Jussie Smollett, an American actor, singer, and photographer, has a net worth estimated at $300,000 as of 2024. He gained fame for his role as Jamal Lyon on the hit television series “Empire,” which aired from 2015 to 2019. However, his career has been marred by controversy, particularly surrounding a highly publicized incident in 2019 that involved a staged attack in Chicago. This article delves into Smollett’s early life, career, the infamous incident, and his current financial standing.
Born on June 21, 1982, in Santa Rosa, California, Jussie Smollett is the son of Janet and Joel Smollett. He has a diverse family background, with his mother being African-American and his father Jewish. Jussie is the middle child among six siblings, including his sister Jurnee Smollett, who is also an accomplished actress. The family moved to New York City when Jussie was just two years old, and later relocated to New Jersey.
Smollett’s career began at a young age when he worked as a child model in New York City. He transitioned into acting, appearing in films such as “The Mighty Ducks” (1992) and “North” (1994). He also starred in the ABC sitcom “On Our Own,” which featured his real-life siblings. After a brief hiatus, he returned to the screen in 2012 with the LGBTQ romantic comedy-drama “The Skinny.” His breakthrough role came in 2014 when he was cast as Jamal Lyon in “Empire,” a character that resonated with many viewers due to its representation of a gay black man in the music industry.
Career Highlights
During his time on “Empire,” Smollett not only showcased his acting skills but also his musical talent. He released his first EP, “The Poisoned Hearts Club,” in 2012 and signed a recording contract with Columbia Records in 2015. His debut studio album, “Sum of My Music,” was released in 2018, featuring songs he co-wrote for “Empire.” Despite his success, Smollett’s career took a significant hit due to the events surrounding the Chicago incident.
The Chicago Incident
On January 29, 2019, Jussie Smollett reported to the police that he had been attacked by two men who hurled racial and homophobic slurs at him. He claimed that the attackers tied a noose around his neck and poured gasoline on him. However, as the investigation unfolded, it was revealed that Smollett had allegedly staged the attack with the help of two acquaintances. The brothers involved were reportedly paid $3,500 to carry out the hoax.
In February 2019, Smollett was charged with a class 4 felony for filing a false police report. Although the initial charges were dropped in March 2019, the city of Chicago later filed a lawsuit against him for the costs incurred during the investigation. In December 2021, Smollett was convicted of five felony counts of disorderly conduct for making false police reports. He was sentenced to 150 days in jail, 30 months of probation, and ordered to pay restitution to the city of Chicago.
Current Financial Standing
As of 2024, Jussie Smollett’s net worth is estimated at $300,000. This figure is significantly lower than that of his co-stars from “Empire,” who have amassed considerable wealth during and after the show’s run. For instance, Taraji P. Henson has a net worth of approximately $16 million, while Terrence Howard’s net worth is around $5 million. Smollett’s financial struggles can be attributed to the fallout from the Chicago incident, which not only affected his career but also his earning potential.
Comparative Net Worth of “Empire” Cast
| Actor | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| Jussie Smollett | $300,000 |
| Taraji P. Henson | $16 million |
| Terrence Howard | $5 million |
| Gabourey Sidibe | $6 million |
| Bryshere Gray | $2 million |
| Trai Byers | $1.5 million |
Personal Life
Jussie Smollett publicly came out as gay in March 2015 during an interview with Ellen DeGeneres. He has been open about his sexuality and has used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Despite the controversies surrounding his personal life, Smollett continues to pursue his passion for acting and music. He directed the film “B-Boy Blues,” which was released in 2021, and is set to direct and co-write “The Lost Holliday,” scheduled for release in 2024.
FAQs
What is Jussie Smollett’s current net worth?
As of 2024, Jussie Smollett’s net worth is estimated at $300,000.
What role is Jussie Smollett best known for?
Jussie Smollett is best known for his role as Jamal Lyon on the television series “Empire.”
What happened during the Chicago incident involving Jussie Smollett?
In January 2019, Jussie Smollett reported a staged attack that he claimed was a hate crime. He was later charged with filing a false police report and was convicted in December 2021.
How has the Chicago incident affected Jussie Smollett’s career?
The incident significantly impacted Smollett’s career, leading to his removal from “Empire” and a substantial decrease in his net worth.
What are some of Jussie Smollett’s other works?
In addition to “Empire,” Smollett has appeared in films like “The Mighty Ducks,” “Alien: Covenant,” and directed the film “B-Boy Blues.”