Director, stars of 'Empire' attend 'Stand Up To Cancer' event in Chicago

The stars of Empire are in Chicago shooting Season 2. But on Thursday, they paused for a cause that’s close to the director's heart. 

Director Lee Daniels went to a "Stand Up To Cancer" event at the Field Museum with his co-creator Danny Strong and stars Ta'Rhonda Jones and Jussie Smollett. 

Daniels has a close connection to a "Stand up to Cancer" co-founder, Laura Ziskin, who tapped him to direct the movie "The Butler". 

He attended in her honor. She died of breast cancer before "The Butler" was made.

Also, the entire cast gave us the scoop on Season 2 of Empire.

“Tons of sex. People sleeping with the unexpected. And a death that'll surprise you.  That’s not true, but it will surprise you,” Daniels told FOX 32.

Season 2 premiers September 23rd on FOX 32.