The Smollett family has been a household name in the entertainment industry for decades, with several members making a name for themselves in film and television. While Jussie Smollett has been in the spotlight for his role in the hit TV show “Empire” and his highly publicized personal life, his sister Jurnee Smollett has also built a successful career in Hollywood. In this article, we will delve into the life and career of Jurnee Smollett, exploring her early beginnings, notable roles, and achievements.
Early Life and Career
Jurnee Smollett was born on October 1, 1986, in New York City to Janet and Joel Smollett. She is the fourth of six children, and her siblings, including Jussie, Jazz, Jocqui, Jake, and Joy, have all been involved in the entertainment industry in some capacity. Growing up in a show business family, Jurnee was exposed to the world of acting from a young age. She began her career as a child model, appearing in commercials and print ads before transitioning to television and film.
Breakthrough Roles
Jurnee’s breakthrough role came in 1991 when she played the character Denise Fraser on the ABC sitcom “Full House.” She was just five years old at the time and appeared in several episodes of the show. Her early start in the industry helped her land more significant roles in the following years. In 1994, she played the character Heather on the CBS drama “The Cosby Mysteries,” and in 1995, she appeared in the TV movie “Savage Skies.”
Notable Films and Television Shows
As Jurnee grew older, she began to take on more substantial roles in film and television. Some of her notable projects include the 1997 film “Eve’s Bayou,” which earned her an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Youth Actor/Actress. She also appeared in the 2000 film “Beautiful Joe,” alongside Sharon Stone and Billy Connolly. In 2007, Jurnee played the lead role of Jess Merriweather in the CBS drama “The Defenders,” and in 2010, she joined the cast of the HBO series “True Blood” as Nicole Wright.
Achievements and Accolades
Throughout her career, Jurnee Smollett has received numerous award nominations and wins for her performances. In addition to her NAACP Image Award nomination for “Eve’s Bayou,” she has also been recognized for her work on “The Defenders” and “True Blood.” In 2017, she won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Rosalee Wells in the WGN America series “Underground.”
Recent Projects and Ventures
In recent years, Jurnee Smollett has continued to build her reputation as a talented and versatile actress. She has appeared in several films and television shows, including the 2017 film “Birth of a Nation” and the 2020 HBO series “Lovecraft Country.” Her performance in “Lovecraft Country” earned her a Saturn Award nomination for Best Actress on Television. Jurnee has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including advocating for women’s rights and social justice.
Personal Life and Interests
While Jurnee Smollett’s professional life has been well-documented, her personal life is more private. She has been married to actor Josiah Bell since 2010, and the couple has one son together. In her free time, Jurnee enjoys practicing yoga and meditation, and she has spoken publicly about the importance of self-care and mental health. She is also an avid reader and has expressed her love for literature and poetry.
Conclusion
Jurnee Smollett is a talented and accomplished actress who has built a successful career in Hollywood. From her early beginnings as a child model to her current status as a leading lady in film and television, Jurnee has consistently demonstrated her range and versatility as a performer. With a career spanning over three decades, she has earned numerous award nominations and wins, and has established herself as one of the most respected and beloved actresses of her generation. As she continues to take on new and challenging roles, Jurnee Smollett remains a compelling and fascinating figure in the entertainment industry.
In terms of her relationship with her brother Jussie, Jurnee has been publicly supportive of him throughout his career and personal struggles. The two siblings have often been seen together at red-carpet events and have expressed their love and admiration for each other on social media. While Jussie’s highly publicized personal life has sometimes overshadowed Jurnee’s achievements, she has remained focused on her craft and continues to build a reputation as a talented and dedicated actress.
Overall, Jurnee Smollett is a talented and inspiring figure who has made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Her commitment to her craft, her passion for social justice, and her dedication to her family and personal well-being make her a role model for young women and aspiring actors around the world. As she continues to grow and evolve as an artist, Jurnee Smollett remains a compelling and captivating figure, both on and off the screen.
For a deeper understanding of Jurnee Smollett’s filmography, here is a
- list of some of her notable works:
- Eve’s Bayou (1997)
- Beautiful Joe (2000)
- The Defenders (2007)
- True Blood (2010)
- Underground (2016-2017)
- Birth of a Nation (2017)
- Lovecraft Country (2020)
And for a glimpse into her awards and nominations, the following
| Award | Year | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAACP Image Award | 1998 | Outstanding Youth Actor/Actress | Nominated |
| NAACP Image Award | 2017 | Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series | Won |
| Saturn Award | 2021 | Best Actress on Television | Nominated |
Who is Jurnee Smollett and how is she related to Jussie Smollett?
Jurnee Smollett is an American actress, known for her roles in various film and television projects. She is the sister of Jussie Smollett, who is also an actor and singer. The Smollett siblings come from a family of artists, with their mother, Janet Smollett, being a counselor, and their father, Joel Smollett, being a cable splicer and a addCriterion of African American and Jewish descent. Jurnee Smollett has been active in the entertainment industry since her childhood, with her early roles including appearances in television shows and films.
Jurnee Smollett’s career has spanned over two decades, with notable roles in projects such as “The Cosby Show,” “Full House,” and “Friday Night Lights.” She has also appeared in films like “The Great Debaters” and “Birds of Prey.” Her performances have earned her numerous award nominations, including several NAACP Image Awards and a BET Award. As the sister of Jussie Smollett, Jurnee has often been mentioned in the media alongside her brother, particularly during his high-profile controversies. However, Jurnee has established herself as a talented actress in her own right, with a unique presence on screen and a dedication to her craft.
What are some of Jurnee Smollett’s most notable roles and achievements?
