Jurnee Smollett Bell, also called Jurnee Diana Smollett, is a renowned American actress. She has been in the film industry for more than three decades. Moreover, the media personality is known for her role in the critically acclaimed HBO drama Lovecraft Country. In addition, she has made her mark in both television series and movies.
The actress is also a philanthropist at heart. She has been actively advocating for HIV/AIDS prevention from a young age. Additionally, Smollett has worked alongside many renowned activists over the years. Furthermore, the television star has also been associated with the musician Josiah Bell. She was happily married to him for a decade.
So, without further ado, let's dive into the career and life story of Jurnee Smollett Bell.
Eliza Coupe Biography - American Actress
Early Life And Family
The American actress was born on October 1, 1986, in New York City. Her father, Joel Smollett, is Jewish and has Romanian, Russian, and Polish ancestry. Likewise, Jurnee Smollett Bell's mother, Janet Harris Smollett, is an African American woman and a loving mother to all of her children.
Jurnee Smollett Bell's siblings have all appeared in the television series On Our Own. Photo Source: Jurnee Smollett Bell's Instagram.
The Lovecraft Country actress is not the only person involved in the entertainment world. Jurnee Smollett Bell's brother Jussie Smollett is an actor and singer. He is much recognized for his role in Empire. Her second brother Jake Smollett is a television personality. Moreover, Jurnee's other siblings Jazz Smollett, JoJo Smollett, and Jocqui Smollett, have also made television appearances.
The talented actress has been passionate about acting from a young age. So Jurnee was more focused on being a performer than academics. Therefore, not much is known about Smollett's college education.
Jurnee Smollett Bell Net Worth And Career
The artist has been active in the entertainment world since the early 1990s. She has appeared in both more minor roles and as protagonists in numerous television series and films. So, Jurnee Smollett Bell's net worth mainly comprises her earnings from her acting career. But, besides that, it also includes income from her behind-the-scenes work, namely production.
Jurnee Smollett Bell has accomplished both fame and fortune from her acting career. Photo Source: Jurnee Smollett Bell's Instagram.
With more than forty acting credentials, the media personality has made a fortune from her career. And according to Celebrity Net Worth, Jurnee Smollett Bell's net worth is $2 million. It also includes her earnings from brand endorsements.
Earnings From Television Series
The brown-eyed beauty made her television debut with Martin in 1992. She appeared in one episode in the sitcom. Additionally, the same year, the child star worked in Out All Night, Hangin' With Mr. Cooper, and Full House.
Jurnee Smollett worked in the series On Our Own for twenty episodes. The television series is also the only show featuring all of her siblings. Furthermore, the television personality booked her most prominent role in the CBS sitcom Cosby in 1998. She won Outstanding Youth Actor/Actress at NACCP Image Awards in 1999 and 2000 for her outstanding performance.
The media personality was a regular cast member in Friday Night Lights from 2009 to 2011. She began working in the ABC fantasy drama True Blood in 2013 and 2014. The television series gained popularity for its blend of modern times with a mythical creature vampire. It also starred Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Sam Trammell, Ryan Kwanten, etc.
Jurnee then starred in the WGN America period drama Underground alongside Aldis Hodge, Jessica De Gouw, and Alano Miller. Moreover, the actress found huge success after working on Lovecraft Country. She starred opposite Jonathan Majors, Michael Kenneth Williams, Courtney B. Vance, Wunmi Mosaku, etc.
The television series is fantasy-themed and based on a novel of the same name. It was also a nominee at the 2021 BAFTA Film Award. In addition, for her portrayal of Letitia Lewis, Bell was awarded Best Actress in a Horror Series at the 2021 Critics' Choice Super Awards. She was also nominated at the 2021 Screen Actors Guild Awards, 2021 NAACP Image Awards, 2021 MTV Movie & TV Awards, 2021 Critics' Choice Television Awards, etc.
Having worked on numerous shows as a part of the main cast, the True Blood star might have pocketed thousands per episode. Moreover, Jurney Smollett Bell's salary is the same as her male co-star from Lovecraft COuntry. Thus, her net worth must have increased over the years with her multiple television appearances.
