Taraji P. Henson claims her success was ''strategically planned.''

The 'Empire' actress, who has been nominated for an Oscar and an Emmy, had to work very hard for all of her achievements, but believes she is only just beginning to hit her stride.

The 45-year-old star said: ''I'm just gonna keep amassing an audience. Everything was strategically planned. This is what all my efforts are for.''

The classically-trained actress takes her career very seriously and hates being compared to reality TV stars.

She told the November issue of Essence magazine: ''These kids are thinking they can do reality TV and come and do this craft that I studied, sweated and grinded. People forget it's a craft because it's so pop now...Can they make me believe the words coming out of their mouth?''

Taraji, who plays hard-nosed criminal Cookie Lyon on the series, previously admitted she feels she is finally getting the recognition she deserves.

She said: ''So after however many years I've been in this business, I finally have Hollywood's attention.''

The show's creator Lee Daniels also hinted she could soon be starring in her own spin-off series.

He said: ''It's coming...without question.

''Taraji was what I call 'Project Royalty' because in the projects, honey, she is royalty. She was Meryl Streep in the streets; it just took a moment for white America to catch on.''