Jurnee Smollett has had a successful career in film and television, with a wide range of roles that showcase her versatility as an actress. One of her most notable roles was as Jess Merriweather in the television series “Friday Night Lights,” which earned her critical acclaim and several award nominations. She has also appeared in notable films like “The Great Debaters,” alongside Denzel Washington, and “Birds of Prey,” as the character Dinah Lance / Black Canary. Additionally, Jurnee Smollett has been recognized for her work as an activist, particularly in the area of social justice and women’s rights.
Throughout her career, Jurnee Smollett has received numerous award nominations for her performances, including multiple NAACP Image Awards, BET Awards, and a Critics’ Choice Television Award. She has also been recognized for her philanthropic work, particularly in the area of education and youth development. Jurnee Smollett’s achievements serve as a testament to her dedication and passion for her craft, as well as her commitment to using her platform for positive change. With a career spanning over two decades, Jurnee Smollett continues to be a talented and influential figure in the entertainment industry, inspiring audiences with her performances and advocacy.
How did Jurnee Smollett get her start in the entertainment industry?
Jurnee Smollett began her career in the entertainment industry at a young age, with her first roles including appearances in television shows and films. She made her screen debut in the 1991 television series “Sunday in Paris,” and went on to appear in shows like “The Cosby Show” and “Full House.” Jurnee’s early start in the industry was largely due to her family’s involvement in the arts, with her mother being a counselor and her father being a cable splicer and a addCriterion of African American and Jewish descent. Her parents’ support and encouragement helped her to pursue her passion for acting from a young age.
Jurnee Smollett’s early roles helped her to gain experience and exposure in the industry, and she quickly began to land more prominent parts in film and television. Her breakout role came in 2007, when she played the character Jess Merriweather in the television series “Friday Night Lights.” This role earned her critical acclaim and several award nominations, and helped to establish her as a talented young actress. From there, Jurnee Smollett went on to appear in a wide range of films and television shows, including “The Great Debaters,” “Birds of Prey,” and “Lovecraft Country.” Her early start in the industry and dedication to her craft have made her a successful and respected actress today.
What is Jurnee Smollett’s relationship like with her brother Jussie Smollett?
Jurnee Smollett and her brother Jussie Smollett are close siblings, with a strong bond and a shared passion for the arts. The two have grown up together, with Jurnee being the older sibling, and have often spoken about the support and encouragement they have given each other throughout their careers. Jussie Smollett has credited Jurnee with helping him to develop his acting skills, and has spoken about the importance of having a supportive sibling in the competitive entertainment industry.
Despite their close relationship, Jurnee and Jussie Smollett have also faced challenges and controversies together, particularly in recent years. In 2019, Jussie Smollett was involved in a high-profile incident in which he was attacked in Chicago, and later faced allegations that he had staged the attack himself. Jurnee Smollett was vocal in her support for her brother during this time, and has continued to stand by him throughout the subsequent controversy and fallout. While the incident has had a significant impact on Jussie Smollett’s career, Jurnee has maintained her own successful career and public presence, separate from her brother’s controversies.
What are some of Jurnee Smollett’s philanthropic efforts and charitable causes?
Jurnee Smollett is a dedicated philanthropist and activist, with a particular focus on social justice and women’s rights. She has been involved with several charitable organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the Black Women’s Health Imperative. Jurnee Smollett has also been an advocate for education and youth development, and has worked with organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of America to support young people and provide them with opportunities for growth and development.
In addition to her work with established charitable organizations, Jurnee Smollett has also used her platform to raise awareness about social justice issues and to support marginalized communities. She has been an outspoken advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement, and has used her social media presence to amplify the voices of activists and organizers. Jurnee Smollett’s philanthropic efforts and charitable causes are an important part of her work and legacy, and demonstrate her commitment to using her platform for positive change and to making a meaningful difference in the world.
What is Jurnee Smollett’s current project and what can fans expect from her in the future?
Jurnee Smollett’s current project is the HBO series “Lovecraft Country,” in which she plays the lead role of Letitia “Leti” Lewis. The show is a horror drama that explores themes of racism, oppression, and social justice, and has received widespread critical acclaim for its unique blend of genres and its timely commentary on contemporary issues. Fans of Jurnee Smollett can expect to see her continue to take on challenging and dynamic roles in the future, and to use her platform to advocate for social justice and to support marginalized communities.
In addition to her work on “Lovecraft Country,” Jurnee Smollett has several other projects in development, including films and television shows that showcase her versatility as an actress and her commitment to telling diverse and inclusive stories. Fans can expect to see her continue to push boundaries and challenge herself as an artist, and to use her platform to make a positive impact on the world. With her talent, dedication, and passion for social justice, Jurnee Smollett is sure to remain a prominent and influential figure in the entertainment industry for years to come.
How has Jurnee Smollett’s career been impacted by the controversies surrounding her brother Jussie Smollett?
Jurnee Smollett’s career has not been significantly impacted by the controversies surrounding her brother Jussie Smollett. While the incident has received widespread media attention and has had a significant impact on Jussie Smollett’s career, Jurnee has maintained her own separate and successful career as an actress. She has continued to land prominent roles in film and television, and has received critical acclaim for her performances. Jurnee Smollett’s talent, dedication, and commitment to her craft have helped her to establish herself as a respected and accomplished actress in her own right, separate from her brother’s controversies.
Despite the challenges and controversies that her brother has faced, Jurnee Smollett has remained focused on her own career and has continued to build a reputation as a talented and versatile actress. She has used her platform to advocate for social justice and to support marginalized communities, and has demonstrated her commitment to using her voice and influence to make a positive impact on the world. While the incident has undoubtedly been difficult for Jurnee Smollett and her family, it has not had a lasting impact on her career, and she continues to be a successful and respected figure in the entertainment industry.