Marisa Tomei Joins ‘Empire’ as Hip-hop-Loving, Billionaire Venture Capitalist

Marisa Tomei in ‘Ides of March’ (2011)

Oscar winning actress Marisa Tomei ( The Ides of March ) has joined FOX’s hip-hop-centric Empire as a demanding venture capitalist who becomes involved with the Lyon family.

Her recurring role is Mimi Whiteman, a Forbes-list billionaire who loves of hip-hop, social trends, high-end fashion and beautiful women.

She joins the mega-hit’s growing list of guest-stars, including Chris Rock , Alicia Keys , Lenny Kravitz and Adam Rodriguez .

Last season, Empire broke a 23-year ratings record as the only primetime scripted series to grow in total viewers over each of its first five telecasts since at least 1991 in the U.S.

Its finale drew in nearly 17 million viewers, becoming the most-watched new series season-ender since Grey’s Anatomy in 2005.

Starring Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson , Empire will begin an extended, two-part second season on Wednesday, September 23, at 9pm on FOX.

[via hollywoodreporter.com ]