Whatever Happened To Jussie Smollett?
When Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test returns on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 9pm ET on Fox, one of the most talked about names in the cast will be Jussie Smollett. For some, it feels surprising to see him back in the spotlight, and his participation has stirred a bit of controversy. Others may simply be wondering what the one-time Empire star has been doing since his legal issues in the early 2020s.
Smollett’s story began as a child actor in the early ’90s, where he played Terry Hall in the Disney film The Mighty Ducks. The part was small, and his character didn’t return in later sequels but he is still a part of the beloved franchise’s history. Over time, he continued to work steadily before landing the role that made him a household name, Jamal Lyon on Empire. The groundbreaking part allowed him to act and sing, while representing one of television’s most prominent Black gay characters at the time. Talent runs in the family, since his siblings Jurnee, Jake and Jazz Smollett have all made their own mark in Hollywood.
Deborah Croswell/©Buena Vista Pictures Distribution/Everett Collection
In January 2019, Smollett’s career was derailed when he reported that he had been attacked in what appeared to be a hate crime. That case quickly became one of the most polarizing stories of the decade. After months of investigations, Smollett was accused of staging the incident. He was convicted, appealed, and in late 2024, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned the conviction, citing problems with the original plea deal. Smollett has maintained his innocence throughout and has often spoken about how the ordeal damaged his career and personal life.
Chuck Hodes/©Fox/Everett Collection
Now, he is turning to Special Forces as something of a reset. In interviews, he has said the toughest part was not the physical challenges but the emotional vulnerability. In a new interview with People, Smollett said “to me, the most difficult thing was the mental … And so that, and getting through that was really special. So I hope that it’s the great equalizer and it’s also the great kind of reset of this is who I am and it’s all love.”
He has described the experience as a way to show people who he is today after years of avoiding the spotlight.
Smollett also wants to set the record straight with a new Netflix Documentary, sharing his side of the story titled The Truth About Jussie Smollett?, which is available to watch now.
February 2021
1990s Rom-Coms
Pop some popcorn and cozy up to feel-good movies and TV shows from a generation ago.
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