Jussie Smollett Biography
Jussie Smollett is an American actor and singer. He rose to fame portraying Jamal Lyon in the Fox musical drama series Empire from 2015 to 2019. He began his career as a child actor in 1991 debuting in The Mighty Ducks (1992).
Jussie Smollett Age / Birthday
As of 2023, Smollett is 41 years old, he was born on June 21, 1982, in Santa Rosa, California, in the United States of America. He celebrates his birthday on June 21, 1982.
Jussie Smollett Height / Measurements
Smollett is of average body stature and stands at an approximate height of 6 feet.
Jussie Smollett Partner / Wife
Smollett manages to keep information regarding whether he is married or not away from the public. However, we will update information about his spouse once it’s available.
Jussie Smollett Gay
When he was 19, Smollett told his parents he was gay. In March 2015, Smollett publicly revealed his sexual orientation during an interview with Ellen DeGeneres. When his character on Empire, a gay man, had a romantic encounter with a female character, Smollett justified the storyline by explaining that he and Empire’s co-creator Lee Daniels aimed to spark a conversation about sexual fluidity within the gay community. While both Daniels and Smollett are gay, Daniels has mentioned that they occasionally express interest in relationships with women.
Jussie Smollett Kids / Children
Smollett manages to keep information regarding whether he has any kids away from the limelight. However, we will update this information about his children once it’s available.
Jussie Smollett Family / Relatives
Smollett was born in Santa Rosa, California, to parents Joel and Janet Smollett. He is part of a large family with three brothers—Jake, Jocqui, and Jojo—and two sisters—Jurnee and Jazz, many of whom also pursued careers in acting. Smollett, who is biracial and has a Jewish background, comes from an African-American mother and a Jewish father. He once mentioned that his father strongly identified with being Jewish to the extent that he would strongly object to being referred to as white.
During a significant portion of his childhood, Smollett’s father was absent from his life. The family initially resided in the Elmhurst neighborhood of Queens, New York City, when Jussie was two years old. Subsequently, they moved to Los Angeles around the time he was seven years old.
Jussie Smollett Education
Smollett graduated from Paramus Catholic High School in Paramus, New Jersey.
Jussie Smollett Career
Smollett embarked on his acting journey as a child model in New York City, later securing roles as an extra in movies like Mo’ Better Blues and New Jack City. His early film credits include The Mighty Ducks and Rob Reiner’s North, while on television, he starred with his five real-life siblings in the short-lived ABC sitcom On Our Own (1994–1995).
In 2012, Smollett returned to the acting scene, taking the lead in Patrik-Ian Polk’s LGBT-themed comedy-drama, The Skinny. Simultaneously, he ventured into music, releasing an EP titled The Poisoned Hearts Club and making guest appearances on shows like The Mindy Project and Revenge.
A significant career breakthrough occurred in 2014 when Smollett landed the role of Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series Empire, alongside Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard. His portrayal of a gay musician striving for approval from his father was widely praised for its positive representation of a black gay man on television. Smollett continued in the role for several seasons, even directing an episode in 2017 until his character was excluded from the final two episodes of season five due to an assault controversy.
In February 2015, Smollett confirmed a recording contract with Columbia Records and hinted at an upcoming album. He co-wrote songs for the Original Soundtrack from Season 1 of Empire. His musical talents extended to his debut album, Sum of My Music, a blend of R&B, electronic, and hip-hop elements, self-released in March 2018 through his label, Music of Sound.
Despite Fox Entertainment extending Smollett’s contract for the sixth season of Empire in April 2019, plans excluded his character from appearing. In the realm of directing, Smollett helmed B-Boy Blues, a film adaptation of James Earl Hardy’s 1994 black gay novel, released in November 2021.
Jussie Smollett Net Worth
Through Smollett’s career as an Actor, he has been able to accumulate a net worth that ranges between $1 Million and $ 5 Million.
Jussie Smollett Empire
Smollett played the role of Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series “Empire” from 2015 to 2019. Jamal was a talented musician and the youngest son of music mogul Lucious Lyon (played by Terrence Howard). Jamal was one of the first openly gay black male characters on television to be depicted in a nuanced and positive light. He faced challenges related to his sexuality and identity but also enjoyed success and strong relationships. His role was considered groundbreaking and earned Smollett widespread praise.
Jussie Smollett The Mighty Ducks
Smollett played the role of Terry Hall, the younger brother of Jesse Hall (played by Elden Henson). Terry is a quiet and shy boy who initially isn’t very interested in hockey. However, he eventually joins the Ducks, inspired by his brother and Coach Bombay’s (Emilio Estevez) belief in the team. Throughout the film, Terry gradually gains confidence and skills on the ice, becoming a valuable member of the team.
Jussie Smollett Movies and TV Shows
Movies
- The Mighty Ducks (1992): This sports comedy film, where Smollett played Terry Hall, launched his career as a child actor.
- North (1994): Another children’s comedy-drama featuring Smollett in a supporting role.
- Alien: Covenant (2017): Smollett played Ricks in this sci-fi horror prequel to Ridley Scott’s Alien films.
- Marshall (2017): Smollett portrayed Langston Hughes, a famous poet and activist, in this biographical drama.
- B-Boy Blues (2021): A musical drama written and directed by Smollett himself, where he also plays one of the leads.
TV Shows
- On Our Own (1994-1995): This short-lived sitcom featured Smollett and his real-life siblings as a blended family navigating adolescence.
- Empire (2015-2019): Smollett’s most celebrated role was Jamal Lyon in this musical drama series about a wealthy family involved in the music industry.
- Underground (2016-2017): Smollett appeared in two episodes of this historical drama about enslaved people planning a mass escape.
- Star (2017): In this musical drama spin-off from Empire, Smollett reprised his role as Jamal Lyon for a guest appearance.
Jussie Smollett Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Smollett is active on his social media accounts. He has about 302k followers on his Facebook Page, about 1.2 Million followers on his Twitter account, and around 4.5 million followers on his Instagram account.