Trai Byers Rumored To Be Unhappy With Role On "Empire"

“Empire” Star Looking To Leave, Unhappy With Show’s Direction

The second season of “Empire” wasn’t nearly as good as the first, so we can’t say we’re surprised that cast members are starting to talk about walking away. Word on the curb is that Trai Byers, the actor who plays Andre Lyon, Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard’s bipolar eldest son Andre wants out of the Fox show, sources exclusively told Page Six:

“Trai wants out,” said an insider. “He feels that he studied at Yale and he’s a ‘true thespian’ . . . The character is beneath him. He has an idea of himself as being this big Shakespearean actor.”

“At first, being on ‘Empire’ was major for him. But he feels his character is not as important this season, and he hates not being the star,” said a source. “He thinks he has the acting chops of Taraji and Terrence. He doesn’t get how the show benefits him, and he feels he has way too much talent when he’s not the star by any means.”

Another insider added: “Trai threw a temper tantrum during filming in the past few weeks, saying, ‘I don’t get to do enough, I might leave.’ But producers called his bluff and said, ‘Fine, if you’re not happy, we don’t need you.’ He thinks he is a brilliant guy who deserves a better role, but he’s hardly one of the most popular or dynamic actors on the show.”

The insider added: “He also fired all his reps for not getting him big movie roles.”

Wow… Sounds like somebody really is feeling himself.

Hit the flip to find out which big role Byers lost out on that may be the reason behind his new attitude.