Jussie Smollett has an estimated net worth of about $300,000. He is an American actor and singer, best known for his role as Jamal Lyon on the hit TV show Empire. Smollett gained fame for his talent and charisma, capturing the hearts of many fans.
However, his career faced challenges after a highly publicized incident in 2019. Despite the ups and downs, Smollett’s contributions to the entertainment industry remain significant. Understanding his net worth offers insight into his career and the impact of recent events on his financial standing.
Wiki Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Jussie Smollett |
| Date of Birth | June 21, 1982 |
| Place of Birth | Santa Rosa, California |
| Parents | Janet (née Harris) and Joel Smollett |
| Siblings | Three brothers and two sisters, including actress Jurnee Smollett |
| Early Life | Moved to New York City at age two, relocated to California at seven, and later to New Jersey |
| Career Start | Began acting as a child in 1991 |
| Notable Works | “The Mighty Ducks,” “North,” “The Skinny,” and “Empire” |
| Role in Empire | Played Jamal Lyon from 2015 to 2019 |
| Salary on Empire | Earned $20,000 per episode initially, later reported between $65,000 to $125,000 per episode |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $300,000 as of 2024 |
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Jussie Smollett was born on June 21, 1982, in Santa Rosa, California. His parents are Janet, whose last name is Harris, and Joel Smollett. He grew up in a large family with three brothers and two sisters. One of his sisters, Jurnee Smollett, earned an Emmy nomination for her acting.
At the age of two, his family moved to New York City. Later, they relocated to California and then to New Jersey, where he graduated from Paramus Catholic High School.
Smollett began acting when he was very young. He started out as a child model in New York City and appeared as an extra in several films, including “Mo’ Better Blues” in 1990 and “New Jack City” in 1991.
He also played roles in well-known movies in the early 1990s, such as “The Mighty Ducks” in 1992 and “North” in 1994. These early experiences in the entertainment field laid the groundwork for his later success as an actor and singer.
Major Career Highlights
Jussie Smollett’s career includes significant achievements across multiple platforms.
Early Career
- Child Actor: Smollett started working as a child actor in the early 1990s. He appeared in popular films like “Mo’ Better Blues” (1990) and “New Jack City” (1991).
- TV Star: He starred in the ABC sitcom “On Our Own” from 1994 to 1995. This show included his real-life siblings, highlighting family roles.
Return to Acting
- Film Comeback: In 2012, Smollett returned to acting in the film “The Skinny.” He played the lead role of Magnus, marking a new chapter in his career.
- Guest Appearances: He made guest spots in TV shows like “The Mindy Project” (2012) and “Revenge” (2014), expanding his acting range.
- “Empire” Success: In 2015, Smollett landed a breakthrough role as Jamal Lyon in the Fox drama series “Empire.” This show featured him as a talented gay musician, earning him critical acclaim and a significant fan base.
Jussie Smollett’s career reflects many notable achievements, making him a well-known figure in the entertainment industry.
Net Worth and Income Sources
Jussie Smollett’s net worth is estimated at $300,000, based on updates from sources like Wealthy Gorilla and Celebrity Net Worth. This figure shows a notable decline from previous estimates of $500,000.
- Acting Career: Smollett began acting as a child. He appeared in popular movies like The Mighty Ducks (1992) and North (1994). His most recognized role was as Jamal Lyon on the TV series Empire, airing from 2015 to 2019. Reports indicate his salary during Empire ranged from $65,000 to $125,000 per episode.
- Music: Smollett also pursued a music career. He released his first EP, The Poisoned Hearts Club, in 2012. In 2018, he launched his debut studio album, Sum of My Music. In 2015, he signed a recording deal with Columbia Records.
Overall, both his acting and music contributions impacted his financial status, but his net worth suffered due to recent events related to legal issues.
Notable Achievements and Awards
Jussie Smollett has a diverse background in acting and music. His early career showcased his talent as he worked as a child model and actor in New York City.
- Early Work: Smollett appeared in notable films such as “Mo’ Better Blues” (1990), “New Jack City” (1991), “The Mighty Ducks” (1992), and “North” (1994). He starred in the ABC sitcom “On Our Own” from 1994 to 1995, appearing with his siblings.
