American actress Grace Byers, born July 26, 1984, as Grace Gealey, is a talented performer known for her captivating portrayal of Anika Calhoun in the popular Fox music-industry drama, Empire.
After her early beginnings, Gealey relocated to New York City, where she honed her craft by performing in Off-Broadway productions, including the intriguing Venus Flytrap: A Femme Noir Mystery and the iconic Rent. Her impressive range and versatility also led her to take on roles in Chicago-based productions, such as The Misanthrope and Tartuffe, in 2013.
In 2014, Gealey landed the coveted role of Anika Calhoun in the highly anticipated Fox musical prime time drama, Empire, alongside esteemed actors Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson. The series premiered on January 7, 2015, and has since garnered a significant following and widespread acclaim.