Photo Courtesy of Fox
First making waves on Real Housewives of Atlanta, the Fashion Queens host dishes about getting his dream role on Empire.
September 25 2015 11:15 AM EST
September 24 2015 9:34 PM EST
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First making waves on Real Housewives of Atlanta, the Fashion Queens host dishes about getting his dream role on Empire.
The season 2 premiere of Empire was flooded with cameos and guest appearances by everyone from Chris Rock and Marisa Tomei to Al Sharpton, Don Lemon, and Andre Leon Talley. But the popular Fox primetime soap is perhaps best served as a catalyst for new talent.
One "new" face came in the form of Lawrence "Miss Lawrence" Washington, who entered with a dazzling and slightly seductive rendition of Sylvester's "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)." Dressed in a sequined jacket and posing on the young CEO Jamal Lyon's desk, Miss Lawrence stole the scene.
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Some may recognize the celebrity hairstylist from his TV debut on Real Housewives of Atlanta or his current role on Fashion Queens. Accordingn to Miss Lawrence, he met Empire creator Lee Daniels through fellow fashion queen, Bevy Smith. After occasionally bumping into each other, he got the creator's attention when Smith filmed Miss Lawrence on her phone pitching a special ball-themed episode of Empire, complete with impersonations of Jamal and Cookie:
When Daniels learned that his young fan had the killer voice to back up the personality, it was only a matter of time before he found a project for his new muse. Miss Lawrence says Daniels even introduced him to Lenny Kravitz, who praised his vocal chops.
"You have this legendary, iconic rock 'n' roll star on my phone telling me he loves my voice, he loves my talent and that he appreciates what I give and project out into the universe," Miss Lawrence tells Out. "And he told me I should do more with music and to make sure I use my voice and all of my gifts."
Several months later, Miss Lawrence was on a plane from New York to Atlanta when he finally got the call: Daniels said he had a role for him on the season 2 premiere of Empire.
"So I hung up the phone and immediately pressed my little button and told the flight attendant I wanted a vodka soda with a splash of cranberry," he says. "You know I ended up needing a cocktail after that. Then after I got my good ole cocktail and got relaxed in the air, honey, I had me a good ole moment of prayer 'cause I'm a very spiritual being as well."
Seeing his name on the same script as Taraji P Henson, Terrence Howard, Marisa Tomei, and Chris Rock solidified the moment for Miss Lawrence. He referred to it as his "mama, I made it" moment. After collecting himself, he focused every moment on rehearsing and making sure his role was as fabulously executed as it was.
"I am a very specific talent, and I was so appreciative that Lee Daniels got it and he understood exactly who I was," he says. "I made sure that I was able to give 110% back so that I wouldn't leave one stone unturned and that I would make everybody proud."
Having trained in performing arts, Miss Lawrence says he wants to revisit his original dream while maintaining his brand in the beauty industry. And after Miss Lawrence's vivacious spot on the show this season, we're hoping to see him return to the world of Cookie and Lucious -- and perhaps sing a "Do You Wanna Funk" duet next time.
Watch a clip below: