Fans of the hit Fox series "Empire" have to admit that Cookie (played by Taraji P. Henson) completely steals the show. The strong-willed, trash-talking, ex-con ex-wife of hip-hop mogul Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard) is a master wheeler and dealer with head-swiveling taste in dress and home decor.
Which is why we were somewhat taken aback after getting a look inside Henson's current real-life digs. They're just not Cookie enough. And while yes, Henson only plays the character on TV, we still had the feeling (or maybe the hope) that in this case, life might imitate art.
Henson is selling her home in Los Angeles: A 4,202-square-foot, four-bedroom, five-bathroom home listed for $3.25 million. So if you're keen to build your own "empire" with a piece of Cookie, here's your chance!
But, rather than Cookie's flashy accessories and the cutting-edge African-American art spotlighted to great effect on the show, this home has more staid Moorish accents and wood details, along with three fireplaces and Moroccan chandeliers.
Perhaps the only aspect of the home that does remind us of Cookie is the fact that even though all four bedrooms have walk-in closets, that wasn't enough room for Henson -- who went ahead and converted one of the four bedrooms into her own dressing room.
In any case, if Henson's past homes are any indication of where she's heading, we have high hopes her next place could be far posher. In July, Variety reported that Henson was renting out her "starter home" in Glendale for $3,700 per month. This home was a mere 1,406 square feet, with two bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Her current home, the one she's selling, is clearly a step up, so who knows what she'll go for next?
Just in case Henson is looking for suggestions, here are a few we think could be fitting of her TV persona:
Kimye's Bel Air mansion
For starters, there's Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's mansion in Bel Air, CA, which is listed for $20 million. That's steep, but then again, the power couple poured $750,000 into installing four gold-plated toilets. Somehow we think Cookie would approve.
Love guru Adam Carolla's 'sexy villa'
If Henson is channeling Cookie's sensual streak, she could do worse than the Hollywood Hill villa owned by "Loveline" radio personality Adam Carolla. Listed for $5.3 million, this five-bedroom home features a "sexy" dining room (according to the listing), "romantic" master bath with steam shower and sweeping balcony, and a custom-built bar.
50 Cent's bargain mansion
If Henson's up for moving to the East Coast, there's always 50 Cent's infamous Connecticut mansion. For starters, it's a deal that's gone through plenty of price reductions to $8.5 million. And with 21 bedrooms and 25 bathrooms, you can't ask for more space for guests who want to party -- with indoor pool, basketball court, and a "disco" complete with stripper poles. We're not sure how Henson feels about that, but stripper poles just seem so Cookie. In a good way.