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 best known for his role as Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series Empire (2015-2019). He began his career as a child actor in 1991. In January 2019, Smollett reported to police that he was the victim of a hate crime. Following an investigation, Smollett was accused of staging the attack and filing a false police report. The case became highly publicized and controversial, leading to Smollett's removal from Empire. He was eventually convicted on multiple felony counts of disorderly conduct for making false reports to the police.

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".

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1991: Early Acting Career

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".

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1992: Acting in The Mighty Ducks

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

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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".

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1995: On Our Own Continued

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

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2012: Return to Acting and Music

In 2012, Jussie Smollett returned to acting in "The Skinny", released an EP titled "The Poisoned Hearts Club", and guest-starred on "The Mindy Project".

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2014: Guest-Starred on Revenge

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

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2014: Cast as Jamal Lyon in Empire

In 2014, Jussie Smollett was cast as Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series "Empire", a role recognized for its positive portrayal of a black gay man.

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February 2015: Signed Recording Contract

In February 2015, Jussie Smollett confirmed signing a recording contract with Columbia Records to release an album.

March 2015: Release of 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, which was released.

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June 2015: Guest-Starring in Underground

In June 2015, it was announced that Jussie Smollett would guest-star alongside his younger sister Jurnee in "Underground".

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2015: Cast in Empire

In 2015, Jussie Smollett began portraying the character Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series "Empire".

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2016: Airing of Underground

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

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2017: Directed an Episode of Empire

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

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March 2018: Release of Sum of My Music Album

In March 2018, Jussie Smollett released his debut album, "Sum of My Music", an R&B album with elements of electronic music and hip hop, through his label, Music of Sound.

April 30, 2019: No Plans for Empire Appearance

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

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