Jussie Smollett Bio: Wiki, Age, Husband, Case, Films & Net Worth

Jussie Smollett Biography: Actor, Singer, and Legal Controversy

Jussie Smollett is an American actor and singer known for his roles in film and television, most notably as Jamal Lyon in the hit series Empire. His career began as a child actor, but his later years have been defined by a highly publicized legal controversy.

Early Life and Career

Born in Santa Rosa, California, Jussie Smollett is one of six children to Joel and Janet Smollett, several of whom are also actors. The family moved to Queens, New York, and later to Los Angeles.

As a child, he worked as a model and an extra before landing roles in films like The Mighty Ducks (1992) and North (1994). From 1994 to 1995, he starred alongside his real-life siblings in the sitcom On Our Own.

After a break from acting to focus on music, Smollett returned to the screen in 2012 with a lead role in the LGBTQ-themed film The Skinny and released his debut EP, The Poisoned Hearts Club. He continued to build his acting career with guest spots on shows like The Mindy Project and Revenge.

Breakthrough with Empire and Music

Smollett’s breakout role came in 2015 when he was cast as Jamal Lyon, a gay musician, in the Fox drama series Empire. The role was praised for its portrayal of a black gay man on television, and Smollett earned several award nominations for his performance. He also contributed to the show’s soundtrack, co-writing songs and showcasing his own singing abilities. In 2018, he released his debut album, Sum of My Music.

Legal Issues and Controversy

In January 2019, Smollett reported to Chicago police that he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack. He claimed two masked men assaulted him, tied a noose around his neck, and yelled racial and anti-gay slurs, including “This is MAGA country.” The incident garnered significant public and media attention.

However, the police investigation later concluded that Smollett had orchestrated the attack himself. Authorities alleged he paid two brothers to stage the hoax. In February 2019, he was charged with a felony for filing a false police report.

The legal proceedings that followed were complex and highly publicized:

• Initial Charges and Dismissal: Initially, prosecutors in Cook County dropped all charges against Smollett in exchange for him forfeiting his $10,000 bond and performing community service.

• Special Prosecutor and Conviction: The dismissal caused public outcry, and a special prosecutor was appointed to re-examine the case. In 2020, a new grand jury indicted Smollett on six counts of disorderly conduct. In December 2021, he was found guilty on five of the six counts. He was sentenced to 150 days in county jail and ordered to pay restitution and a fine.

• Conviction Overturned: In November 2024, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned Smollett’s conviction. The court did not rule on his innocence but found that his constitutional rights were violated by being prosecuted a second time after the initial charges were dropped in the plea deal.

Smollett has consistently maintained his innocence and has settled a civil lawsuit with the city of Chicago related to the investigation costs. His character was removed from the final episodes of Empire following the controversy.

Jussie Smollett Age

Jussie Smollett Parents and Siblings

Jussie Smollett was born  in Santa Rosa, California, the third of six children. His childhood was shaped by frequent moves between New York City and Los Angeles, as he and his siblings pursued modeling, acting, and music gigs.

According to his sister Jazz, the family moved 13 times, often building their own furniture to save money. Their home was described as a vibrant, hands-on environment where creativity was nurtured from an early age.

Parents:

• Mother: Janet Harris Smollett A passionate civil rights activist and creative force, Janet played a central role in managing her children’s careers. She’s credited with fostering their artistic talents and instilling a strong sense of identity and purpose.

• Father: Joel Smollett (1956–2015) Joel was of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, with roots in Russia and Poland. He met Janet during a civil rights campaign, and together they raised a family deeply engaged in both activism and the arts. Though Joel was absent for parts of Jussie’s childhood, his cultural influence remained strong.

Siblings:

Jussie is one of six siblings, all of whom have worked in entertainment:

Jussie Smollett Sister:

Jussie Smollett has two sisters, Jurnee and Jazz.

Jurnee Smollett

Jurnee Diana Smollett is an American actress who began her career as a child. She appeared on television shows such as Full House and starred with her siblings in the 1994 sitcom On Our Own. She gained critical acclaim for her role in the 1997 film Eve’s Bayou.

