In 2013, he released the historical drama, The Butler. The film starred Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, Terrence Howard, and John Cusack.  The film was based on the life of Eugene Allen, who served as butler in the White House under numerous presidents. A critical and financial success, the film would earn $176 million on a budget of only $30 million.

Television Work

Daniels created the Fox television show, Empire, which premiered in 2015.  Starring Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, the series focuses on a hip-hop company and the family who runs it. The show has received several Emmy award nominations and has been renewed for a fifth season after strong ratings. 

His next foray into television was also on Fox. The drama, Star, premiered in December 2016. It follows three singers as they fight to make it in the music business. Star was renewed for a third season in March of 2018.

Personal Life

Daniels is openly gay.  For a time, he dated casting director Billy Hopkins, although they would later separate. He adopted his niece and nephew, Clara and Liam. In 2016, Daniels lent his voice to Human Rights Campaign tribute to the victims of the 2016 Orlando gay nightclub shooting.

References

Solway, Diane. “Family Values: Lee Daniels.” W Magazine, 16 Dec. 2016,       www.wmagazine.com/story/family-issue-lee-daniels.

“Lee Daniels.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 19 Jan. 2018,  www.biography.com/people/lee-daniels-516876.

“Lee Daniels.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 17 May 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Daniels.