Exclusive Video Interview With Grace Gealey On Empire

While there’s no shortage of memorable turns on Empire (who can stop retweeting memes of Cookie’s best lines?), Grace Gealey’s reserved portrayal of Anika definitely stands out.

Now concluding its first season, the FOX series has proven to be a smash hit with record-breaking ratings. Created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong, Empire centers on the behind the scenes drama of a hip-hop record label and the family that runs it. As the head of the company, Lucius (Terrance Howard), along with his girlfriend Anika (Gealey) have achieved an unparalleled level of success. But when his ex and former business collaborator Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) is released from prison, a series of personal and professional conflicts are set in motion.

While promoting the show’s season finale, Gealey made an appearance at the Empire State Building, where we had the chance to ask her about the small screen sensation. The actress offered her own take on the role of women in the music industry, expanded on a House of Cards comparison and spoke about her scenes opposite the dynamic Henson.

Check it out in the video above and enjoy!