Jussie Smollett
Biography
Jussie Smollett is an American actor, singer, and photographer who was born on June 21, 1982, in Santa Rosa, California. He began his acting career as a child in 1987 by starring in national network commercials in New York City. He later co-starred in the feature films The Mighty Ducks in 1992 and Rob Reiner's North in 1994. In 2015, Smollett received reviews for his portrayal of musician Jamal Lyon in the Fox music-industry primetime television drama Empire. Beyond his acting career, Smollett was later the subject of media attention and documentaries following a 2019 incident where he was accused of staging a hate crime against himself and went to trial for allegedly filing a false police report.
Career overview
Jussie Smollett is an American actor, singer, and photographer who was born on June 21, 1982, in Santa Rosa, California. As a child, he began his acting career for summer fun in 1987, starring in national network commercials in New York City. He later co-starred in the feature films The Mighty Ducks in 1992 and Rob Reiner's North in 1994.
In 2015, Smollett received rave reviews for his portrayal of musician Jamal Lyon in the Fox music-industry primetime television drama Empire. Beyond his television and film work, Smollett's career later intersected with major public events. He was accused of staging a hate crime against himself in 2019, leading to a trial for allegedly filing a false police report after he claimed he suffered a hate crime. The scandal became the subject of widespread media coverage and a Netflix documentary.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
35 titles- The Truth About Jussie Smollett? (2025) as Self
- The Lost Holliday (2024) as Jason Holliday
- The Lost Holliday (2024) Director
- The Lost Holliday (2024) Writer
- Special Forces: World's Toughest Test (2023) as Self - Recruit
- Jussie Smollett: Anatomy of a Hoax (2023) as Self (archive footage)
- Chicago vs. Jussie Smollett (2022) as Self
- B-Boy Blues (2021) Director
- B-Boy Blues (2021) Producer
- B-Boy Blues (2021) Screenplay
- Steve (2017) as Self
- Alien: Covenant (2017) as Ricks
- Marshall (2017) as Langston Hughes
- Taraji's White Hot Holiday Special (2017) as Self
- Star (2016) as Jamal Lyon
- Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party (2016)
- Empire (2015) as Jamal Lyon
- Empire (2015) Director
- Taraji's White Hot Holidays (2015) as Self
- Trailblazer Honors (2014) as Self - Performer
- Ask Me Anything (2014) as Nico Dempster
- Born to Race: Fast Track (2014) as Tariq
- The Mindy Project (2012) as Barry Stassen
- The Skinny (2012) as Magnus
- Revenge (2011) as Jamie
- Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen (2009) as Self - Guest
- Teen Choice Awards (1999) as Self - Musical Guest
- On Our Own (1994) as Jesse Jerrico
- North (1994) as Adam
- Alex Haley's Queen (1993) as Simon
- Cro (1993) as Mike (voice)
- The Mighty Ducks (1992) as Terry Hall
- A Little Piece of Heaven (1991) as Salem Bordeaux
- Coach (1989) as Billy
- LIVE with Kelly and Mark (1988) as Self (archive footage)
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Jussie Smollett best known for?
Jussie Smollett is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Steve (2017), Alien: Covenant (2017), Marshall (2017), Star (2016).
When and where was Jussie Smollett born?
Jussie Smollett was born on June 21, 1982 in Santa Rosa, California, USA.
How many credits does Jussie Smollett have?
Jussie Smollett has accumulated over 35 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1988 to 2025.
What is Jussie Smollett's background in cinema and television?
Jussie Smollett is an American actor, singer, and photographer who was born on June 21, 1982, in Santa Rosa, California. He began his acting career as a child in 1987 by starring in national network commercials in New York City. He later co-starred in the feature films The Mighty Ducks in 1992 and Rob Reiner's North in...