Lee Daniels, the co-creator of the groundbreaking series “Empire,” has recently shared his candid thoughts about his experience working on the show. Despite its immense success and critical acclaim, Daniels described his time on “Empire” as the worst experience of his career.
Known for his work on acclaimed projects like the Oscar-winning film Precious, Daniels has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. “Empire,” which aired on Fox from 2015 to 2020, was a cultural phenomenon, earning numerous awards and nominations, including the Primetime Emmy Awards and NAACP Image Awards. However, the transition from independent filmmaking to working with a major network proved to be a challenging adjustment for Daniels.
The shift from independence to network
In a recent interview with The Film Stage, Daniels reflected on how his independent projects allowed him creative freedom. He stated, “All of my s— is independent. You know, my first movie was developed with drug money. ‘Monster’s Ball.’ We won the first Black woman an Oscar. Every one of my films has been independently financed where I’m able to … do my thing and nobody is in my head.” This independence is what he cherished most about his previous work.
Daniels emphasized that while the experience was difficult, the financial rewards allowed him to provide for his family, making it worthwhile in the end.
“Horrible. Absolutely the worst experience. Horrible! But guess what? F—ing that money, money, money! I was able to put my kids through college and s—. So that in itself was worth it.”
Reflections from Taraji P. Henson
Following the conclusion of “Empire,” actress Taraji P. Henson, who portrayed the iconic character Loretha “Cookie” Lyon, was set to star in her own spin-off series. However, the project was ultimately canceled. Henson’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of her character reflects the dedication that many involved in the show had toward its legacy.
A complex legacy
Lee Daniels’ experience with “Empire” serves as a reminder of the complexities that often accompany success in the entertainment industry. While the show achieved significant milestones and left a lasting impact on television, the personal struggles of its creators and stars highlight the challenges behind the scenes.
