Trai Byers currently stars as the eldest Lyon son, Andre Lyon, on Empire. While his character has seemingly had every horrible thing happen to him — from cancer to his wife dying — the actor who portrays him hasn’t had nearly as dramatic a life.
From where he was born and raised to his television debut, here are five fast facts you need to know about Empire star Trai Byers.
In The Beginning
Byers was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas, and his father was in the military. He moved to Georgia when he was still in high school and after graduation, he attended the University of Kansas and got his degree in communications. After, he went to both the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles and the Yale School of Drama.
Television Debut
Following his graduation from Yale, Byers began acting professionally. In fact, his first role on television was on the popular soap opera, All My Children, in 2011. He played the character of Mookie and was on the show for 11 episodes.
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Almost Took A Different Path
While he’s now a very successful actor and is one of the biggest stars on Empire, Byers almost chose a different career path. He told Meredith Viera he actually thought about becoming a pastor instead of an actor. He’s a Christian and is very passionate about God, so he thought it would be a good choice.
Reunited And It Feels So Good
Though he’s played one of Terrence Howard’s sons on Empire since 2015, Byers actually first met his onscreen father almost 20 years ago when he was an extra on Howard’s film, Boycott, back in 2001. Fast forward 14 years and they get cast to play family!
Keeping Thing In The Empire Family
Byers met his wife, Grace Gealey (now Byers), during the first season of Empire, as she played Anika Calhoun from Season 1 to Season 4. They started dating and got engaged in 2015. They officially tied the knot on Grand Cayman Island on April 14, 2016.
Keeping Thing In The Empire Family
Byers met his wife, Grace Gealey (now Byers), during the first season of Empire, as she played Anika Calhoun from Season 1 to Season 4. They started dating and got engaged in 2015. They officially tied the knot on Grand Cayman Island on April 14, 2016.
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