Her career continued with roles in films like The Great Debaters and TV shows such as Friday Night Lights and Underground, where she co-starred with Jussie. She has also starred in the HBO series Lovecraft Country. Jurnee has publicly stated that she loves her brother and believes he is innocent in the legal controversy.

Jazz Smollett

Jazz Smollett is also involved in the entertainment industry. She co-starred with all of her siblings in the sitcom On Our Own. Jazz and her brother Jake co-host a home improvement show, Living By Design, on CLEO TV. She also co-authored a family cookbook, The Family Table. In 2019, she spoke to “Extra” about the “healing” process for her family following the controversy involving her brother.

Jussie Smollett Brother:

Jussie Smollett has three brothers: Jojo, Jake, and Jocqui. All three, along with their sisters, appeared with Jussie in the 1994-1995 sitcom On Our Own.

• Jojo Smollett:

  Jojo is an actor and, according to the available information, was born on August 28, 1977. He has appeared in films such as City of Hope (1991).

• Jake Smollett:

  Jake is an actor and cooking personality. He was born on July 29, 1989, and has appeared in films like Eve’s Bayou and television shows like Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper and The Middleman. He has a background as a professional chef and has been a guest judge on shows like Chopped Junior. He also co-hosts a home improvement show with his sister Jazz called Living by Design.

• Jocqui Smollett:

  Jocqui is also an actor, born on August 1, 1993. His television appearances include On Our Own and Smollett Eats. He is a graduate of the University of California Santa Cruz with a double major in global economics and mathematics. He has worked as a university research assistant and at tech companies like Plantronics, SurveyMonkey, and Snowflake, where he works as a strategy and operations manager.

Jussie Smollett Partner:

Jussie Smollett is not married but is engaged. He publicly came out as gay in a 2015 interview with Ellen DeGeneres. In June 2025, he announced his engagement to his longtime partner, fellow actor and producer Jabari Redd.

Jussie Smollett Height:

Smollett stands at a height of 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) and his weight is estimated to be around 79 kg (174 lbs).

Jussie Smollett Now, Career over:

His career is not over; he has continued working despite controversies, including directing and starring in films like The Lost Holliday (2024) and appearing in documentaries in 2023 and 2025.

He is in the process of rebuilding his career after the legal controversy. A Netflix documentary titled The Truth About Jussie Smollett? was released in August 2025, in which he participates and gives his own version of events.

In May 2025, he settled a lawsuit over the alleged hate-crime hoax with a $50,000 donation to Chicago arts and abuse victim organizations. His conviction was overturned in November 2024, but his public image remains tarnished.

He has been seen at events, such as the Fashion Trust U.S. Awards in April 2025, and continues to maintain his innocence.

Detailed Career as an Actor and Singer

Jussie Smollett’s career has spanned over three decades, beginning as a child actor and later finding significant success as a singer and television star.

Early Career:

• He started as a child model and an extra in films like Mo’ Better Blues (1990) and New Jack City (1991).

• His first major film role was in The Mighty Ducks (1992), followed by a part in North (1994).

• From 1994 to 1995, he starred with his five real-life siblings in the ABC sitcom On Our Own.

Music and Return to Acting:

• After a break from acting to focus on music, he released his debut EP, The Poisoned Hearts Club, in 2012.

• That same year, he returned to acting with a leading role in the LGBTQ-themed film The Skinny.

• He had guest appearances on TV shows like The Mindy Project (2012) and Revenge (2014).

Breakthrough and Peak Career:

• In 2015, Smollett was cast as Jamal Lyon in the hit Fox drama series Empire. The role, a gay musician, was widely praised for its groundbreaking portrayal.

• He earned numerous awards and nominations for his work on Empire, including three NAACP Image Awards in 2016 for Outstanding New Artist, Duo, and Song for the track “You’re So Beautiful.”

• In 2015, he signed a recording contract with Columbia Records.