Income From Movies
The social personality began her film career at the age of five on Sunday in Paris. She appeared as a child actress in the movie. Moreover, Bell also played a significant role in Jack.
However, the actress got more recognition after appearing in Eve's Bayou in 1997. It was a blockbuster hit with a $15 million worldwide box-office collection. Moreover, Jurnee also got the Best Young Performer award at the 1997 Critic's Choice Movie Awards.
Jurnee Smollett Bell appeared in the historical movie The Great Debaters in 2007. The movie was produced by Oprah Winfrey and Harvey Weinstein and starred Denzel Washington. Furthermore, Smollett was a nominee for Choice Breakout Female in the 2008 Teen Choice Awards for her performance.
The talented artist has appeared in numerous movies throughout her career. Some of their box office collections are tabulated below:
| Movies | Box Office Collection |
| Temptation: Confessions of a Married Counselor | $53.14M |
| Gridiron Gang | $41.48M |
| Roll Bounce | $17.5M |
| Hands Of Stone | $4.9M |
| Birds Of Prey | $201.8M |
The performer gained wide recognition for the portrayal of Black Canary in The Birds Of Prey. The film is a superhero movie based on DC Comics.
Having starred in such successful movies, the talented actress must have earned a significant amount for her work in them. Therefore, Jurnee Smollett Bell's net worth must have seen massive growth in recent years.
Jurnee Smollett Bell Activism
Alongside acting, the performer is also working as an HIV/AIDS activist. She experienced the trauma of HIV/AIDS after an infected crew member of On Our Own died. Moreover, Smollett became more inspired to work as an activist after watching Hydeia Broadbent, an HIV/AIDS positive campaigning for its prevention. Thus, her activist journey began from then on.
Jurnee Smollett Bell has been an advocate for HIV/AIDS since the age of eleven. Photo Source: Jurnee Smollett Bell's Instagram.
At the age of eleven, Jurnee began helping a group of artists to stop HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa and the USA. She met Hydeia at the award function of the Black AIDS Institute. The young girls instantly hit it off and became best friends. Furthermore, the pair also collaborated in educating kids about HIV/AIDS prevention and its transmission. They also teamed up for screening drives in a mobile medical center.
The movie star also has joined hands with Red Cross Society, ANSA McAL, and many other organizations. She is a strong supporter of HIV/AIDS infected people and speaks up for their struggles in society. Additionally, Bell is also an advocate against racial discrimination and the marginalization of Black people.
Husband And Children
The celeb has been successful in both her career and her family. She married her best friend Josiah Bell in October 2010. Additionally, the couple shared mutual understanding and affection. They also appeared on the red carpets, events, and many social functions together. Moreover, Jurnee Smollett Bell's estranged husband Josiah often posted her pictures on his Instagram account.
The duo was blessed with an adorable baby boy in the sixth year of their marriage. Jurnee Smollett Bell's son, Hunter Zion Bell, was born in November 2016. He also appears in his parents' Instagram posts.
Jurnee Smollett Bell's ex-husband Josiah Bell has also acted alongside her in the television series Underground. Photo Source: Jurnee Smollett Bell's Instagram.
However, Smollett's marriage slowly began to lose its foundation. Despite appearing happy outside, she had several issues in her marital life. As a result, Jurnee Bell filed for divorce in March 2020. Moreover, the reason for the separation is still not revealed by the actress to the public. Likewise, there is no information regarding alimony, but the ex-couple are jointly raising their son together.
The ex-pair hasn't deleted their past photos from their Instagram account. In addition, Jurnee Smollett's ex-husband Josiah Bell also posted a picture of her on his Instagram with a thank you message attached on mother's day of 2021. So, the ex-duo must be on good terms despite their separation.
At present, the media personality is living a comfortable life with her son Hunter Zion Bell. Moreover, her Instagram post of July 2021 mentions betrayal, blame, and disrespect which might be hinting at her past relationship. However, we are not sure as the film star hasn't revealed the reasons behind her divorce.
Trivia And Facts
- Jurnee Smollett Bell has 1.4 million Instagram followers.
- She is going to star in the Netflix movie Lou.
- She enjoys going to the gym during her free time
