Answers with Grace Gealey

Answer 1

Congrats on "Empire"! You'll be making your network television debut on the show January 7th on FOX. Why should Answers users tune in?

Thank you so much! "Empire" is an amalgamation of power, family, music, drama, loyalty and love. It deals with the current issues in today's society and touches the concerns that we face within the Black community. Mostly it is centered around the dysfunction of the Lyon family and the vulnerability within is so transparent. You will gasp, laugh, cry and be completely invested and affected. I don't know about anyone else, but those are the kinds of shows that I'm addicted to. I guarantee this will be the next obsession on the list!

Answer 2

The show is a unique drama about a talented family as they try to build a hip-hop empire. Can you describe your character Anika's role in the drama?

Anika is a silent moving storm. She's fierce, fearless and a woman who chooses her words carefully. She's sharp, smart and is very good at what she does. Most of all, she is not an easy target. She fights, plays and loves hard - especially when it comes to Lucious.

Answer 3

Your acting career has taken you from New York City to Los Angeles to Chicago. Which American city is your favorite?

Apart from the weather, I've fallen in love with Chicago. It has the drive and excitement of city-life yet still the serenity and quality of living that I adore. The food is great, the people are amazing and art is thriving and celebrated. But this wind chill though? Ugh. They can keep that.

Answer 4

Are you more of a nomad at heart or do you prefer to stay in one place?

Both! There are times when I'm ready to pick up and explore for months at a time and other times when I need to have that feeling of stability and being grounded. As I get older, the stability factor is prevailing more and more...

Answer 5

How did you go about preparing for your role as Anika?

She's the Head of A&R for the company so I've done quite a lot of research on the music industry and what that role entails. I've interviewed current A&R Hip Hop execs and have filtered through the current culture of the music industry. A strong factor is also the fact that she's a woman in this profession which provides a slew of other challenges as well. These are just a few things I started with and it's all been such an enlightening process.

Answer 6

What is the atmosphere like on the set of "Empire"?

We have a ball. There are lots of laughs and inside jokes but most of all, we are all there to produce good work. That's our goal every single day so the support we offer each other in the scenes is irreplaceable.

Answer 7

Being new to the TV/film industry, do you still feel "star-struck" when meeting and working with big Hollywood names?

I do! But not because they aren't approachable - they are extremely gracious, very approachable and wonderful scene partners. It's because of the fact that their work precedes them and you are constantly reminded of the tour de forces they are.

Answer 8

Time to spill: Who has been the person you've loved working with the most?

It's so hard to choose! If I must, I'd have to say Terrence Howard because of the nature of the relationship between Lucious and Anika. There have been many vulnerable, poignant and multidimensional moments and he's been such a present, honest partner that it's been a privilege to create with him.

Answer 9

What challenges did you have in securing your first role on a television series?

Apart from not being SAG, not having any TV credits, not having a TV/Film reel and not being a household Hollywood name? Let's just say that FOX, Lee Daniels and Danny Strong are life-changers. That, and the fact that there is a larger power outside of ourselves always at work in our lives.

Answer 10

What's the best piece of advice that you've ever received?

To keep my spiritual life in alignment at all times. I find that it shapes the way I approach and deal with challenges, frustrations and accomplishments in my life.