Grace, Gilly, and Trey Byers first crossed paths on the vibrant set of Empire. As they got to know each other, they discovered a profound spiritual connection that bound them together. Their love story is a captivating journey of two individuals from contrasting backgrounds finding true love in each other’s arms. But before we dive into the heartwarming details of their romance, don’t forget to grab a snack from rrgsnacks.com, our online concession stand offering a delightful selection of treats, including savory beef and bacon jerky, heavenly strawberry cheesecake popcorn, and zesty gummy sour bears.
No love story is truly complete without a trip down memory lane. Grace Kelly’s tale begins on July 26, 1984, in Pennsylvania. But it was in the serene beauty of the Cayman Islands where she spent her formative years, nurtured by her loving, deaf parents. Grace reminisced on a TV show, “The Doctors,” about her unique upbringing—her father, born deaf, and her mother, who lost her hearing at the tender age of two due to pneumonia. Growing up in a household where sign language was the primary mode of communication, Grace learned to sign before she could even utter her first words.
Yet, life wasn’t all smooth sailing for Grace, especially during her school days. The echoes of children’s teasing about her mother’s voice still linger in her memories. In an interview with People magazine, Grace confessed how the constant criticism and mockery made it arduous for her to find her place. Eager for acceptance, she found herself bending over backward to please others. But sometimes, that pent-up frustration found its target in her mother. Grace recalled those moments of anger, wishing her mother would blend in more, speak softer, or sign less conspicuously. However, her mother’s unwavering resolve became a beacon of strength for Grace, teaching her the invaluable lesson of self-acceptance.
The struggles of the disabled community, observed firsthand by Grace, left an indelible mark on her soul. It fueled within her a profound empathy, grace, and patience toward others, shaping her into the compassionate individual she is today.
She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Theater Arts before diving into a Master of Fine Arts program for acting. Despite her training, breaking into the industry was like scaling a mountain. Juggling odd jobs just to get by, she scraped through each month. Eventually landing in New York, she snagged roles in a few plays. But then came that fateful day in her late twenties when a car crash nearly stole her life. Recalling the harrowing experience to Essence magazine, she vividly recounted how her forehead split open to the skull, needing 15 stitches. Bedridden and battered, she could barely summon the strength to step outside. It was during those dark days that she confronted her inner demons, rooted deep since childhood, and discovered her own self-worth, independent of others’ opinions. Although she bounced back from the accident, by 2014, with acting gigs drying up, she decided to bow out of showbiz, opting instead to launch her own company providing interpreter services. Funny how life works, though; just as she made her exit, fate threw her a curveball with a life-changing call from Empire.
Meanwhile, Trey Byers, hailing from Kansas City and born on July 19, 1983, had a childhood that resembled a nomadic journey due to his family’s military ties. Changing schools three times was tough, especially for a shy kid like him. Despite trying out for roles like Antoine Fisher in high school, he felt the pull of Hollywood. But his mom had other plans—she insisted he at least give college a shot. So, after earning his associate’s degree in theater at a Georgia college called Andrew, he extended his stay to give his mom some peace of mind. Then it was off to Prairie View A&M, followed by a stint at the University of Kansas, where he graduated with a bachelor’s in Communications. Next stop: Yale School of Drama for a master’s in acting. Starting small with soap operas and background gigs in movies, he finally hit his stride as Andre in Empire. Reminiscing about the day he first laid eyes on Grace at a birthday bash for their co-star Terence Howard, Trey told Essence, “Time just froze. I’ve been captivated ever since.” Calling it “love at Soul sight,” he couldn’t take his eyes off her as she danced that night, wishing he was the one spinning her around.
After the party, everyone split up, eagerly anticipating news about whether the pilot got picked up by Fox network. Trey and Grace stayed connected, even as Trey’s feelings for her intensified, leading him to seek solace in his faith. When Empire hit prime time in January 2015, it took TV by storm. Trey felt a sense of destiny in their reunion, declaring his love for Grace, but there was a snag: she was already in a relationship.
At the Merge Summit, Grace admitted she hadn’t noticed Trey initially, being committed elsewhere. Still, she acknowledged a special connection between them, labeling their first meeting as “Love at First Spirit.” Despite this, she didn’t act on her feelings and stayed with her partner. On The Real, Grace opened up about her readiness to marry her boyfriend, even without a spiritual bond, opting for comfort. But Trey lingered in her thoughts, sparking conversations with friends about their undeniable chemistry. Eventually, she confided, “I feel like he’s the one.”
After much soul-searching, Grace ended her relationship. That same week, Trey had a moment of divine clarity, affirming Grace as his wife. Speculation arose in March 2015 when TMZ caught them looking cozy at a wedding reception, later confirmed by US Weekly. As they grew closer, Trey found himself captivated by every facet of Grace. During an Instagram live session, he praised her inner glow, drive, and empathy. Grace reciprocated, expressing unwavering trust in Trey, highlighting their ongoing journey of open communication and boundary-setting.
After four months of dating, Trey felt it was time to take their relationship to the next level. So, on her 31st birthday, they embarked on a romantic horse and carriage ride. And right there, amidst the charm of the moment, Trey popped the question. Her answer? An ecstatic yes, of course. In April 2016, they exchanged vows in a breathtaking ceremony in the Cayman Islands, surrounded by 50 of their nearest and dearest. The initial months of their marriage were pure bliss, as Trey shared on Harry TV, gushing about the wonders of married life. And during an appearance on the Rachel Ray Show, he proudly recounted how Grace had decided to adopt his last name professionally, a touching tribute to their union.
As their second anniversary approached, Trey’s love for Grace only seemed to grow deeper. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he likened their two years of marriage to mere seconds, expressing his undying affection. “I’m utterly captivated by your love, and I’ll never let go,” he declared.
Although Grace bid adieu to Empire in its fourth season, their personal love story flourished. Grace often describes Trey as her rock, best friend, and unwavering support, grateful for his constant reminders of her inherent value. In October 2022, amidst the excitement of the opening night of Trey’s Broadway play, “The Piano Lesson,” they joyfully unveiled Grace’s baby bump. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for the couple as they eagerly await the arrival of their first child. Here’s to their growing family and a future filled with love and happiness.