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 who started his career as a child actor, debuting in *The Mighty Ducks* (1992). He is best known for portraying Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series *Empire* from 2015 to 2019, where he played a musician.
1990: Mo' Better Blues Extra
In 1990, Jussie Smollett worked as an extra on Mo' Better Blues.
1991: Early Acting Career
In 1991, Jussie Smollett began his career as a child actor.
1991: New Jack City Extra
In 1991, Jussie Smollett worked as an extra on New Jack City.
1992: The Mighty Ducks Film
In 1992, Jussie Smollett acted in the film The Mighty Ducks.
1995: On Our Own Sitcom
From 1994-1995, Jussie Smollett starred in the ABC sitcom On Our Own.
2012: The Skinny and Poisoned Hearts Club EP
In 2012, Jussie Smollett returned to acting in The Skinny and released an EP titled The Poisoned Hearts Club.
2014: Guest Appearances
In 2014, Jussie Smollett guest-starred on The Mindy Project and Revenge.
2014: Casting in Empire
In 2014, Jussie Smollett was cast as Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series Empire.
February 2015: Signing with Columbia Records
In February 2015, Jussie Smollett signed a recording contract with Columbia Records.
March 2015: Empire Soundtrack Release
In March 2015, the Original Soundtrack from Season 1 of Empire album was released, featuring songs co-written by Jussie Smollett.
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.
2015: Empire Series
In 2015, Jussie Smollett portrayed Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series Empire.
2016: Underground Airs
In 2016, Jussie Smollett guest-starred alongside his younger sister Jurnee in Underground.
2017: Directing Empire
In 2017, Jussie Smollett directed an episode of the fourth season of Empire.
March 2018: Sum of My Music Album Release
In March 2018, Jussie Smollett released his debut album, Sum of My Music.
April 30, 2019: No Plans for Empire Appearance
On April 30, 2019, Fox Entertainment announced that there were no plans for Jussie Smollett's character to appear during the sixth season of Empire.
2019: End of Empire Role
In 2019, Jussie Smollett stopped portraying Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series Empire.
November 2021: B-Boy Blues Movie Release
In November 2021, the movie B-Boy Blues, directed by Jussie Smollett, was released.
