Thursday, March 28, 2024

‘Empire’ Set To Introduce Young Gay Female Rap Artist

Jamal (Jussie Smollett, L) watches Lucious (Terrence Howard, R) get taken away in the special two-hour “Die But Once/Who I Am” Season Finale episode of EMPIRE
Jamal (Jussie Smollett, L) watches Lucious (Terrence Howard, R) get taken away in the special two-hour “Die But Once/Who I Am” Season Finale episode of EMPIRE

*Lee Daniels is on the hunt for a young actress to play the recurring role of gay rapper Betty Barz, a “moody, outspoken” teenager who’ll be introduced in the Sept. 23 Season 2 premiere of “Empire” on FOX. The episode is titled “The Devils Are Here,” and TVLine has the scoop.

Betty, who’s also known as “Betty Gathers” and “The Queen O’ 16S” is described as African-American, “unapologetically butch,” and something of a hometown hero in her “Brownsville-Never-Ran-Never-Will, Brooklyn” neighborhood. Her undeniable talent has led to her winning “more rhyme battles and girls’ hearts than the best male vets on her block.”

Despite Betty’s talent, wit and street smarts, the road to possible fame won’t be easy. Her “deep fears push her toward self-sabotage” –  and prevent her from fully turning her back on the streets. Her plot line will center around her absentee/incarcerated father and her new rap deal with Empire Entertainment.

Among the show’s already confirmed guest stars are Adam Rodriguez, Chris Rock, Alicia Keys and Lenny Kravitz. Additionally, Gabourey Sidibe and Ta’Rhonda Jones have been elevated to series regulars, TVLine reported in April.

Season 2 of “Empire” kicks off Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 9/8c.

In related news, as part of the latest installment in the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences’ documentary web series, Lee Daniels shared his view on what it takes for aspiring filmmakers to turn their dreams into a reality.

The short video, which you can view below, also features a wide range of top professionals from across the industry – including actors Paul Dano, “Empire’s Terrence Howard and Melissa Leo; composer Hans Zimmer; cinematographer Sean Bobbitt; and screenwriter Peter Morgan.

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