Jurnee Smollett reflects on challenges as a child actor

Jurnee Smollett has been a familiar face in Hollywood for over 30 years. The 38-year-old actress recently shared her journey as a child star in an interview with Us Weekly. Smollett, known for her roles in shows like "Full House" and "Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper," faced many challenges on set. She credits her mother, Janet, for guiding her through the tough times in the industry. Smollett noted that placing a child in an adult environment often comes with difficulties. “Janet is a fierce woman,” Smollett commented. She emphasized that her mother taught her to view acting as a way to tell stories and to protect her talent. She believes that part of her role is to safeguard her gift, which allows her to help others too. Throughout her career, Smollett has learned from some of the best in the business. She mentioned working with Denzel Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, and Angela Bassett, among others, each of whom helped shape her voice in Hollywood. Smollett will be featured in a new documentary on Apple TV+ called "Number One on the Call Sheet," which discusses the experiences of Black actors in Hollywood. The film premieres on March 28.