Jussie Smollett
Jussie Smollett
Jussie Langston Mikha Smollett is an American actor, singer and photographer. As a child, he began his acting career for summer fun in 1987 starring in national network commercials in NYC. He later co-starred in the films The Mighty Ducksand Rob Reiner's North. In 2015, Smollett received rave reviews for his portrayal of musician Jamal Lyon in the Fox music-industry primetime TV drama Empire. Smollett is set to appear in Ridley Scott's science-fiction film Alien: Covenant that is slated to...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionMovie Actor
Date of Birth21 June 1983
CitySanta Rosa, CA
CountryUnited States of America
I want to continue to be the same man I've always been.
I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty. I've done it all. I've worked as a clown, literally, at children's parties.
I know about homophobia in the music industry - not just in hip-hop. Obviously, we're dealing with homophobia in hip-hop; we're dealing with homophobia in the black community.
I keep saying that, if Samuel L. Jackson and Bette Davis could have a baby, it would be Taraji P. Henson. To me, she's one of the greatest character actors of our generation, let alone leading ladies. She's just phenomenal in everything she does.
I used to hear people say nobody can prepare you for fame, and it's actually very true. But there is such beauty that comes with it when you're able to use your platform in a positive way.
As an artist, you want to do roles that challenge you and say something.
My absolute idols growing up were Michael Jackson and Prince, and so, to get the stamp of approval from someone like Timbaland whom I know that these artists respect, that is a huge feat.
I'm an amazing cook. And I'm a gentleman but can belch the entire alphabet. Classy.
I have Jewish friends. I have Middle Eastern friends. I have Spanish and Italian and British and Scottish and German friends and Austrian friends, and guess what? They all deal with homophobia. It's an earthling epidemic; it's not isolated in the black community.
I feel the weight of just telling the truth. There really is no weight to telling the truth. It's a little scary sometimes, but if you tell the truth, you don't have to be looking over your shoulder.
My family is from Elmhurst, Queens, 54th Avenue, but I was born in Northern California.
It's been a blessing to work under Team Timbaland.
There will be a Jussie Smollett album. I signed to Columbia. So, darling, I'm label mates with Beyonce and Adele and Barbra Streisand.
If you change because of fame, that's not the right thing. But if you change because of growth, that's normal... The whole fame thing hasn't hit me. And I hope it kind of doesn't.