casting couch

Forest Whitaker Is Joining Empire in a Recurring Role

Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images

Empire is expanding its impressive stable of famous guest stars to include Forest Whitaker. According to Variety, the Oscar-winning actor is set to play Uncle Eddie, a “charismatic music icon” who gave a young, unknown Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard) his first radio airplay. Decades later, Eddie is back to help his old friend and produce a song for Empire Entertainment.

Previously the hip-hop soap has featured appearances from other big-name stars, including Mariah Carey, Marisa Tomei, Chris Rock, Alicia Keys, Taye Diggs, Naomi Campbell, Courtney Love, and Demi Moore. The series will serve as a reunion for Whitaker and co-creator Lee Daniels, who directed The Butler.

Forest Whitaker Is Joining Empire in a Recurring Role