- Comeback: In 2012, he returned to acting with the film “The Skinny,” where he played the lead character, Magnus.
- TV Appearances: Smollett’s later roles include guest spots in popular series like “The Mindy Project” and “Revenge.” His most recognized role came in 2015 when he starred as Jamal Lyon on “Empire.” This role earned him critical acclaim and a strong fanbase.
- Music Career: In addition to acting, Smollett has pursued music. He released his first EP, “The Poisoned Hearts Club,” in 2012, followed by a studio album, “Sum of My Music,” in 2018. He worked with Columbia Records during this phase.
These achievements highlight Smollett’s versatility and dedication to both acting and music. Despite challenges in his career, he remains a notable figure in the entertainment industry.
Personal Life and Legal Issues
Jussie Smollett was born on June 21, 1982, in Santa Rosa, California, to Janet (née Harris) and Joel Smollett. He has three brothers and two sisters, including actress Jurnee Smollett. Smollett began acting as a child, appearing in films such as “Mo’ Better Blues” (1990), “New Jack City” (1991), and “The Mighty Ducks” (1992). From 1994 to 1995, he starred in the ABC sitcom “On Our Own” alongside his siblings.
In 2015, Smollett came out as gay during an interview with Ellen DeGeneres. This was a significant moment for him and the LGBTQ+ community. In 2016, he bought a Los Angeles home for $1 million.
His personal life faced major challenges in January 2019, when he staged a fake hate crime against himself. This incident caused public outrage and led to legal troubles. Smollett faced criminal charges for filing a false police report. In December 2021, he was convicted of five felony counts of disorderly conduct. He received a 150-day jail sentence and was ordered to pay fines and restitution, which affected his finances and career.
These controversies severely impacted his wealth, lowering his net worth to approximately $300,000 as of 2024. This figure reflects the financial consequences following the legal problems and loss of his iconic role in “Empire”.
Through all of this, Smollett’s life remains under public scrutiny, illustrating the vast impact of personal and legal issues on one’s career and finances.
Age, Weight, and Height
Jussie Smollett was born on June 21, 1982. He is currently 42 years old as of October 2024.
There isn’t any current information available about Jussie Smollett’s weight. However, his height is reported to be approximately 5 feet 11 inches (or 180 cm).
Conclusion
Jussie Smollett’s journey in the entertainment industry reflects both remarkable talent and significant turmoil. His current net worth of around $300,000 highlights the impact of personal decisions and legal challenges on financial stability. Once a rising star earning substantial income from his role on Empire Smollett’s career took a drastic turn following the events of 2019.
Despite these setbacks, his contributions to acting and music remain noteworthy. The evolution of his net worth serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the public eye. As he navigates the aftermath of his legal issues it remains to be seen how he will rebuild his career and financial standing moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jussie Smollett’s estimated net worth currently?
Jussie Smollett’s estimated net worth is currently around $300,000. This amount is significantly lower than earlier estimates of $500,000, mainly due to the financial fallout from legal issues and the loss of his role on Empire.
What TV show is Jussie Smollett best known for?
Jussie Smollett is best known for his role as Jamal Lyon on the TV show Empire. This show significantly raised his profile and earned him critical acclaim during its run.
What legal issues did Jussie Smollett face?
In January 2019, Jussie Smollett staged a fake hate crime against himself, which led to significant legal problems. In December 2021, he was convicted of multiple felony counts of disorderly conduct, resulting in a 150-day jail sentence and financial penalties.
What is Jussie Smollett’s age?
As of October 2024, Jussie Smollett is 42 years old. He was born on June 21, 1982, in Santa Rosa, California.
What notable achievements does Jussie Smollett have in music?
In addition to acting, Jussie Smollett has made notable strides in music, having released his first EP, “The Poisoned Hearts Club,” in 2012, and his debut studio album, “Sum of My Music,” in 2018.
What did Jussie Smollett do before starring in Empire?
Before his breakthrough role in Empire, Jussie Smollett was a child actor known for roles in films like The Mighty Ducks and New Jack City, as well as appearances in shows like On Our Own and The Mindy Project.
