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 early roles as a child actor, debuting in "The Mighty Ducks" (1992), and his portrayal of Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series "Empire" from 2015 to 2019.
1990: Extra in Mo' Better Blues
In 1990, Jussie Smollett worked as an extra in the New York-shot movie Mo' Better Blues.
1991: Early 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.
1992: Acted in The Mighty Ducks
In 1992, Jussie Smollett acted in the film The Mighty Ducks.
1994: Acted in North and On Our Own
In 1994, Jussie Smollett acted in the film North and starred in the ABC sitcom On Our Own.
1995: On Our Own Continued
In 1995, Jussie Smollett continued to star alongside his siblings in the ABC sitcom On Our Own.
2012: Return to Acting and EP Release
In 2012, Jussie Smollett returned to acting with The Skinny and released an EP titled The Poisoned Hearts Club.
2014: Guest Starred on The Mindy Project and Revenge
In 2014, Jussie Smollett guest-starred on The Mindy Project and Revenge.
2014: Cast as Jamal Lyon in Empire
In 2014, Jussie Smollett was cast as Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series Empire, a role celebrated for its positive representation of a black gay man on television.
February 2015: Signed Recording Contract with Columbia Records
In February 2015, Jussie Smollett confirmed he had signed a recording contract with Columbia Records.
March 2015: Released Songs on 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 the Empire album.
June 2015: Guest Starred in Underground
In June 2015, it was announced that Jussie Smollett would guest-star alongside his sister Jurnee in Underground.
2015: Portrayal of Jamal Lyon in Empire
In 2015, Jussie Smollett started portraying the musician Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series Empire.
2016: Aired in Underground
In 2016, Jussie Smollett aired in Underground.
2017: Directed an Episode of Empire
In 2017, Jussie Smollett directed an episode of the fourth season of Empire.
March 2018: Released Debut Album Sum of My Music
In March 2018, Jussie Smollett released his debut album, Sum of My Music, through his own label, Music of Sound. Sum of My Music is an R&B album that features elements of electronic music and hip hop.
April 30, 2019: Contract Extended but No Appearance Planned for Empire
On April 30, 2019, Fox Entertainment announced that although Jussie Smollett's contract had been extended for the sixth season of Empire, there were no plans for his character to appear during it.
2019: End of Empire Role
In 2019, Jussie Smollett's portrayal of Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series Empire ended.
November 2021: Released B-Boy Blues Movie
In November 2021, Jussie Smollett released B-Boy Blues, a movie he directed based on the 1994 novel by James Earl Hardy.
Mentioned in this timeline
Ellen DeGeneres is an American comedian actress television host writer...
Music is a cultural universal involving the arrangement of sound...
Illinois a Midwestern state is bordered by Lake Michigan the...
An empire is a political entity comprising various territories military...
Chicago is the most populous city in Illinois and the...
A supreme court the highest court in a legal jurisdiction...
Trending
Lake Bell is a multifaceted American entertainer recognized as an actress screenwriter and director She gained prominence through roles in...
30 minutes ago Green Bay to Host 2025 NFL Draft; Love Eyes Progression After 2024 Season
30 minutes ago Cameron Mathison Reunites with Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos on Live Show.
30 minutes ago Katy Perry's Blue Origin Flight Faces Scrutiny; Wendy's Pokes Fun at Pop Star
31 minutes ago Cardi B and Stefon Diggs spark dating rumors after viral dancing video.
1 hour ago Angel Carter recalls tense final conversation with her twin, Aaron Carter, before death.
Popular
Doug Ford is a Canadian politician and businessman currently serving...
Justin Trudeau served as the rd Prime Minister of Canada...
The Real ID Act of is a US federal law...
Peter Navarro is an American economist and author known for...
Donald John Trump is an American politician media personality and...
Bernard Bernie Sanders is a prominent American politician currently serving...