• He co-wrote and performed songs for the Empire soundtrack, which became a major commercial success.

• In 2018, he released his debut album, Sum of My Music, on his own label, Music of Sound.

• His character was removed from the final two episodes of Empire‘s fifth season and did not appear in the sixth and final season.

Post-Controversy Work:

• In 2021, Smollett directed and wrote the film B-Boy Blues.

• He directed and co-wrote the 2024 film The Lost Holliday, in which he also starred.

• A Netflix documentary about his legal case was released in 2025.

Jussie Smollett Movies and TV Shows:

Jussie Smollett has a long and varied filmography, with roles spanning from his childhood acting days to his more recent work as a director and actor. Here is a breakdown of his movies and TV shows:

Movies

• The Mighty Ducks (1992): His first major film role, where he played a member of the famous hockey team.

• North (1994): He had a supporting role in this comedy-drama film.

• The Skinny (2012): A leading role in this independent, LGBTQ-themed film.

• Born to Race: Fast Track (2014): A direct-to-video film.

• Ask Me Anything (2014)

• Alien: Covenant (2017): He played Ricks, a crew member on the colony ship. He also appeared in the short prologue film, Alien: Covenant – Prologue: Last Supper.

• Marshall (2017): Smollett portrayed the poet and activist Langston Hughes in this biopic about Thurgood Marshall.

• B-Boy Blues (2021): A film he directed and wrote.

• The Lost Holliday (2024): A film he directed, wrote, and starred in alongside his fiancé, Jabari Redd.

TV Shows

• A Little Piece of Heaven (1991): A TV movie.

• Alex Haley’s Queen (1993): A miniseries.

• On Our Own (1994–1995): A sitcom in which he starred alongside all five of his real-life siblings.

• The Mindy Project (2012): Guest role.

• Revenge (2014): Guest role.

• Empire (2015–2019): His most prominent role, where he played Jamal Lyon, a central character in the musical drama series. His character was written out of the show after the fifth season.

• Underground (2016): He had a two-episode guest arc in this historical drama series.

• Star (2017): He appeared in a crossover episode, reprising his role as Jamal Lyon.

• The Truth About Jussie Smollett? (2025): A Netflix documentary in which he participates and discusses his legal case.

The Lost Holliday Jussie Smollett:

The Lost Holliday is a 2024 American drama film directed by, co-written by, and starring Jussie Smollett. It represents a significant project in his return to filmmaking after his highly publicized legal issues.

Plot Summary

The film follows Cassandra Marshall (Vivica A. Fox), a mother who travels to Los Angeles to handle the arrangements for her estranged son, Damien Holliday, after his sudden death. Upon her arrival, she discovers that her son’s funeral is already being planned by his husband, Jason Holliday (Jussie Smollett), a man she never knew existed.

The film chronicles Cassandra’s journey of grief and discovery as she learns more about her son’s life and his “chosen family” through Jason and his friends. It explores themes of family dynamics, loss, reconciliation, and the challenges faced by same-sex couples in navigating societal expectations and family relationships.

Background and Inspiration

According to Smollett, the film is deeply personal and was inspired by his own family’s experiences with love, loss, and reconciliation.

He has stated that the relationship between his mother and his white paternal grandmother after his father’s death was a key inspiration for the film’s central conflict and eventual healing.

He also wanted to create a film that explored the complexities of being a Black and queer person in a way that felt authentic and not sensationalized.

Release and Reception

The Lost Holliday premiered at the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) in June 2024 to positive reviews. It had a limited theatrical release in select AMC Theatres on September 27, 2024. The film became more widely available on May 9, 2025, when it began streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Jussie Smollett Mighty Ducks:

Jussie Smollett’s role in the 1992 Disney film The Mighty Ducks was one of his first major acting jobs as a child. He played Terry Hall, a young hockey player on the ragtag team of misfits coached by Emilio Estevez’s character, Gordon Bombay.

