'Empire' stars pay touching tribute to Lee Daniels

joan

May 12, 2015 5:01 PM

At the Family Equality Council’s 10th annual Night at the Pier in New York City - to honor LGBTQ parents and allies striving for family equality, Daniels was awarded as a gay parent of twins.

According to actress Taraji P. Henson and actor Jussie Smollett, 'Empire' series director, Lee Daniels is simply one of the greatest people on planet earth whether as a movie maker, father, friend or an open gay man.

At the Family Equality Council’s in New York City - to honor LGBTQ parents and allies striving for family equality, Daniels was awarded as a gay parent of twins.

His cast, 'Cookie Lyon' and 'Jamal Lyon' surprised the audience at the event by paying tribute to the co-creator of their hit series.

Smollett - who recently came out during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show - said while introducing the director: "I now know what it means to have an amazing, gay father. He's made me more of a truthful man.''

Henson, who plays Cookie stated: ''I want to thank you, Lee, for using your talent for changing lives and allowing people to be who they are," she said, adding that the show ''can be a voice for people who don't have a voice.''

Lee Daniels' career spans over 15 years and he has become a celebrated director, producer, father, and out gay man. His has not only earned numerous Academy Award nominations, but also many accolades from the LGBTQ community for his continued work in Hollywood and on TV.

joan