Where is Jussie Smollett Now? What is Jussie Smollett Doing Now?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Feb 01, 2024
Where is Jussie Smollett Now?
Jussie Smollett is likely serving his 150-day sentence in county jail following the denial of his appeal by the Illinois Appellate Court on December 1, 2023. As of now, Jussie Smollett's current situation involves the aftermath of legal proceedings.
Following his conviction in December 2021 on five felony counts of disorderly conduct related to staging a fake hate crime in January 2019, Smollett was sentenced in March 2022 to serve 150 days in county jail. However, just six days after his initial imprisonment, he was released on bond while awaiting the outcome of his appeal.
Unfortunately for Smollett, on December 1, 2023, the Illinois Appellate Court denied his appeal in a 2–1 decision. Consequently, he is now obligated to complete the 150-day sentence. The specifics of his current location and circumstances may not be publicly disclosed, but his legal situation remains a significant aspect of Jussie Smollett's present status.
Who is Jussie Smollett?
Jussie Smollett is an American actor and singer who first entered the entertainment scene as a child actor in 1991, making his debut in the film "The Mighty Ducks" in 1992. His early exposure laid the foundation for a diverse career in the industry.
Notably, from 2015 to 2019, Smollett gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of the talented musician Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series "Empire." During his tenure on "Empire," Smollett's performance showcased his versatility as an artist and garnered him acclaim for bringing depth to his character.
However, beyond his professional achievements, Jussie Smollett found himself thrust into the public eye due to legal controversies in 2019, which added a layer of complexity to his public persona. The intertwining of his career successes and personal challenges has contributed to the multifaceted narrative surrounding Jussie Smollett.
Specifications
Details
Name
Jussie Smollett
Gender
Male
Profession
Actor, Singer
Date of Birth
June 21, 1982
Place of Birth
Santa Rosa, California
Age
41
Nationality
American
Parents
Joel Smollett (Father), Janet Smollett (née Harris) (Mother)
Siblings
Jake, Jocqui, Jojo, Jurnee, Jazz
Sexuality
Gay
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Jussie Smollett Career
Jussie Smollett's career is marked by a diverse range of experiences in both acting and music. Starting as a child model in New York City, he transitioned into acting with early roles as an extra in movies such as "Mo' Better Blues" (1990) and "New Jack City" (1991).
His early film career included notable appearances in "The Mighty Ducks" (1992) and Rob Reiner's "North" (1994). In 1994–1995, he starred alongside his real-life siblings in the short-lived ABC sitcom "On Our Own."
After a hiatus, Smollett returned to acting in 2012 with the lead role in Patrik-Ian Polk's LGBT-themed comedy-drama "The Skinny" and also released an EP titled "The Poisoned Hearts Club." His breakthrough came in 2014 when he was cast as Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series "Empire." The role, portraying a gay musician navigating family dynamics, was groundbreaking for its positive representation of a black gay man on television.
Aside from acting, Smollett ventured into music, signing a recording contract with Columbia Records in 2015. He contributed to the "Empire" soundtrack and released his debut album, "Sum of My Music," in March 2018. In addition to his creative pursuits, Smollett faced controversy when his character was removed from the final two episodes of "Empire" Season 5 due to the assault controversy in real life.
Despite challenges, Smollett continued to expand his artistic endeavors. He directed "B-Boy Blues," a film released in November 2021 based on James Earl Hardy's 1994 black gay novel. Jussie Smollett's career reflects a journey encompassing acting, music, and creative expression, with notable contributions to both television and the music industry.
Jussie Smollett Family and Early Life
Jussie Smollett was born on June 21, 1982, in Santa Rosa, California, to parents Joel and Janet Smollett (née Harris). He comes from a large and artistically inclined family, with three brothers, Jake, Jocqui, and Jojo, as well as two sisters, Jurnee and Jazz. Notably, several members of his family are also involved in the entertainment industry as actors.
Smollett's diverse heritage reflects his biracial identity and Jewish background; his mother is African-American, while his father is Jewish. Growing up, Smollett faced challenges with his father's absence during a significant part of his childhood. Despite being biracial, he identified strongly with his African-American roots, emphasizing the complexity of his racial identity.
The family underwent geographical shifts during Smollett's early years, moving from the Elmhurst neighborhood of Queens, New York City, to Los Angeles when he was around seven years old. He completed his high school education at Paramus Catholic High School in Paramus, New Jersey.
Jussie Smollett Personal Life
Jussie Smollett's personal life has been marked by significant moments related to his sexual orientation. At the age of 19, he disclosed to his parents that he is gay, a pivotal moment that reflects his journey toward self-acceptance and openness about his identity. This decision to come out to his family laid the groundwork for a more public revelation later in his life.
In March 2015, Jussie Smollett publicly came out as gay during an interview with Ellen DeGeneres, a prominent moment that garnered attention and support. This declaration was an important step for Smollett in contributing to the visibility and representation of the LGBTQ+ community.
Notably, Smollett's portrayal of a gay character, Jamal Lyon, in the television series "Empire" became a significant element of his public identity. When his character engaged in a romantic encounter with a female character on the show, Smollett, along with Empire's co-creator Lee Daniels, defended the plot development by emphasizing their intention to spark a conversation about sexual fluidity within the gay community.
This aspect of Jussie Smollett's personal life underscores his commitment to addressing issues of representation and initiating dialogues on complex topics within the LGBTQ+ community, reflecting both his personal experiences and advocacy through his public platform.
Jussie Smollett Net Worth
Jussie Smollett Net Worth is $17 million. His primary source of income stems from his career as an actor and singer. Beginning as a child model in New York City, he transitioned into acting and gained early exposure as an extra in movies like "Mo' Better Blues" (1990) and "New Jack City" (1991).
His breakthrough came with notable film roles, including "The Mighty Ducks" (1992) and "North" (1994). Smollett returned to the spotlight in 2014 when he secured the role of Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series "Empire." This significant television role not only contributed to his fame but also served as a substantial source of income during his tenure on the show.
In addition to acting, Smollett expanded his revenue streams through music. He signed a recording contract with Columbia Records in 2015 and contributed to the "Empire" soundtrack. His debut album, "Sum of My Music," released in 2018, further diversified his income sources.
Beyond his artistic pursuits, controversies and legal issues have influenced his career trajectory, impacting his professional opportunities and income. Overall, Jussie Smollett's earnings have been closely tied to his multifaceted career in the entertainment industry, encompassing acting, music, and various creative projects.
What is Jussie Smollett Doing Now?
Jussie Smollett is serving his 150-day sentence following the denial of his appeal by the Illinois Appellate Court on December 1, 2023. The decision marks a significant development in the legal repercussions stemming from his conviction in December 2021 for staging a fake hate crime and making false police reports in January 2019.
Where is Jussie Smollett Now - FAQs
Jussie Smollett is likely serving his 150-day sentence in county jail following the denial of his appeal by the Illinois Appellate Court on December 1, 2023.
Currently, Jussie Smollett's activities are likely limited due to his legal situation. His career has been significantly impacted by controversies and legal issues.
As of now, there is no information on any recent public statements made by Jussie Smollett following the denial of his appeal in December 2023.
Jussie Smollett was released on bond six days after being sentenced to 150 days in March 2022 while his case was on appeal.
With the denial of his appeal, Jussie Smollett is required to complete his 150-day sentence, and the legal proceedings have had significant consequences for his career and personal life. The outcome will shape his future endeavors and opportunities.