Terry Hall is known for being a member of the original Ducks team and one of the characters who helps the team find its footing. While it was a supporting role, it was a significant early step in his career and a film that remains a cult classic for many.

For his performance, he was nominated for a Young Artist Award for Outstanding Young Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture, alongside his fellow child co-stars.

Jussie Smollett Documentary:

Multiple documentaries have been made about the Jussie Smollett case, reflecting the intense public and media interest in the story.

The Truth About Jussie Smollett? (2025)

This is a recent and highly-publicized documentary that was released on Netflix in August 2025.

• Content: The film, produced by RAW (the same company behind The Tinder Swindler), revisits the entire saga, from the initial report of the hate crime in 2019 to the police investigation, trial, conviction, and the subsequent reversal of that conviction.

• Key Feature: A major selling point of the documentary is that it includes Jussie Smollett’s first extended on-camera interview about the case since 2019. He continues to maintain his innocence and provides his own version of events, including explanations for some of the key pieces of evidence presented by the prosecution.

• Other Participants: The documentary aims to present a balanced view by featuring interviews with key figures on all sides of the case, including Chicago police officials, legal experts, journalists who covered the story, and the Osundairo brothers, who testified that Smollett paid them to stage the attack.

• Reception: The film has been described as intentionally open-ended, with the question mark in the title serving as an invitation for viewers to draw their own conclusions about who is telling the truth.

Other Documentaries and Specials

Before the 2025 Netflix documentary, several other productions also covered the story:

• Jussie Smollett: Anatomy of a Hoax (2023): This docuseries, available on platforms like YouTube TV and Stan, provides a detailed breakdown of the case. It focuses on the police investigation and the evidence that led authorities to conclude the attack was a hoax. It features interviews with the Osundairo brothers and other individuals involved in the case.

• Jussie Smollett: A Faking It Special: This special, which aired on HBO Max, is part of a series that examines notorious hoaxes and scams. It uses expert analysis to highlight the inconsistencies in Smollett’s story that led police to become suspicious.

Jussie Smollett Songs:

Jussie Smollett is also a singer and has released music both as a solo artist and as part of the soundtrack for the TV series Empire. Here is an overview of his musical career and notable songs:

Music from Empire

Smollett’s most commercially successful music came from his role as Jamal Lyon on Empire. As Jamal, he performed numerous songs that were featured on the show’s official soundtracks. Many of these songs charted on the Billboard Hot 100 and other charts. Some of his most well-known songs from the show include:

• “You’re So Beautiful”: This was one of the breakout hits from the first season, often performed with his on-screen brother, Hakeem (Yazz). It became a fan favorite and a signature song for the show.

• “Good Enough”: Another popular track from the show’s first season.

• “Conqueror”: A powerful ballad featuring singer Estelle, which was praised for its emotional depth and message of overcoming adversity.

• “Powerful”: A song featuring Alicia Keys that addressed social justice issues.

• “Ain’t About the Money”: A collaboration with Yazz, this track showcased his R&B and hip-hop influences.

• “Infamous”: A collaboration with Mariah Carey, which was a major event on the show.

Solo Career

Smollett has also released music independently of his work on Empire.

• The Poisoned Hearts Club (2012): This was his debut EP, released before he was cast in Empire.

• Sum of My Music (2018): This is his debut full-length studio album, which he released on his own label, Music of Sound. The album includes a variety of genres, from R&B to hip-hop, and features tracks like:

• • “Hurt People”
  • “Catch Your Eye” (feat. Swizz Beatz)
  • “Ha Ha (I Love You)”
  • “F.U.W.”

Recent Singles

In recent years, Smollett has continued to release new music as a way to express himself and connect with his audience.

• “Thank You God…” (2022): Released after his legal troubles, this single addresses his personal journey and feelings about the situation.

• “Some Things” (2022)

• “Want” (2022)

• “My Party” (2023)

• “My Mind” (2024)

• “Break Out” (2025)

Jussie Smollett You’re So Beautiful:

Jussie Smollett Crime and Legal Case:

The legal case involving Jussie Smollett is a complex and highly publicized saga that has unfolded over several years. Here is a detailed breakdown of the key events, from the initial report to the final outcome.

