Jurnee Smollett, born Jurnee Diana Smollett on October 1, 1986, in New York City, grew up as one of six siblings in a close-knit family led by parents Joel and Janet. Right from the start, Jurnee Smollett showed a natural inclination toward performing, stepping into the spotlight at a young age with her debut in the short film “Sunday in Paris” back in 1991. As her career began to take shape, Jurnee Smollett landed roles that many would recognize—especially her recurring appearances on beloved TV shows like “Full House” (ABC, 1987–1995) and “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper” (ABC, 1992–1997), where she portrayed Denise Frazer with charm and consistency.
Not long after, Jurnee Smollett joined forces with her siblings—Jojo, Jazz, Jussie, and Jocqui—to star in their own sitcom, “On Our Own” (ABC, 1994–1995), which gave audiences a glimpse into the dynamic talents within the Smollett family. Following the show’s run, Jurnee Smollett continued building her resume with a mix of film and television roles, including a memorable part in Robin Williams’ “Jack” (1994) and a multi-season arc on the Bill Cosby-led series “Cosby” (1996–2000).
As she transitioned into her teenage years, Jurnee Smollett began seeking more mature and diverse projects, moving beyond the realm of family-friendly comedies. This shift brought her to shows like “Wanda at Large” (Fox, 2003) and later, the medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC, 2005–). A significant milestone came when Jurnee Smollett joined the critically acclaimed series “Friday Night Lights” (NBC/The 101 Network, 2006–2011) in its fourth season, delivering a standout performance as Jess Merriweather, an aspiring football coach navigating personal and professional challenges.
Though her lead role in the CBS dramedy “The Defenders” (2010–11) didn’t last long, Jurnee Smollett remained active and visible, especially with her performance in Tyler Perry’s TV movie “Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor” (2013). After that, she took on supporting yet impactful roles in high-profile series such as “Parenthood” (NBC, 2010–15) and HBO’s supernatural hit “True Blood” (2008–14).
Then came a defining moment in Jurnee Smollett’s career: her return to leading roles in “Underground” (WGN America, 2016–), a gripping period drama set in the 1850s. In this powerful series, Jurnee Smollett delivered a compelling portrayal of a slave fighting for freedom, earning widespread praise and reaffirming her status as a talented and versatile performer. Throughout her journey, Jurnee Smollett has consistently evolved, taking on roles that challenge, inspire, and resonate—proving time and again that her presence in the industry is both meaningful and enduring.
Jurnee Smollett has been part of several memorable projects throughout her career, but one of her most acclaimed works to date is The Order, released in 2024. This film stands out as her highest-rated movie, showcasing her powerful performance and drawing praise from both critics and audiences alike. On the other hand, one of the lower points in her filmography appears to be Tyler Perry’s Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor from 2013, which is regarded as her least favorably reviewed project. While Jurnee Smollett has consistently delivered strong performances, these two films represent the extremes in terms of reception during her career.