Taraji P. Henson Makes Her Directorial Debut on Empire

As Cookie, Taraji P. Henson is often in control on Empire — and if she’s not in control, she finds a way to still make things happen. On tonight’s Empire, Henson’s in charge as she is the episode’s director!

Taraji P. Henson Takes On New Role

“Tonight’s episode of @empirefox #empire is directed by ME!!!” Henson posted on Instagram. “I am very proud!!! Please watch my directorial debut with me tonight @foxtv 9/8c 🙏🏾💋💋💋.”

This evening’s show is titled Come Undone. Here’s the scoop on what viewers can expect: Cookie remains firm in wanting to keep her secret from her sisters Candace (Vivica A. Fox) and Carol (Tasha Smith).

Lucious (Terrence Howard), however, is of the mindset that Cookie needs to fess up about what she’s done. (Check the preview below for a sneak peek!) Meanwhile, Treasure (Katlynn Simoneis) is unable to perform at a showcase so, Becky (Gabourey Sidibe) suggests that Yana (Kiandra Richardson) step in and sing in her place. But Lucious feels that Yana is simply not ready.

Tonight marks Henson’s directorial debut. It’s not uncommon for actors on hit series to step behind the camera. Mariska Hargitay has done just that on Law & Order: SVU, the hit series on which she plays Captain Olivia Benson. Linda Gray directed a handful of episodes on the nighttime soap Dallas, the series on which she played Sue Ellen Ewing.

Henson holds late director John Singleton, who cast her in Baby Boy, near and dear to her heart. Before the director passed away, Henson posted on Instagram: “YOU saw in me what I did not see in myself!!! YOU taught me about the power of my eyes!!! MY GOD MY GOD!!! I will FOREVER miss you my dear sweet John Singleton. I can NOT believe it. GOD BLESS YOUR MOTHER AND BABIES AND FAMILY!!! PRAYING FOR ALL OF US!!! You touched and changed so many lives!!!!” Empire airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on Fox.