The Alleged Crime and Initial Investigation

• January 29, 2019: Jussie Smollett reports to Chicago police that he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack. He claims he was assaulted by two men who yelled slurs, poured an “unknown chemical substance” (later believed to be bleach) on him, and put a noose around his neck while shouting, “This is MAGA country!”
• The Controversy: The story immediately makes national and international headlines, drawing widespread sympathy and condemnation from public figures. However, inconsistencies in Smollett’s story begin to emerge as the police investigate. He refuses to hand over his phone, and authorities are unable to find surveillance video showing the attack.
• The Shift: The investigation takes a dramatic turn when police identify and apprehend two brothers, Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, who are associates of Smollett and worked with him on Empire. The brothers testify that Smollett paid them $3,500 to stage the attack.

First Charges and Controversial Dismissal

• February 20, 2019: Based on the Osundairo brothers’ testimony, Smollett is charged with a felony for filing a false police report. Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson holds a press conference, stating that Smollett orchestrated the hoax because he was dissatisfied with his salary and wanted to gain attention.

• March 26, 2019: In a highly controversial move, all charges against Smollett are dropped by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office. The decision is made in exchange for Smollett performing 16 hours of community service and forfeiting his $10,000 bond.

• Public Outcry: This decision is met with immediate and fierce criticism from the public, Chicago’s mayor at the time, Rahm Emanuel, and the Chicago Police Department, who call it a “whitewash of justice.” The city of Chicago later files a civil lawsuit against Smollett to recoup the costs of the police investigation, which totaled over $130,000.

Re-indictment and Conviction

• August 2019: A special prosecutor, Dan Webb, is appointed to investigate why the initial charges were dropped and to determine if further prosecution of Smollett is warranted.

• February 2020: A new grand jury indicts Smollett on six counts of felony disorderly conduct for making false reports to the police.

• November – December 2021: The trial begins. Smollett testifies in his own defense, continuing to maintain his innocence and claiming he was the victim of a real hate crime. The prosecution presents evidence, including texts and testimony from the Osundairo brothers, that Smollett had planned and paid for the attack.

• December 9, 2021: After a week of testimony, a jury finds Jussie Smollett guilty on five of the six counts of disorderly conduct.

Sentence and Jail Time

• March 10, 2022: A judge sentences Smollett to 150 days in county jail, 30 months of felony probation, and orders him to pay over $120,000 in restitution to the city and a $25,000 fine.

• Smollett’s Outburst: As the judge hands down the sentence, a defiant Smollett stands up, repeatedly shouts, “I am not suicidal!” and claims that if something happens to him in jail, it is not his doing.

• Jail and Release: Smollett begins serving his sentence in the Cook County Jail. However, after just six days, a state appeals court grants an emergency motion and orders his release pending the appeal of his conviction. He is released after posting a $150,000 personal recognizance bond.

Conviction Overturned

• November 21, 2024: The Illinois Supreme Court overturns Jussie Smollett’s conviction. The court’s ruling does not address his guilt or innocence. Instead, it finds that his constitutional rights were violated when he was prosecuted a second time.

• The Reasoning: The court’s decision states that the original deal made with the Cook County State’s Attorney—where charges were dropped in exchange for Smollett’s community service and bond forfeiture—was a binding agreement. Prosecuting him again violated his due process rights because he had already fulfilled his end of the bargain.

• Aftermath: The special prosecutor, Dan Webb, releases a statement expressing disappointment in the ruling and emphasizing that the court did not find any error with the jury’s verdict or the “overwhelming evidence” of Smollett’s guilt presented at trial. The civil lawsuit filed by the city of Chicago remains active.

The Broader Controversy

The entire case has been a source of continuous debate. It has been a lightning rod for discussions about racial and social justice, the political polarization in America, and the credibility of victims of hate crimes.

