The fourth of six performing siblings, Jurnee Smollett was just what writer-director Kasi Lemmons had envisioned for the lead in her film: "a light-skinned black child . . . who could convey the nuances of a Creole child in the 60s". The young thespian pulled ahead of her brothers and sisters with her bracing portrayal of a ten-year-old who finds her father (Samuel L Jackson) in a compromising position in the finely-crafted independent "Eve's Bayou" (1997). She conveyed a maturity far beyond her years, yet also managed to retain a childlike innocence, impressing critics and audiences alike. Smollett had begun her career as a child model and landed recurring roles on both "Hangin' With Mr. Cooper" and "Full House" before co-starring with her siblings in the sitcom "On Our Own" (ABC, 1994-95). Despite efforts to position the Smolletts as the "new" Jackson family (they sing and dance together as well as act), young Jurnee has managed to carve her own niche. In addition to her film roles, she displayed her acting chops as the daughter of a slain black activist in a particularly memorable episode of "NYPD Blue". After making guest appearances on Bill Cosby's CBS sitcom during the 1997-98 season, she was added as a regular to "Cosby" in the fall of 1998, allowing the veteran to bestow his "wisdom" to her.

Tyler Perry's Temptation (2013)

Great Debaters, The (2007)

Gridiron Gang (2006)

Roll Bounce (2005)

Ruby's Bucket of Blood (2001) - as Emerald Delacroix

Beautiful Joe (2000)

Selma, Lord, Selma (1999) - as Sheyann Webb

Eve's Bayou (1997) - as Eve Batiste

Jack (1996) - as Phoebe

6th Annual Sears Soul Train Christmas Starfest, The (2003)

Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves: An Animated Special From "The Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales For Every Child" Series (1999) - as Voice Of Ali Baba

Sunday in Paris (1991)

NAACP Image Award - 1999

NAACP Image Award - 1998

Broadcast Film Critics Association Award - 1997

"Oh, I'm mature for my age, that's all. My family watches old movies, and I really admire Lena Horne a lot; she has a really strong attitude and a lot of strength. You just know she's not going to let anybody step on her. I like that attitude." --Jurnee Smollett to Daily News, November 3, 1997

FATHER - Joel Smollett.

MOTHER - Janet Smollett.

BROTHER - Jojo Smollett. Actor, model, singer, dancer. Born on August 28, 1977.

SISTER - Jazz Smollett. Actor, singer. Born on April 1, 1980.

BROTHER - Jussie Smollett. Actor, singer. Born on June 21, 1982.

BROTHER - Jake Smollett. Actor, singer. Born on July 29, 1989.

BROTHER - Jocqui Smollett. Born c. 1993.