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Taraji P. Henson Channels Cookie With Sexy Chain Dress at 2015 Emmys, Explains Why Empire Character Scared Her

"We all have our crosses to bear. No one is perfect. And I think that's what Cookie represents," actress tells E! News

By Bruna Nessif Sep 20, 2015 11:06 PMTags
Watch: Taraji P. Henson Needed Convincing for "Empire"?!

There seems to be a very thin line between Taraji P. Henson and her Empire character Cookie Lyon.

The actress flaunted sass and sex appeal while walking the red carpet today for the 2015 Emmy Awards, and while chatting with E! News' Ryan Seacrest, Henson opened up about her initial fear to take on the Fox drama baddie.

"It was fearful because the character is so powerful. I just thought it could go one of two ways. They are either going to love her or they're going to hate her," Henson began. 

"I mean, she beats her son with a broom, calls one the F-bomb. But once I got over the fear, I faced it, I was like here is a prime opportunity to flip this and show this woman as a real person, someone that if you show her pain and history and where all of that comes from, then people will start to empathize."

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

She continued, "That's what humanity is about. We all have our crosses to bear. No one is perfect. And I think that's what Cookie represents. Cookie represents the American dream. She came from nothing and she built an empire. Yes, Lucius had nothing to do with it."

Ah, and there we see a glimpse of Cookie. Right?! Some would even argue that Henson channeled her character with her dress for the night.

Looking sexy and fierce in a black cut-out gown, Taraji's look was accentuated by chains that not many could pull off.

"This is Alexander Wang. He was my first date to the Met Ball. I thought he should shine tonight through me," she told us.

As for what fans can expect from the new season of Empire, premiering on Wednesday? "It's crazier. The fashion is to the 10th degree We're pushing all envelopes, we're ruffling all the feathers this season. I'm sorry."

Don't ever apologize, Cookie...er, Taraji.

Watch: Was Taraji P. Henson Afraid to Take on "Empire"?