For many, it damaged the credibility of true hate crime victims, while for Smollett’s supporters, it was an example of a racially and politically motivated prosecution against a Black, gay man.

Jussie Smollett and Dave Chappelle

The relationship between Jussie Smollett and comedian Dave Chappelle is defined by Chappelle’s comedic commentary on Smollett’s legal case.

• The Joke:

  In his 2019 Netflix special, Sticks & Stones, Chappelle dedicated a significant portion of his set to the Smollett case. He referred to him as a “Juicy Smoolyay,” a fictional, flamboyant French actor, and expressed disbelief at the details of the alleged attack. Chappelle’s jokes centered on the perceived implausibility of the events, such as the attackers knowing Smollett’s name and carrying a noose and bleach, all while shouting a political slogan. The segment was both praised and criticized for its politically incorrect humor.

• Smollett’s Reaction:

  In a 2022 interview, Smollett addressed Chappelle’s jokes directly. He said he found the jokes “hurtful” but also expressed his appreciation for Chappelle’s comedy. He revealed a surprising personal connection: “What’s so funny is that my nickname growing up was ‘Juicy.'”

He stated that he had seen Chappelle in person since the special aired, but did not elaborate on their conversation. His response showed a complicated mix of personal hurt and a professional understanding of Chappelle’s role as a provocateur in comedy.

Jussie Smollett and Jurnee Smollett

Jurnee Smollett is Jussie Smollett’s younger sister and a prominent actress in her own right, known for her roles in Lovecraft Country, Birds of Prey, and The Great Debaters. Their relationship is marked by a deep familial bond and her unwavering public support for her brother.

• Shared History:

  The two siblings share a long professional history. They first appeared together as child actors in the 1990s sitcom On Our Own, along with their other four siblings. They also reunited on-screen in 2016 for the WGN America series Underground, where Jurnee played a lead role and Jussie had a guest-starring arc.

• Public Defense:

  Throughout Jussie’s legal troubles, Jurnee has been one of his most vocal defenders. In multiple interviews, she has stated that the ordeal has been “devastating” and “one of the most painful things my family’s ever experienced.” She has repeatedly maintained her brother’s innocence, saying, “Everyone who knows me knows that I love my brother and I believe my brother.” Her public support highlights the close-knit nature of the Smollett family and their collective stance on the case.

Jussie Smollett and Lee Daniels

Lee Daniels is the creator and co-executive producer of Empire, the show that brought Smollett widespread fame. Their relationship was initially a very close one, but it was strained by the legal controversy.

• A Paternal Bond:

  Daniels has publicly described his relationship with Smollett as a father-son dynamic. He has stated that Smollett “was a son to me” and that his character, Jamal Lyon, “represented [him] and the movement” of LGBTQ+ representation on screen. This deep personal connection made the fallout from the alleged hoax particularly difficult for Daniels.

• The Complicated Aftermath:

  After the police investigation concluded that the attack was a hoax, Smollett was written out of the final episodes of Empire‘s fifth season and did not return for its final season. Daniels initially expressed frustration and disappointment, but his public stance has since softened.

In a 2024 interview, Daniels admitted that his relationship with Smollett is “complicated.” He went on to say that he “still doesn’t know what to believe” about the incident and that he would be open to working with Smollett again in the future. This indicates that while their professional relationship was severed for a time, a personal connection still exists.

Jussie Smollett and Raven-Symoné

The relationship between Jussie Smollett and Raven-Symoné has both a professional and a personal dimension, with their friendship predating their on-screen work together.

• On-Screen Connection:

  On Empire, Raven-Symoné played Olivia Lyon, the mother of a daughter who was a love interest of Smollett’s character, Jamal. This created dramatic “baby mama” storylines, adding complexity to Jamal’s character arc.

• Off-Screen Friendship:

  Off-screen, their relationship is that of a close friendship. Rumors that they dated from 2007-2011 are unconfirmed, as both have since publicly come out as LGBTQ+. What is confirmed is their enduring friendship, which was highlighted in 2015 when Smollett surprised Raven-Symoné on The View for her 30th birthday.

