Jussie Smollett is an American actor and singer, widely recognized for his portrayal of Jamal Lyon on the television drama Empire (2015–2019). Beginning his career as a child actor in the early 1990s, he appeared in films such as The Mighty Ducks (1992). Smollett’s role on Empire brought him considerable fame and a recording deal with Columbia Records. His career later became controversial following allegations that he staged a hate crime against himself, though his conviction was overturned in 2024.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Jussie Langston Smollett |
| Date of Birth | June 21, 1982 |
| Place of Birth | Santa Rosa, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupations | Actor, Singer, Producer |
| Net Worth | Approx. $2 million |
Early Life and Education
Born on June 21, 1982, in Santa Rosa, California, Jussie Langston Smollett grew up in a biracial family with Jewish heritage. His mother is of African-American and Irish descent, while his father is Jewish.
The family relocated to Queens, New York, when he was two years old and later settled in Los Angeles. Smollett graduated from Paramus Catholic High School in New Jersey. He publicly came out as gay at the age of 19.
Career
Smollett began his career as a child model and background actor in films such as Mo’ Better Blues (1990) and New Jack City (1991).
His first significant role was in The Mighty Ducks (1992). In the mid-1990s, he starred alongside his siblings in the sitcom On Our Own.
After taking a break to focus on music and releasing an EP in 2012, he returned to acting with roles in The Skinny and TV appearances on shows like The Mindy Project and Revenge.
His breakthrough came with the role of Jamal Lyon on Empire, which earned him critical acclaim and a music contract. He also appeared in films such as Alien: Covenant (2017) and Marshall (2017).
In March 2018, Smollett independently released his debut album, Sum of My Music. The album is primarily R&B, incorporating influences from electronic music and hip hop. He released it through his own label, Music of Sound.
On April 30, 2019, Fox Entertainment revealed that although Smollett’s contract for the sixth season of Empire had been renewed, his character would not be featured in that season.
Smollett made his directorial debut with B-Boy Blues, a film adaptation of James Earl Hardy’s 1994 novel centered on Black gay experiences. The movie premiered in November 2021.
Personal Life
Openly gay, Smollett has been candid about his sexuality since his late teens. He comes from a family with several siblings who are also in the entertainment industry.
On June 20, 2025, Smollett announced his engagement to Jabari Redd, sharing that he had proposed to him.
His personal life gained intense media attention following the 2019 incident in which he reported being the victim of a hate crime, later determined to be fabricated. He faced legal repercussions but had his conviction overturned in 2024.
Net Worth
Jussie Smollett’s net worth is estimated at around $2 million, accumulated through his acting roles and music career, including earnings from Empire and other projects.
Selected Filmography
- The Mighty Ducks (1992) – Terry Hall
- North (1994)
- On Our Own (1994–1995) – TV series with siblings
- The Skinny (2012)
- Empire (2015–2019) – Jamal Lyon (TV series)
- Alien: Covenant (2017) – Ricks
- Marshall (2017) – Langston Hughes
Discography
Albums
- Sum of My Music (2018)
- Infamous (2016)
- F.U.W. (2017)
Singles & EPs
- My Mind (Single, 2024)
- My Party (Single, 2023)
- Want (Single, 2022)
- Some Things (Single, 2022)
- Thank You God… (Single, 2022)
- Dreams (Single, 2021)
- Look at Us Now (From Empire) [feat. Jussie Smollett] (2019)
- Lean on Me (From Empire: Season 5) [feat. Jussie Smollett & Yazz] (2019)
- Perfect Place (feat. Jussie Smollett) [From Empire] (2019)
- Nothing to Lose (From Empire/Treasure Remix) [feat. Jussie Smollett & Katlynn Simone] (2019)
Notable Contributions on Empire Soundtracks
- Co-wrote and performed songs like “I Wanna Love You,” “You’re So Beautiful,” and “Keep Your Money,” which charted on Billboard Hot 100.
- Featured on multiple Empire soundtrack albums (Seasons 1 and 2).
Awards and Nominations
Throughout his career, Smollett has earned 13 awards and 18 nominations, particularly for his work on Empire, highlighting his influence as both an actor and singer.
