Jurnee Smollett's Journey Onscreen
Image: HBO
FULL HOUSE
Smollett was cast a few seasons in, as Michelle Tanner’s best friend, Denise, a recurring part originally written as a young white girl.
Image: ABC / Photofest
ON OUR OWN
Though it lasted only one season, the ABC family sitcom starred all six Smollett kids as siblings who lose their parents.
Image: ABC Photo Archives
EVE’S BAYOU
At 10, Smollett landed a starring role as Eve, opposite Samuel L. Jackson, in Kasi Lemmons’ directorial debut, an R-rated Southern drama.
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FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
Smollett played Jess, girlfriend to Vince (Michael B. Jordan) and wannabe coach, on the final two seasons of the football drama.
Image: Bill Records/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank
THE GREAT DEBATERS
She turned a reading into an audition, landing herself a key role in the Denzel Washington-directed period drama, based on a true story.
Image: The Weinstein Company/Photofest
TRUE BLOOD
Again, Smollett joined a series — in this case, HBO’s supernatural drama — in its later seasons, playing Nicole, a vampire rights activist.
Image: HBO
UNDERGROUND
The WGN America drama was her first as a series lead. The beloved show was canceled after two seasons, when the network’s strategy changed.
Image: WGN America/Photofest
BIRDS OF PREY
In her first turn as a superhero, Smollett played Black Canary in DC Entertainment’s Suicide Squad spinoff.
Image: Warner Bros. Entertainment