January 11, 2025
Daniels described Lydia as his ‘greatest good friend’ in a heartfelt Instagram publish following her loss of life.
Producer and director Lee Daniels shared a heartfelt publish on Instagram revealing the lack of his youthful sister, Lydia Ruth Daniels-Rook. He wrote within the Jan. 10 publish that Lydia was the one who impressed his writing of Taraji P. Henson‘s “Empire” character Loretha “Cookie” Lyon.
In an emotional publish on Instagram, Daniels shared a photograph of them collectively, in addition to phrases about how he was mourning Lydia’s passing. Daniels didn’t specify the reason for loss of life for Lydia, who was 64 on the time.
Daniels shared, “Because the fires are burning, so is my coronary heart. My youthful sister Lydia has handed. She was additionally my greatest good friend. In Empire, the character of Cookie was primarily based partly on her life. She’s left 4 stunning kids and 5 grandchildren behind. RIP Girly…I LOVE YOU FOREVER.”
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The 65-year-old Oscar-nominated director created the 2015 hit Fox sequence “Empire.” In it, powerhouse actress Henson performed Cookie — the daring spouse of Lucious Lion who returns from jail to reclaim her stake at Empire Leisure after being locked up for drug dealing.
For the character that Daniels revealed was in some half created from Lydia’s life story, Henson was nominated for a number of Emmys for bringing Cookie to life.
Within the preliminary publish, Daniels obtained phrases of assist and condolences from his fellow trade stars resembling Holly Robinson Peete, Hym Whitley, Kelly Rowland, Patti Labelle, and Billy Porter.
The feedback beneath “The Deliverance” director’s tribute for Lydia, together with Halle Berry, who starred in Daniels 2001’s movie manufacturing of “Monster’s Ball.”
Berry stated, “Sending all my like to you and your loved ones.”
Porter added, “So sorry in your loss. Sending you all of the love and peace that’s potential.”
Daniels was one among 5 siblings raised in West Philadelphia, and Lydia is survived by 4 kids of her personal and 5 grandchildren.
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