Entertainment

Jussie Smollett: My Mom’s a Super Fan of Fox’s ‘Empire,’ Too

Published

11 years ago

March 17, 2015

Jussie Smollett attends AHF’s National Black AIDS/Awareness Day event at H.O.M.E. Beverly Hills, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Jeff Lewis / AP Images for AIDS Healthcare Foundation)

ALICIA RANCILIO, Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Jussie Smollett, one of the stars of Fox’s prime-time soap, “Empire,” says he counts his mom as one of the super fans of the series.

“She calls me every single Wednesday and I know that we have to stay on the phone at least for 30 minutes to an hour of just hearing her break down what (Taraji P. Henson’s character) Cookie did, what the brothers did, which song was her favorite, you know? So, yeah, it’s fun. It’s good fun,” said the actor at Monday’s premiere of the movie “Insurgent” in New York.

On “Empire,” Smollett plays Jamal Lyon, the middle son to a music mogul, played by Terrence Howard and his ex-wife, Cookie Lyon, who was recently released from prison after serving 17-years for dealing drugs.

Jamal’s an aspiring singer-songwriter who also happens to be gay, which his father can’t accept. He’s also the moral compass of the series.

The show has managed to climb in the ratings each week and will wrap up its 10-episode first season with a two-hour finale on Wednesday (at 8 p.m. EDT.)

Smollett, 31, says he hasn’t been able to wrap his mind around how much his life has changed in just a few months, and he hopes he never does.

“In a way … I kind of hope that I don’t realize all that’s happening. I hope that I still wake up every day the same man wanting to work hard and do something really, really awesome, you know? And just get paid to do what I love, which is awesome.”

He realized the show was a hit when he was bombarded at a grocery store by a group of elderly women who recognized him.

“They were all in Whole Foods and they said, ‘Jamal?’ and they could not figure out how to use their camera phones and that was a moment where it was so funny to me and then I sat back and thought about it and I was like, ‘Why do they even know who I am,’ you know? So it’s awesome though. It’s awesome.”

During his hiatus, Smollett hopes to spend time with his family and “maybe go somewhere and get a nice tan.”

“Empire” has also had a revolving door of famous guest stars including Naomi Campbell, Courtney Love, Jennifer Hudson, Estelle, Mary J. Blige and Cuba Gooding, Jr.

___

Online:

http://www.fox.com/empire/

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Related Topics:Black TV shows Empire Empire TV show Jussie Smollett

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Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

Published

5 days ago

December 4, 2025

Oakland Post

Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.