Jurnee Smollett speaks of overcoming “challenges” as a child star in an “adult environment”

Jurnee Smollett He has been working in Hollywood for more than 30 years, but that doesn’t mean it was an easy way.

Order Star, 38, revealed Us every week Exclusively that “she has definitely dealt with many different circumstances on the scene” as a child actor. Smollett, who first found that fame appears in projects like The whole house and Hang up with Mr. CooperShe attributes her mother to Janet to help her navigate in industry as she grew up.

“If you put your child in an adult environment, there will be challenges,” Smollett said at the premiere Number one on the call sheet in Los Angeles at the beginning of this month. “I have to give recognition to my mother, Janet. If you ever meet her, you will be like,” Oh, I understand it. “She’s such a wild woman and always raised us to believe it’s not really about you.

Smollett is one of six siblings, all of whom worked as actors in Hollywood. Janet taught her children not only to keep them safe, but also to protect their talent, according to Smollett.

“If someone tries to stop you on your way, how dare is? In fact, you don’t even want to protect yourself, you protect the gift,” Smollett shared. “For people like me, sometimes I’m glad, it’s easier for me to protect other people than me. It’s easier to remember,” Oh, I’m used as a ship. It’s not about me. “I protect the gift.”

Smollett continued to share that Janet had raised her and “with this idea that you had to study giants”.

“I was able to do this close and personally,” added the actress and list Denzel Washington, Samuel L. Jacksonand Angela Bassett Among those who helped her find her voice in Hollywood.

“I grew up in the village and I was very lucky to have worked with so many of our biggest actors of all time, ”Smollett said.” Samuel Jackson, I worked when I was 10 years old Eve’s Bayou. Denzel Washington directed me when I was 19 in Great debaters. Alfre Woodard And Angela Bassett was like my aunt in my village. I will not boast of; I really try to get people to understand that I owe everything to them. ”

Smollett, Washington, Bassett, Woodard and other stars are listed in Apple TV+’S Number one on the call sheetTwo -part documentary film that examines the experiences of black actors in Hollywood. Directed Reginald Hudlin and Shola lynchThe film premieres globally on Friday, March 28, on Apple TV+.