Dec 16,2010
New York Posts’ Popwrap Talks to Jurnee Smollett
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I think every single “Friday Night Lights” fan was more than a little hesitant when the original kids departed, making room for a new crop of Dylan-ites. But the introduction of Jess, Vince, Luke and Becky has taught me a very important lesson: never doubt “FNL!”
While much of Jess’ first season (the show’s fourth) focused on her love triangle with Landry and Vince, the currently airing fifth has turned her into a much more complex — and comedic — character. Just rewatch her locker room slam session if you doubt me.
Although the gusto that has made Jess such a compelling character is simply a by-product of casting the equally spirited Jurnee Smollett, as I learned when we chatted about Jess’ journey in “FNL’s” final season, what tips she’s picking up on her other primetime gig and why she might be ringing up Denzel Washington sooner rather than later.
PopWrap: I have been loving everything “Friday Night Lights” has given Jess to do this season — have you enjoyed her arc?
Jurnee Smollett: Her arc this season has just been a blast! I love that she’s becoming more incorporated with the football team and also having this internal battle where she doesn’t feel like she fits in her skin. It’s a real struggle when you have a passion for something and people tell you, “it’s not going to happen.” It’s like you’re going against your DNA.
To read the rest of this interview go to: NYPost.com
Dec 11,2010
Photos of Jurnee Smollett at InStyle’s Miss Golden Globes Event
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Dec 08,2010
TV Guide Talks to Jurnee Smollett About Pulling Double TV Duty
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Whether she’s suited up as stripper-turned-lawyer Lisa Tyler on The Defenders (Wednesday, 10/9c, CBS) or submerged in teen angst as the East Dillon Lions’ equipment manager Jess Merriweather on Friday Night Lights (Wednesday, 9/8c, DirecTV), Jurnee Smollett makes multitasking look good.
TV Guide Magazine: What’s it like having two shows on at the same time?
Smollett: It’s pretty cool. Especially because the characters couldn’t be more different in age, style, demeanor. It’s an opportunity to stretch. I feel so honored to have been able to jump from one to the other. I started The Defenders two days after I finished Friday Night Lights.TV Guide Magazine: Who are you more like, Lisa or Jess?
Smollett: I’m not either one of those girls, but I think there’s a common inner strength and determination that I have.TV Guide Magazine: How is working with Jim Belushi andJerry O’Connell on The Defenders?
Smollett: It is criminal how much fun we have. Sometimes it’s just us laughing, and then we start improvising.
To read the rest of this interview go to: TVGuide.com
Nov 20,2010
GQ Chats with Friday Night Lights’ Jurnee Smollett
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Jurnee Smollett grew up in a big family full of actors, so her childhood was spent on sets with siblings Jake, Jojo, Jussie, Jocqui, and Jazz. (That is, when she wasn’t performing herself alongside the Olsen twins on Full House and starring in the admired indie film Eve’s Bayou). Now 24, Smollett has a plum role as a central character on the breathlessly beloved TV series Friday Night Lights, now in its final season on DIRECTV. And she also has a regular gig on a new CBS drama called The Defenders. She spoke with GQ about her busy schedule, her farewell to FNL, and her famous childhood cheerleader, Samuel L. Jackson.
Describe what it was like being there for the end of Friday Night Lights.
It was an honor to be a part of a show that I think is going to go down as one of the greatest of all time. The last days, everyone was emotional but also trying to give it their best. The cast and crew were really a family; most of the crew had been with the show for every single season. [Last season] was just touching on the surface of who my character was. We had a certain amount of patience to build her, then season five you get to see her be a part of the football team. It’s nice: the show has never touched upon that storyline of a girl who is so passionate about football—who knows more about the game than a lot of guys—but is stuck in her body as a girl. It’s a hard truth she has to face. That’s the kind of stuff I love, the characters who don’t fit in their skin.
To read the rest of this interview go to: GQ.com
Oct 17,2010
Jurnee Smollett Poses As An Icon for Ebony Magazine
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I think Jurnee makes an excellent Lena Horne! I smell a biopic coming on!
Oct 02,2010
Happy Birthday to Jurnee Smollett!
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Happy 24th birthday to Ms. Jurnee Smollett!
Sep 15,2010
The Cast of FNL on Cover of Texas Monthly Magazine
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This is the October 2010 issue of Texas Monthly…glad FNL gets to grace the cover as the fifth and final season will air on October 27th 2010 on DirecTV.
Aug 20,2010
