‘Empire’ Cast News: Who Got Promoted To Series Regulars?
While we don’t have any Empire plot points to tell viewers about, we do have news about its cast for season 2. According to TVLine, cast members Gabourey Sidibe and Ta’Rhonda Jones have been bumped up to series regulars.
In case you don’t know them by name (you should!) Sidibe is Lucious’ assistant Becky, while Jones is Cookie’s assistant Porsha. Both of their roles have expanded throughout the season, but their regular presence in season 2 was made official when it was announced that they would be promoted to series regulars.
So what does this actually mean? Well, you can probably expect to see more of their characters on the screen on a weekly basis, which means more hilarious antics and shouting from both Cookie and Lucious.
This doesn’t come as a huge surprise as head writer Ilene Chaiken spoke to TVLine about the odds of upping the two characters to series regulars. Back then Chaiken said of their fate, “We love them both, and we want them both back as ongoing characters on the show.”
When the news first broke, Sidibe celebrated the by posting her excitement on Twitter.
Very happy about this! Thanks for having me @EmpireFOX!! https://t.co/8KjDbSkBL0
— Gabourey Sidibe (@GabbySidibe) April 21, 2015
Many of her fans extended their congratulations and excitement.
@GabbySidibe @EmpireFOX SO HAPPY FOR THIS NEWS CONGRATS!!
— mya? (@tooturnttobias) April 21, 2015
@GabbySidibe @EmpireFOX @TaRhondajay congratulations to all! Love ya, Bevy
— Beverly Jo Pryor (@BeverlyJoPryor) April 21, 2015
@GabbySidibe @EmpireFOX @TaRhondajay congratulations ladies yall deserve it
— Telly Smith (@tellysr) April 21, 2015
Jones also posted about her promotion on Twitter.
Exclusive: @EmpireFOX Promotes Pair to Series Regular http://t.co/4dJ9iHFqFD
— TVLine.com (@TVLine) April 21, 2015
Woke up this morning feeling like a CHAMP!!!!!!!
— Ta’Rhonda Jones (@TaRhondajay) April 21, 2015
Sidibe was no stranger to television prior to her role as Becky on Empire. The Academy Award nominated actress had a recurring role on American Horror Story: Coven playing a witch named Queenie. In American Horror Story: Freak Show her role was scaled down when she played Regina Ross, appearing in three episodes.
She was also featured in the The Big C, and had guest appearances on American Dad!, and Glenn Martin DDS. As for films, after she was nominated for her debut role in the Lee Daniels film Precious, Sidibe had roles in Tower Heist, Seven Psychopaths and Life Partners.
As for Ta’Rhonda Jones, this is her first foray into a major project.
What do you think will be cooked up for Becky and Porsha?
[Image via Fox]
