At 40, Grace Byers Finally Reveals the Truth About Her Marriage

Grace Byers, best known for her breakout role as Anika Calhoun—infamously dubbed “Boo Boo Kitty”—on Fox’s hit drama Empire, has long captivated audiences with her talent, beauty, and grace.

Beyond acting, she’s also a successful author and outspoken advocate for various causes. But now, at 40, Grace is opening up about her marriage, confirming the rumors that fans have long speculated about.

Born in Pennsylvania to a Caucasian-American father and an Afro-Caribbean mother, Grace moved to the Cayman Islands at just two years old.

Growing up in a multicultural household, she learned to embrace her heritage and adapt her accent for various roles. Her unique background has also influenced her character Quinn on the Amazon Prime series Harlem, where she draws from her Caymanian roots.

Grace’s personal life took a dramatic turn after Empire. On set, she met and fell in love with co-star Trai Byers. The two kept their romance mostly private, but after their engagement in 2015, they married in an intimate ceremony in the Cayman Islands in April 2016.

The couple, often seen as a model of Black love and partnership, even starred together in a tourism campaign for the Cayman Islands, highlighting their deep connection to Grace’s homeland.

Despite their seemingly fairytale romance, Grace has finally addressed persistent rumors about marital struggles. While she’s always praised Trai’s talent and their partnership, she recently admitted that navigating marriage in the public eye hasn’t been easy.

Balancing busy careers, personal growth, and family planning posed challenges.

Like many modern couples, Grace and Trai decided to focus on their careers before starting a family. At 38, Grace announced her pregnancy, sharing her joy and vulnerability with fans on social media.

Grace’s journey has not been without hardship. Both her parents are deaf, making her a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults). She’s spoken candidly about growing up in a household where sign language was the norm, and how that shaped her identity and sense of belonging.

Her experiences have inspired her philanthropic work, including writing children’s books about self-worth and partnering with organizations like Saving Our Daughters to fight bullying and empower young girls.

Before her big break on Empire, Grace struggled to make ends meet, working retail jobs and even considering a career as a full-time ASL interpreter.

She’s shared stories of selling her belongings to afford food while pursuing her dream. Her perseverance paid off when she landed her role on Empire, changing her life forever.

Now, as she embraces motherhood and reflects on her marriage, Grace is honest about the ups and downs. She acknowledges that marriage takes work and that no relationship is perfect, especially under the spotlight.

Her openness has resonated with fans, who admire her resilience and authenticity.

Grace Byers stands as a testament to overcoming adversity, championing self-love, and embracing one’s roots. As she moves forward, she remains dedicated to her family, her craft, and her mission to inspire others—proving that even in the face of challenges, grace always prevails.