Taraji P. Henson On Cookie Lyon In ‘Empire’ Season 3

It seems like it’s been forever since we last saw the Lyon family on Empire, but don’t worry, Empire Season 3 will be here soon enough. And if you can’t wait until Sept. 21’s premiere, well, Taraji P. Henson has been dropping some hints about the third season at Fox’s presentation as part of the Television Critics Association press tour.

Taraji P. Henson, Fox Summer Press Tour
Taraji P. Henson, Fox Summer Press Tour

Here’s some of what she had to say about Season 3:

A photo posted by taraji p henson (@tarajiphenson) on Aug 11, 2016 at 4:11pm PDT

 

On Cookie trying to leave Lucious:
“Whether or not he lets her,” Henson said. (E! Online)

On how she keeps Cookie fresh:“I just look at her like I look at myself or any human. We’re always constantly learning, growing and evolving…You’ve got to remember, she was locked up for 17 years. She’s got a lot of catching up to do,” (E! Online)

On Mariah Carey as a guest star:
“She was great,” said Henson. “I mean, she’s fabulous. She’s beautiful to look at. Wish I could wear a leotard like that and those heels. She brings a sense of what Mariah brings to the music industry. She brought it to our show. I’m grateful that she spent time with little ol’ us.” (LA Times)

 
On working with Taye Diggs:

“Who knew Taye Diggs was so funny,” said Henson. “I enjoy working with him, and he’s easy on the eyes.” (LA Times)

On whether or not Diggs is her new love interest:“He would certainly like to be.” (LA Times)
 
On how Cookie has affected her in real-life:

“It’s bad, sir. It’s getting worse every day,” Henson said. “People forget that I have a beautiful Swahili name…They only see Cookie. Fame, that thing that I wish I could just go to work and come home…I wish I could just buy my own bag of bananas without getting ‘Cookie!’… I just wish I could buy my bag of bananas without getting hit and screamed at…You got to take the good and with the bad. I’m looking into my own private jet.” (E! Online)