Jurnee Smollett on Whether She Wants Her Son to Follow in Her Acting Footsteps: ‘I Get Asked This a Lot’ (Exclusive)

Jurnee Smollett Discusses Her Son’s Potential Career in Exclusive Interview

Jurnee Smollett, the renowned actress, recently sat down for an exclusive interview with PEOPLE to share her thoughts on whether her 8-year-old son, Hunter, might follow in her acting footsteps.

The 38-year-old actress, who has spent her entire life in front of the camera, revealed that she and her five siblings all naturally gravitated towards acting without knowing any other way of life. Now, as a mother to Hunter, she sees him showing an interest in the craft as well.

“He loves it,” Smollett acknowledges. “I was just recording something yesterday, and he was with me. And he was just hanging out, and everyone was so impressed that he was able to be quiet. He said to them, ‘I grew up on sets.’ And it’s true.”

At his age, Hunter is now able to watch the monitor on set, showing a keen interest in the behind-the-scenes aspects of shows and movies. Smollett shared how he asks questions about the plot development and future directions of the characters, sometimes even knowing more than she does about the storylines.

Smollett also mentioned that Hunter made a cameo appearance in the background of a scene in her latest project, the AppleTV+ crime drama “Smoke,” where she plays an arson investigator.

Despite Hunter’s evident curiosity and enthusiasm for the entertainment industry, Smollett emphasised that she doesn’t want to pressure him into following her path. She expressed her desire for him to explore various career options and find his true passion.

“I don’t know that I would let him audition when he was young or do the whole hustle,” Smollett explains. “I think I’d encourage him to study it, take classes and workshops. But my goal is to expose him to as many different fields and see what sticks.”

Reflecting on her own journey as a child actor, Smollett recalled her early start at just 10 months old and her breakthrough role as Denise in “Full House.” It wasn’t until later in life, particularly during the filming of “Eve’s Bayou” alongside Samuel Jackson at the age of 10, that she truly fell in love with the craft of acting.

Smollett shared that while she acknowledges the influence of being surrounded by storytelling from a young age, she also wants her son to have the freedom to explore other interests and not feel pressured to pursue acting.

As “Smoke” continues to stream on Apple TV+, Smollett remains devoted to supporting her son in discovering his true passions and talents, whether they be in the entertainment industry or elsewhere.

The interview with Jurnee Smollett sheds light on the complexities of parenting in the spotlight and the importance of allowing children to explore their own paths. It serves as a reminder that nurturing a child’s individuality and interests is crucial for their personal growth and fulfilment.