Jurnee Smollett and Jussie Smollett are two of the most talented actors in Hollywood today. They have both starred in critically acclaimed films and TV shows, such as “Lovecraft Country”, “Birds of Prey”, “Empire” and “Full House”. But are they related to each other? And if so, how?
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Jurnee and Jussie are siblings
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. They have four other brothers: JoJo, Jake, Jocqui and Jazz. All of them are actors and have appeared together in a sitcom called “On Our Own” in the 1990s.
Jurnee and Jussie have a mixed heritage
Jurnee and Jussie have a mixed heritage that reflects their parents’ backgrounds. Their father was Ashkenazi Jewish, with ancestors from Romania, Russia and Poland, while their mother is African American.
They grew up in a diverse and multicultural environment, where they learned to appreciate different cultures and religions. They also faced some challenges and discrimination because of their identity, especially after their father passed away from cancer when they were young.
Jurnee and Jussie support each other through thick and thin
Jurnee and Jussie have a close bond as siblings and as friends. They support each other through thick and thin, especially when they face difficulties in their personal or professional lives.
One of the most notable examples of their solidarity was when Jussie was accused of staging a hate crime against himself in 2019. He claimed that he was attacked by two men who shouted racist and homophobic slurs at him in Chicago, but later he was charged with filing a false report and orchestrating the whole incident.
Jurnee stood by her brother’s side throughout the ordeal, even when he faced public backlash and legal consequences. She said that she loved him and believed him, and that it was one of the most painful things her family had ever experienced.
Jussie’s case is still pending, but Jurnee continues to show her support for him. She was seen accompanying him to court in March 2021, when prosecutors protested his new defense attorney.
Jurnee has also faced some challenges in her own life, such as her divorce from her husband Josiah Bell in 2020, after 10 years of marriage. She has a son named Hunter with him, who was born in 2016.
Jussie has been there for her as well, offering his love and encouragement. He has also praised her for her acting skills and achievements, such as her Emmy nomination for “Lovecraft Country” in 2021.
Conclusion
Jurnee Smollett and Jussie Smollett are not only related, but they are also very close as siblings. They share a mixed heritage, a passion for acting, and a strong bond that helps them overcome any obstacle. They are truly an inspiring duo.