They reminisced about their friendship, with Smollett calling her one of the first people he called after his mother to share good news. Their friendship shows a strong, supportive bond between two long-time actors who both began their careers as child stars.

Jussie Smollett Net Worth:

Based on publicly available information and reports from various sources, Jussie Smollett’s net worth is a subject of varying estimates, but it is generally reported to have been around $500,000 to $1.5 million at the peak of his career.

Here’s a breakdown of the factors that contribute to this estimate:

Salary from Empire

• Smollett’s primary source of income was his role as Jamal Lyon on the hit series Empire.

• Early in the show’s run, his salary was reportedly lower than his co-stars Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard. A 2016 report from Variety claimed that in the second season, Smollett was earning around $20,000 per episode.

• This is a common practice in Hollywood, where supporting cast members start at a lower rate and negotiate for significant raises as a show’s popularity grows. It is believed that his salary increased in later seasons, although exact figures have not been widely reported.

• It’s worth noting that police alleged that Smollett was dissatisfied with his salary, which they claimed was a motive for orchestrating the hoax.

Music Earnings

• Smollett also earned income from his music career. He co-wrote and performed songs for the highly successful Empire soundtracks, which generated significant sales and streams.

• He also released his own independent album, Sum of My Music, in 2018, which would have contributed to his earnings, though on a much smaller scale than his television work.

Other Acting Roles

• Prior to Empire, Smollett had a steady career as a child and young adult actor. He appeared in films like The Mighty Ducks, North, and Alien: Covenant. He also had guest roles on popular TV shows like The Mindy Project and Revenge. These roles would have contributed to his overall earnings over the years.

Legal and Financial Fallout

It’s important to note that Jussie Smollett’s legal issues have had a significant negative impact on his net worth.

• Lost Income: His character was written out of Empire, costing him his main source of income.

• Legal Fees: The cost of his defense team for multiple trials and appeals would have been substantial, likely in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

• Fines and Restitution: He was ordered to pay a $25,000 fine and over $120,000 in restitution to the city of Chicago.

• Lawsuit Settlement: In May 2025, he settled a lawsuit with the city of Chicago by making a $50,000 donation to charity, bringing his total payments to the city to $60,000 when combined with a previous bond forfeiture.

Due to the private nature of celebrity finances and the financial burdens of his legal case, it is difficult to provide a precise, up-to-the-minute net worth. Most sources report his wealth as having been significantly impacted by the events since 2019.

Is Jussie Smollett in Jail?

No, Jussie Smollett is not in jail. He was released after serving six days of his 150-day jail sentence as his legal team filed an appeal. With the conviction now overturned, he will not serve the remaining time.

Is Jussie Smollett Married?

No; he is engaged to Jabari Redd as of June 20, 2025.

How Old Is Jussie Smollett?

He is 43 years old (born June 21, 1982).

Is Jussie Smollett Still Acting?

Yes—he is returning to entertainment: starring/directing in The Lost Holliday (2024), appearing in Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test Season 4, and promoting new music and documentary.

What Happened to Jussie Smollett?

In January 2019, Smollett reported to Chicago police that he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack by two masked men. After an investigation, police alleged that Smollett had staged the attack with the help of two brothers, Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo, and paid them $3,500. The case deeply affected his career and public image. 

What Did Jussie Smollett Do?

He was accused of filing a false police report and staging the attack. Prosecutors claimed the motive was to gain public sympathy and a salary increase on Empire. Smollett has consistently maintained his innocence.

What is Jussie Smollett Doing Now?

Jussie Smollett is currently in the process of a career comeback.

• He is the subject of a new Netflix documentary, The Truth About Jussie Smollett? (released in August 2025), in which he gives his first extended on-camera interview about the legal controversy, maintaining his innocence.

• In November 2024, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned his conviction, finding that his constitutional rights were violated when he was prosecuted a second time.

• He is also returning to filmmaking, having directed and starred in the 2024 film The Lost Holliday.

Summary Table