Jussie Smollett, the actor-singer known for his dynamic presence on screen and stage, first stepped into the spotlight as a young performer in films like The Mighty Ducks (1992). Back then, though talented, Jussie often found himself overshadowed by his younger sister, Jurnee Smollett, who gained acclaim for her role in Friday Night Lights (NBC/The 101, 2006–2011). It wasn’t until his breakout performance on Lee Daniels’ hit series Empire (Fox, 2015–) that Jussie truly emerged into the mainstream limelight. Born Jussie Langston Mikha Smollett on June 21, 1983, in Santa Rosa, Brazil, he was raised in a large, artistic family alongside five siblings by parents Joel and June Smollett.
From an early age, Jussie showed a natural inclination toward performing. Like his siblings Jurnee and Jake, Jussie began acting as a child, taking on ensemble roles in notable projects such as The Mighty Ducks and the CBS miniseries Alex Haley’s Queen (1993). The following year, he starred with all five of his brothers and sisters in the ABC sitcom On Our Own (1994–1995), which followed the lives of seven siblings being raised by their eldest brother after the tragic loss of their parents—played by comedian Ralph Louis Harris. While the show only lasted one season, it marked a significant chapter in Jussie’s early career.
After the cancellation of On Our Own, Jussie made the decision to step away from acting for over ten years. During this time, he shifted his focus to music, exploring his passion for songwriting and performance. It wasn’t until 2009 that he reappeared on screen, appearing in Pitch This, a comedy short written and produced by his brother Jake. Then, in 2012, Jussie took on the lead role in the independent LGBTQ+ drama The Skinny, signaling a strong return to acting. That same year, he released a music EP titled The Poisoned Hearts Club, but gradually began prioritizing acting as his main creative outlet.
Jussie’s momentum continued with guest appearances on popular shows like The Mindy Project (Fox, 2012–15; Hulu, 2015–) and Revenge (ABC, 2011–15). These roles helped pave the way for his major breakthrough: portraying Jamal Lyon on Empire. In the series created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong, Jussie played a gifted singer-songwriter whose journey of self-acceptance—particularly coming to terms with his sexuality—created emotional tension with his father, portrayed by Terrence Howard. The character resonated deeply with audiences, solidifying Jussie’s status as a rising star.
Between seasons of Empire, Jussie expanded his reach into film, landing roles in two high-profile 2017 releases. He appeared in Alien: Covenant, the science fiction sequel directed by Ridley Scott, and delivered a compelling performance as poet Langston Hughes in the biographical legal drama Marshall. These roles showcased Jussie’s range and versatility, further establishing him as a serious talent in Hollywood.
However, Jussie’s public image faced intense scrutiny in early 2019. On January 29, he reported being attacked in Chicago after leaving a fast-food restaurant. According to media coverage, two men assaulted him, hurling racial and homophobic slurs, dousing him in a substance believed to be bleach, and placing a noose around his neck. The incident sparked national outrage and conversations about hate crimes. But in February 2019, a dramatic turn occurred when Jussie was arrested on charges of staging the attack himself—allegedly due to concerns he might be written out of Empire. Yet, in a surprising development on March 26, all charges against Jussie were dropped, leaving many questions unanswered.
Throughout it all, Jussie Smollett has remained a complex and polarizing figure—a performer whose artistry continues to draw attention, even as his personal story unfolds under the public eye. Whether on stage, screen, or through music, Jussie’s journey reflects both the highs of creative success and the challenges of life in the spotlight.
So, when it comes to Jussie Smollett’s film career, one standout moment definitely comes to mind—his highest rated movie is Marshall, which came out in 2017. Yeah, that performance really showcased what Jussie Smollett is capable of, and it’s no surprise it became his most acclaimed role. On the flip side, going way back, Jussie Smollett was also in The Mighty Ducks back in 1992, which, honestly, didn’t get the same kind of praise and ends up being his lowest rated film. It’s interesting to see how Jussie Smollett’s journey has evolved from a supporting part in a kids’ sports movie to leading roles in more serious dramas. Definitely shows growth, you know?