Entertainment

Cookie Lyon, Welcome To 'SNL'

by Rachel Simon

I can't imagine Luscious would be too happy about this: on Thursday, it was announced that the Cookie Monster herself, Empire 's Taraji P. Henson, will host SNL on April 11. The show revealed that the acclaimed actress will lead the night's festivities alongside musical guest Mumford & Sons, and while it's too early to know what to expect from the star's gig as host (perhaps a reenactment of that spot-on skit?), one thing's for certain: this is going to be good.

After all, not only is Henson one of TV's most in-demand stars at the moment thanks to her scene-stealing role as Cookie on FOX's hit show, she's also hilarious. Not an Empire episode goes by without the actress displaying some serious comedic chops, whether it's her quotable insults, her amazing dance moves, or her... interesting choices of outfits (who knew fur coats could be so funny?). Henson is a perfect fit for SNL, and whatever she does on the show, it'll undoubtedly confirm what everyone watching Empire already knows — that she's one of the funniest actresses on today's TV. Nine Cookie moments that prove Henson is already a comedy all-star:

Every Time She Walked Into A Board Meeting

From shouting-out to the one woman in the room ("hey, sister girl!") to using her purple boa as emphasis for an announcement, Cookie isn't capable of entering a room without making a scene. Her constant eyerolls and one-liners might be a pain for Empire's board members, but for us viewers, it's consistent hilarity.

When She Showed Up To Dinner In A Coat And Lingerie

Because what else would Cookie Lyon wear to a family event? Her fur coat was already amazing, but when she revealed the lingerie underneath as she left the room ("oh, and Anika, this is an ass"), the scene reached an even greater high.

When She Said Grace Like This

“And God, please do not withhold your blessings… even from hoes who hire skanks to spy on me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen, hallelujah!"

When She Got Anika Kicked Out Of The House

Cookie saying, "bye, Felicia!" alone would've been enough to give the scene a spot on this list, but the expression on Henson's face as she watched Anika get kicked out of the house — in the midst of her wedding planning, no less — made the hilarious moment even stronger.

Everything That Happened While She Was Drunk

There are no words to describe just how great drunk Cookie is. Winning the contest, stumbling through the street, telling Malcolm, "that's my name, take a bite" and then, later, "take these cookies!," struggling to get into the limo — it's all pure, comedic perfection.

When She Finally Fought Anika

Viewers knew that a confrontation between Cookie and Anika was inevitable, and in the season finale, it finally happened — and oh, it was amazing. Between the water glasses thrown, the necklaces that were broken, and the one-liners that were spouted ("why I shouldn’t throw this drink in your bitch-ass face?" "Because you’ll never get up off the floor, bitch"), the fight lived up to fans' impossibly high expectations. Both actresses were great, but, like always, it was Henson who caused the most gasps, shrieks, and laughs.

When She Threw Her Shoe at Lucious

Only, a moment later, to demand that Porsha retrieve said shoe.

When She Did This

When She Called Anika Boo-Boo Kitty — The First Time

Nothing on Empire was as painfully funny as Cookie calling Anika "Boo-Boo Kitty" and then watching the woman stutter for a response. Sure, the name would come back to haunt her, but in that moment, Cookie, as always, was the clear winner.

Images: Fox; Giphy; cookielyon/Tumblr