All Three Lyons Brothers Cover 'Essence' Mag

Pardon the cliche right now, but summer just got me and other Empire fans really hot and bothered. It's difficult to say anything of more consequence than that when three of the of hottest television brothers are posted up on some extravagant yacht wearing open linen tops with their bare chests glistening in the sun. Empire's Lyon brothers cover Essence magazine's June 2015 issue and Jussie Smollet, Trai Byers, and Bryshere Gray are featured in all their glory.

Naturally, fans of Empire (and anyone else with eyes) are delighted with the spread, and it's very welcome considering fans are already counting down the days until the Season 2 premiere. On Monday, it was reported that the second season of Empire will have 18 episodes, as opposed to the 12 the first season had, and its mid-season premiere could come as early as September 2015! Hallelujah!

So, maybe the hiatus doesn't have to be as painful as we thought. To give us a little fix, Essence shot four separate covers for the Empire actors — one with each actor alone and an added treat of a family portrait. Most of America has already fallen in love with the Lyon family (Cookie Lyon being the HBIC) and writer Regina Robertson set out to dig a little deeper and uncover even more reasons that prove all our fangirling is definitely warranted. Not surprisingly, Smollet, Byers, and Gray are all charming, sweet and full of inspiration for their fans.

Although the full interview hasn't been released online yet, Essence did share a few tidbits that tell us a little more about each of the actors. As expected, fans on social media are having minor meltdowns over it all, which speaks of the show's immense success that has everything to do with the actors who are bringing these characters to life.

Jussie Smollet On How He Got The Part Of Jamal Lyon

Smollet took control of his fate and went straight to the source. He said,

I jumped on Instagram and direct-messaged Lee and said, "Sir, I know you get this all the time, but I'm a singer, actor, dancer, songwriter and musician. I am Jamal Lyon in more ways than one."

Trai Byers On Why He Keeps Fit

Rumored to be dating his co-star Grace Gealey, who plays Anika, Byers explained why he stays in top shape, saying,

I work out for two reasons: one, because I'm an actor and two, because I'm somebody's [future] husband. I want to be prepared for the woman God has for me.

Bryshere Gray On Inspiring Young Fans

Gray shared that he wants to use his tough past to be a good role model for young people, saying,

I would hear things like, "My dad was never in my life..." and my response was, "My dad was never in my life...Don't feel like you don't matter."

Of course, this is just a teaser of what's to come when the full interview is released. The issue will hit stands

Images: Getty Images