Jussie Smollett career: How did Jussie Smollett rise to fame? What did he earn at Empire?

Jussie Smollett has starred in hip-hop drama Empire since 2015, playing Jamal Lyon. His character cohabits with his Latino boyfriend but is not publicly out because of his father’s prejudice against gay people. Jussie, who came out as gay in an interview with Ellen DeGeneres on her show in 2015, has been praised for this performance in the role. Although Empire is his biggest part to date, the TV star previously racked up a number of roles in big-name TV shows.

How did Jussie Smollett rise to fame? How much does he earn at Empire?

Jussie Smollet was born in Santa Rose, California, the third of six children.

The 36-year-old found fame young, starring in the Emilio Estevez film, The Mighty Ducks, in 1992.

He followed this up with a turn in Rob Reiner’s North in 1994 before starring with his real-life brothers and sisters in TV series On Our Own.

The ABC sitcom, which ran for one season between September 1994 and April 1995, focused on the siblings’ fight to stay together after losing their parents.

After a break from acting, Jussie returned to TV screens in 2012 with a guest role on The Mindy Project in 2012.

Following some other minor parts, he secured the part of Jamal Lyon in 2014.

Jussie’s salary on Empire is the subject of debate, with a “well-placed source” telling the Huffington Post it is $65,000.

The Hollywood Reporter has said it is $125,000.

Jussie, who is also a songwriter, wrote original tracks featuring in the official season 1 soundtrack for Empire.

He later released music under his own name and his first album, Sum of My Music, debuted in March 2018.

Having already started on the show, Jussie did not come out as gay until speaking with Ellen DeGeneres in March 2015.

He told the TV host: ”It was really important to me to make sure that it got across that there is no closet.

“There’s never been a closet that I’ve been in. I don’t own a closet, I got a dressed, but I don’t have a closet…I have a home and that is my responsibility to protect that home.

“So that’s why I choose not to talk about my personal life.

“But there is without a doubt, no closet that I’ve ever been in, and I just wanted to make that clear.

“But it was most important for me to make that clear to you on your show at this time in the world. And that’s where I’m at.”

source: express.co.uk