Jurnee Smollett is an American actress who began her career appearing on television sitcoms as a child. Her major breakthrough came when she starred in the independent drama film "Eve's Bayou" in 1997, a role that earned her a Critic's Choice Award.

Transitioning into adult roles, Smollett starred in films such as "The Great Debaters" and "Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor." Additionally, she took on significant roles in a variety of TV series, including the NBC sports drama "Friday Night Lights," the HBO vampire drama "True Blood," and the WGN America period drama "Underground." In 2020, Smollett portrayed DC Comic superhero Dinah Lance / Black Canary in the film "Birds of Prey," a role she will reprise in the upcoming "Black Canary" movie. She also joined the cast of Amazon's "The Burial" and has expressed interest in a sequel to the movie "Lou." Smollett's performance in the HBO series "Lovecraft Country" earned her a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

Alongside her acting career, Smollett has been active in HIV/AIDS causes since she was 11, serving as the youngest board member for Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA), a nonprofit organization working to combat HIV/AIDS, advance human rights and equality, and assist children orphaned by AIDS and other at-risk youth. She is also on the Board of Directors of the Children's Defense Fund.

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