cookie.
Do you get surprised by the Cookie lines people have responded to and quote back at you?
No, because I have the reaction from the crew who are all regular drinking family guys, so when they yell cut and I have them laughing and saying, "Oh my God," I know that line will be a hit. They're really just like regular guys.
Do you have a favorite moment from season one?
There are so many, and I'm getting confused because there is so many this season too. But I think my favorite moment was when I had to drink the lien with the fellas and I told Malcolm to take the cookies because that was all ad-libbed. That was a lot of fun.
What's it like seeing yourself on magazine covers on newsstands these days?
I've been doing this for a long time, and I'm no spring chicken. I'm grown and my kid is grown now so I'm kind of relaxed in it. It's just I can't do things I used to do, like going to Target. I love hitting a Super Target or Marshalls or Ross, just like I love going to Rodeo Drive, I love T.J. Maxx and it's really difficult for me to do that these days. I have to go at really weird hours and dress like the Unabomber.
How is your son adjusting to your fame?
He's been on this journey with me the whole time and he's 21 now. I never made it about Hollywood and always been a mom, so he's good.
Is it better for you that it's happening now?
Absolutely, I'm an adult and not caught up in all the hype. I also know not to believe the hype.
