Jussie Langston Mikha Smollett got his start in the entertainment world as a child actor in the late ’80s, appearing in movies like “The Mighty Ducks.” After stepping away from acting during his teenage years and spending some time out of the public eye, Smollett slowly made his way back with roles in shows like “The Mindy Project” and “Revenge.” His big break, though, came in 2015, when he landed the part of Jamal Lyon on Fox’s “Empire.” As Jamal, Smollett played a gay musician fighting for his father’s acceptance – a storyline that resonated with many viewers, especially given Smollett’s own coming out in a 2015 interview with Ellen DeGeneres.
In many ways, Smollett’s role on “Empire” paralleled his real life. He had long been open about his sexuality, but he’s also spoken about not wanting to be defined by labels, describing his orientation as fluid in subsequent interviews. “I’ve never wanted my personal life to overshadow my work,” he told Out magazine in 2016. “I don’t owe anyone details about my personal life.”
Outside of television, Smollett pursued music, releasing his album “Sum of My Music” on his own independent label in 2018. Colleagues have often described him as passionate and intensely focused on his craft. But in 2019, Smollett’s career was thrown off course by a widely publicized legal controversy: He was accused of staging a hate crime against himself in Chicago. The case led to the end of his tenure on “Empire,” and a long, complicated legal battle followed.
In the years since, Smollett has stepped back from public view, rarely posting on social media or making appearances at high-profile events. His family, including his sister, actress Jurnee Smollett, has stood by him through the turmoil.
When it comes to his romantic life, Smollett is notably private. Rumors have linked him to a few figures over the years – like director Anthony Hemingway in 2016 and football player Michael Sam the year before – but none of these relationships have ever been confirmed, and Smollett has repeatedly said that he prefers to keep his dating life out of the spotlight. There was also talk of a relationship with Raven-Symoné, but she came out as a lesbian in 2013 and the rumors appear to be just that – rumors.
Past Relationships
Anthony Hemingway
Michael Sam
Raven-Symoné
Jabari Redd
Despite the challenges and the media firestorm, Smollett has been working to rebuild his career on his own terms. In 2022, he directed his first film, “B-Boy Blues,” signaling his continued commitment to creative projects but with a lower profile than before. For now, Smollett seems focused on moving forward – quietly, and on his own terms.