Career Timeline of Jussie Smollett: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 4, 2025

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 TV series Empire (2015-2019). In January 2019, Smollett reported to police that he was the victim of a hate crime. However, he was later accused of staging the attack and filing a false police report. The case gained significant media attention and led to legal proceedings, including charges being filed and later dropped, and then a special prosecutor being appointed. Smollett was eventually found guilty on multiple counts of disorderly conduct for making false reports to the police.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1990: Early Acting Career

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

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2014: Casting in Empire

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

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February 2015: Recording Contract with Columbia Records

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

2016: Guest Starring in Underground

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

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April 30, 2019: Character Removal from 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.

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