Cast Members Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, Directors Lee Daniels And Danny Strong From The Television Series 'Empire'
(L-R) Cast members Bryshere Gray, Jussie Smolett, Trai Byers, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, directors Lee Daniels and Danny Strong, producers Ilene Chaiken and Francie Calfo from the television series "Empire" take part in Fox Broadcasting Company's part of the Television Critics Association (TCA) Winter 2015 presentations in Pasadena, California, January 17, 2015. Reuters/Kevork Djansezian

Finally getting some respect, Lucious Lyon’s (Terence Howard) assistant Becky, Gabourey Sibide, and Cookie’s (Taraji P. Henson) assistant Porsha, Ta’Rhonda Jones, are promoted into series regulars for “Empire’s” Season 2. Following the show’s Season 1 finale, executive producer Ilene Chaiken revealed that the two stars are set to reprise their roles for the upcoming season, according to TV Line.

Stealing the show on Fox’s hip-hop drama series, Ta’Rhonda Jones is a native Chicago rapper turned actress as Cookie’s right-hand woman, Porsha. She is Cookie’s trusted ally when it comes to giving her an honest opinion or simply giving Anika (Grace Gealey) the side-eye or calling out someone’s lie. SNL already made a Porsha spoof, and even series creator Danny Strong quipped about making a Porsha spinoff series.

“Porsha is this carefree, live-in-the-moment type of girl,” Jones told in an interview posted on Vulture when asked about her breakout role on “Empire.” “She don’t worry about yesterday because it’s gone, she don’t worry about tomorrow because it’s not here yet. She is just in the moment for today … And she’s gonna give it to you real. She’s gonna tell no lie, and keep moving. And that’s exactly how I am. I’m Porsha.”

Meanwhile, Sibide is known for her role in the 2009 film “Precious” that brought her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress. She also starred on the television series “American Horror Story: Coven” and Showtime’s “The Big C.”

Now promoted as “Empire’s” series regulars, the 31-year-old actress plays as one of Lucious’ closest friend and despite him occasionally yelling at her, they both respect each other. Lucious trust Becky enough that he would listen to her honest opinion and when she found out about his ALS Lucious apologized for not informing her, which is an extraordinary feat for Becky.

With fans looking forward for “Empire” Season 2, executive producer Brian Grazer told “Good Morning America” that he was looking to have Eminem and Oprah Winfrey joined the long list of guest stars on the show. He revealed that the rapper loves that show and he plans to beg him and Oprah to join the highly anticipated sophomore season.

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