January 11, 2025
Daniels described Lydia as his “best friend” in a heartfelt Instagram post following her death.
Producer and director Lee Daniels posted a heartfelt post on Instagram revealing the loss of his younger sister, Lydia Ruth Daniels-Rook.In a Jan. 10 post, he wrote that Lydia was the one who inspired Taraji P. Henson’s Empire character Loretta “Cookie” Lyon.
In an emotional post on Instagram, Daniels shared a photo of them together, as well as words about how he mourns Lydia’s death. Daniels did not give a cause of death for Lydia, who was 64 at the time.
Daniels shared. “As the fires burn, so does my heart. My younger sister Lydia is dead.” She was also my best friend. In empireThe character of Cookie was partly based on her life. He is survived by four beautiful children and five grandchildren. RIP Girly…I LOVE YOU FOREVER.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/DEnEgIPR2t8/?igsh=aHFsbHd4MWEzb3k2
The 65-year-old Oscar-nominated director created Fox’s 2015 hit series Empire. In it, the powerful actress Henson played Cookie, the daring wife of Lucius the Lion, who returns from prison. to return his stake in Empire Entertainment after being banned for drug dealing.
Because the character Daniels developed was in part based on Lydia’s life story, Henson was nominated for several Emmys for bringing Cookie to life.
In the original post, Daniels received words of support and condolences from fellow industry stars such as Holly Robinson Peet, Haim Wheatley, Kelly Rowland, Patti LaBelle and Billy Porter.
Comments under “The Deliverance”. directorial tributes to Lydia, including Halle Berry, who starred in Daniels’ 2001 Monster’s Ball.
Berry said: “Sending all my love to you and your family.”
Porter added. “So sorry for your loss. Sending you all the love and peace possible.”
Daniels was one of five siblings raised in West Philadelphia, and Lydia is survived by her four children and five grandchildren.
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