Lucious Lyon is the lead character on the acclaimed TV series Empire . He is portrayed by Oscar nominee Terrence Howard.Lucious is the founder and CEO of a very successful record label. Unfortunately, he has recently been diagnosed with ALS.The show's plotline involves Lucious trying to determine which of his 3 adult sons will take over the company when Lucious dies.At the same time, Lucious has to contend with the plotting of his ex-wife Cookie (Taraji P. Henson). Cookie has just been discharged from prison and is out to get her share of Lucious' music empire.