Career Timeline of Jussie Smollett: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Jussie Smollett made an impact.

Jussie Smollett is an American actor and singer known for his role as Jamal Lyon in the television series *Empire* (2015-2019). He began his acting career as a child in 1991, debuting in *The Mighty Ducks* (1992). In January 2019, Smollett reported to Chicago police that he was the victim of a hate crime. However, he was later accused of staging the incident and filing a false police report. The case generated significant media attention and controversy, with varying legal outcomes, including charges being dropped and later reinstated.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1990: Extra in Mo' Better Blues

In 1990, Jussie Smollett worked as an extra in the New York-shot movie "Mo' Better Blues".

Loading Video...

1991: Career as a Child Actor

In 1991, Jussie Smollett began his career as a child actor.

1991: Extra in New Jack City

In 1991, Jussie Smollett worked as an extra in the New York-shot movie "New Jack City".

Loading Video...

1992: Acting in The Mighty Ducks

In 1992, Jussie Smollett acted in the film "The Mighty Ducks".

Loading Video...

1994: Acting in North and On Our Own

In 1994, Jussie Smollett acted in the film "North" and starred in the ABC sitcom "On Our Own".

Loading Video...

1995: Starring in On Our Own

In 1995, Jussie Smollett starred in the ABC sitcom "On Our Own".

Loading Video...

2012: Return to Acting and EP Release

In 2012, Jussie Smollett returned to acting with a leading role in "The Skinny" and released an EP titled "The Poisoned Hearts Club".

Loading Video...

2014: Guest Starring Roles

In 2014, Jussie Smollett guest-starred on "Revenge".

Loading Video...

2014: Cast as Jamal Lyon in Empire

In 2014, Jussie Smollett was cast as Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series "Empire", a role that was hailed as groundbreaking for its depiction of a black gay man on television.

Loading Video...

February 2015: Signed Recording Contract with Columbia Records

In February 2015, Jussie Smollett signed a recording contract with Columbia Records.

March 2015: Co-Wrote Songs for Empire Soundtrack

In March 2015, Jussie Smollett co-wrote the songs "I Wanna Love You" and "You're So Beautiful" on the Original Soundtrack from Season 1 of "Empire" album.

Loading Video...

2015: Portrayal of Jamal Lyon in Empire

From 2015, Jussie Smollett portrayed the musician Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series "Empire".

Loading Video...

2016: Guest-starred in Underground

In 2016, Jussie Smollett guest-starred alongside his younger sister Jurnee in "Underground".

Loading Video...

2017: Directed an Episode of Empire

In 2017, Jussie Smollett directed an episode of the fourth season of "Empire".

Loading Video...

March 2018: Released Sum of My Music

In March 2018, Jussie Smollett released his debut R&B album, "Sum of My Music", through his own label, Music of Sound.

April 30, 2019: Character's Absence from Empire

On April 30, 2019, Fox Entertainment announced that despite Smollett's contract being extended for the sixth season of "Empire", there were no plans for his character to appear.

Loading Video...