Larry King Now Season 6 Episode 129 Jussie Smollett on Fame, 'Empire,' & Sexuality

Jussie Smollett, best known for his role as Jamal Lyon on the hit TV show "Empire," sits down with Larry King on season 6, episode 129 of "Larry King Now" to discuss his rise to fame and the challenges he's faced both on and off the screen. In this candid interview, Smollett opens up about his sexuality, the impact of "Empire" on his career, and the infamous hate crime that made headlines in early 2019.

King kicks off the interview by asking Smollett about his decision to come out as gay, which he did publicly in 2015. The actor explains that he never really saw it as a choice, but rather something he always knew about himself. He describes the experience of coming out as liberating and empowering, but admits that it was also scary, as he wasn't sure how people would react. Smollett goes on to discuss his role on "Empire" as a groundbreaking moment for black, gay representation in media, and how he's been able to use his platform to raise awareness for important social issues.

The conversation then shifts to the hit show "Empire," which Smollett describes as "a fairy tale for black America." He talks about the impact it had on his career and the challenges he faced playing a gay character in a black family drama. Smollett also addresses the controversy surrounding the show's sixth and final season, which was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the scandal surrounding his own legal troubles.

Finally, King brings up the topic of Smollett's involvement in a reported hate crime in January 2019, which saw him allegedly attacked by two men in what was initially described as a homophobic and racist hate crime. Smollett faced immense backlash and criticism after the Chicago Police Department accused him of staging the attack, resulting in his arrest and charges of filing a false police report. While the charges were eventually dropped, Smollett adamantly denies any wrongdoing and describes the experience as traumatic and life-changing.

Throughout the interview, Smollett remains candid and reflective, opening up about his personal and professional struggles with a level of vulnerability and honesty that is rare in celebrity interviews. For fans of "Empire" and those curious about the actor behind the character of Jamal Lyon, this episode is not to be missed.