Jurnee Smollett and Jussie Smollett are two of the most talented and successful actors in Hollywood today. They have both starred in critically acclaimed shows and movies, such as Lovecraft Country, Birds of Prey, Empire, and The Mighty Ducks. But are they related to each other? And if so, how close are they as siblings? Here is everything you need to know about the Smollett family and their bond.
Contents
The Smollett Family History
The answer is yes, Jurnee and Jussie are related. In fact, they are siblings. They are two of the six children of Janet Harris and Joel Smollett, who were both involved in the civil rights movement. Jurnee is the fourth child and the only girl, while Jussie is the third child and the second boy.
The Smollett siblings grew up in a diverse and artistic household. Their mother is African-American, while their father was Ashkenazi Jewish. They were exposed to different cultures and religions, and learned to embrace their identity as biracial Americans. They also inherited their parents’ passion for social justice and activism.
The Smollett siblings also shared a love for performing arts from a young age. They started acting when they were toddlers, appearing in commercials, TV shows, and movies. They even had their own sitcom in 1994 called On Our Own, where they played a family of orphans who had to fend for themselves. The show was short-lived, but it marked the beginning of their careers in the entertainment industry.
The Smollett Siblings’ Successes and Struggles
Over the years, the Smollett siblings have continued to pursue their dreams and achieve success in various fields. Jurnee has become one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood, with roles in hit shows like Friday Night Lights, True Blood, Underground, and Lovecraft Country. She has also starred in movies like Eve’s Bayou, The Great Debaters, Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor, and Birds of Prey.
Jussie has also made a name for himself as an actor, singer, and songwriter. He is best known for his role as Jamal Lyon on the hit show Empire, where he also showcased his musical talents. He has also appeared in movies like The Mighty Ducks, North, The Skinny, Alien: Covenant, and Marshall.
However, not everything has been smooth sailing for the Smollett siblings. In 2019, Jussie made headlines when he claimed he was attacked by two men who hurled racist and homophobic slurs at him in Chicago. He said they also put a noose around his neck and poured a chemical substance on him. However, the police later accused him of staging the attack as a publicity stunt to boost his career and salary on Empire.
Jussie was arrested and charged with filing a false report, a felony offense that could have landed him in prison for up to three years. However, the charges were later dropped by the prosecutors in a controversial decision that sparked outrage from the police and the public. Jussie maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal, but his reputation was tarnished and his career was jeopardized.
The Smollett Siblings’ Support for Each Other
Despite the scandal that rocked their family, the Smollett siblings have remained supportive of each other. Jurnee has publicly defended her brother and expressed her belief in his innocence. She told The Hollywood Reporter that it was “one of the most painful things” her family had ever experienced, and that she loved her brother unconditionally.
She also joined her brother and her other siblings in protesting against racial injustice and police brutality in Los Angeles in 2020. She said it was “incredibly beautiful” to witness the solidarity of people from different backgrounds and identities who demanded change.
The Smollett siblings have also celebrated each other’s achievements and milestones. They have attended each other’s premieres, birthdays, weddings, and other events. They have also collaborated on various projects, such as Jussie’s music video for his song “Hurt People”, which featured Jurnee as his love interest.
The Smollett siblings have proven that no matter what challenges they face or what controversies they encounter, they will always stand by each other’s side. They are not only related by blood, but also by love.
