Smollett was born in New York City, the daughter of Janet, a humanitarian and civil rights activist, and Joel Smollett. in casting the role, writer-director Kasi Lemmons envisioned “a light-skinned black child who could convey the nuances of a Creole child in the 60s.” She co-starred with her siblings in the ABC television comedy On Our Own (1994-1995) and guest appeared in numerous television shows: Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, Full House, Martin, Wanda At Large, House, Grey’s Anatomy, etc. 2001 would find Jurnee co-starring as daughter to another popular actress, Angela Bassett, in the film Ruby’s Bucket of Blood. From September 2010 to March 2011 she was co-starring with Jim Belushi and Jerry O’Connell in the new CBS legal drama The Defenders. She has been active in HIV/AIDS causes since she was eleven.
