Jurnee Smollett’s Net Worth 2025: How Much Does Jurnee Smollett’s Make?

Jurnee Smollett’s name might ring a bell for anyone who’s been a fan of TV dramas or cult-favorite movies over the past few decades. With a career that kicked off at a young age, Jurnee has grown from an adorable child actor to a powerful force in Hollywood. At 38 years old in 2025, she has built an impressive portfolio that includes hit TV series like Friday Night Lights, True Blood, and Lovecraft Country, as well as critically acclaimed films like Eve’s Bayou and The Great Debaters. Alongside her on-screen achievements, Jurnee’s activism and advocacy work have also made headlines. Let’s dive into her journey, exploring her career milestones, family ties, net worth, and more.

Early Life and Family Background

Born on October 1, 1986, in New York City, Jurnee Smollett was destined for the spotlight. She was raised in a diverse family, with her mother, Janet, being African-American and her father, Joel, of Jewish descent with Russian, Romanian, and Polish roots. The Smollett family isn’t new to fame — Jurnee is one of six siblings, including her brother Jussie Smollett, who is known for his role in Empire. Growing up in a household buzzing with creativity, it was no surprise that Jurnee and her siblings found their way to the screen early on.

Jurnee’s first taste of acting came at just six years old, appearing in popular TV shows like Out All Night and Martin. However, it was her recurring role as Denise Frazer on Full House that introduced her to a broader audience. This early exposure not only honed her acting skills but also laid the foundation for a career that would span decades.

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Breaking Through: Jurnee’s TV Career

Jurnee’s big TV break came when she starred alongside her siblings in the sitcom On Our Own (1994–1995). While the show was short-lived, it showcased Jurnee’s natural talent and charisma. Her performance on the sitcom Cosby soon followed, earning her two NAACP Image Awards — a sign of bigger things to come.

From 2009 to 2011, Jurnee portrayed Jess Merriweather in Friday Night Lights, a role that further cemented her as a TV powerhouse. Her ability to bring depth and authenticity to her characters made her a fan favorite. This trend continued with significant roles in True Blood and the period drama Underground. In 2020, Jurnee’s portrayal of Letitia “Leti” Lewis in Lovecraft Country was both a critical and audience hit, blending horror, history, and social commentary in a way that left a lasting impact.

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A Star on the Big Screen

While her TV career flourished, Jurnee also made her mark in films. She made her big-screen debut in Jack (1996) alongside Robin Williams, but it was her role in Eve’s Bayou (1997) that showcased her emotional range. Playing Eve Batiste, a young girl uncovering dark family secrets, Jurnee’s performance was both haunting and powerful, earning her an NAACP Image Award nomination.

Her talent shone brightly in The Great Debaters (2007), where she played Samantha Booke, the only female member of a debate team at a historically black college. Acting opposite Denzel Washington, Jurnee’s portrayal was fierce and heartfelt, winning her the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture.

In recent years, Jurnee embraced her action star side, playing Black Canary in the DC Comics film Birds of Prey (2020). She handled the physical demands and complex emotions of the character with equal finesse, proving her versatility.

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Net Worth and Achievements

As of 2025, Jurnee Smollett’s net worth stands at an estimated $2 million. This wealth has been built through a combination of TV series, movies, and endorsement deals over her decades-long career. While the figure might seem modest compared to some of her peers, it reflects her focus on diverse and meaningful roles rather than chasing blockbuster paychecks alone.

Beyond her financial success, Jurnee’s achievements include multiple NAACP Image Awards and a well-deserved place among Hollywood’s most respected actresses. Her ability to balance mainstream appeal with thought-provoking roles has kept her in demand and beloved by fans.

Personal Life and Activism

Jurnee’s personal life has seen its share of ups and downs. She married musician Josiah Bell in 2010, and the couple welcomed their son, Hunter, in 2016. However, after a decade together, they divorced in 2020. Despite the split, Jurnee has navigated her personal life with grace, focusing on her son and her career.

Off-screen, Jurnee is a passionate activist. Her advocacy for HIV/AIDS awareness began when she was just seven years old, sparked by the death of a crew member on On Our Own. Over the years, she has worked with organizations like the Black AIDS Institute and Red Cross and served on the boards of Artists for a New South Africa and the Children’s Defense Fund. Her speeches at events like the Ryan White Youth Conference highlight her commitment to making a difference beyond Hollywood.