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Lee Daniels calls ‘Empire’ “absolutely the worst experience” but doesn't regret it: “Money, money, money. I was able to put my kids through college and s---“

Lee Daniels talks about creating and producing the hit series 'Empire' for Fox, saying he found the experience 'horrible,' but one he doesn't regret: 'Money, money, money.'

Empire ran for six seasons of Fox, garnering rave reviews and bonanza ratings, once earning it the title of "the most valuable show on broadcast TV." Empire boosted Daniels into a new stratosphere of Hollywood clout and creative opportunity, but surmises that it was the money "in itself" that made the experience "worth it." His breakthrough as a below-the-title credit was 2001's Monster's Ball, which he produced, and ultimately led Halle Berry to make history as the first-ever Black Best Actress winner at the Academy Awards.

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