I wasn’t aware of the show till sometime last fall in its fifth season. I never watched. I typically don’t know the names of a big chunk of the recurring actors on shows I watch regularly so there’s a good chance watching wouldn’t have helped.
I had zero clue who he was.
Didn’t know his name but recognized the face.
Before all this occurred I was only vaguely aware of a show with the name “Empire” and had never heard of the guy.
I didn’t know who Terrence Howard was either, before this.
I **did **know Taraji P Henson’s work well enough, though, to figure out that if Smollett considered himself just as bankable as her, he was already suffering symptoms of severe delusion
Yes, I knew who he was. I watch Empire and I’ve been a fan of his sister Jurnee since Eve’s Bayou.
I think the Dope demographic leans more to people who could identify Mantan Moreland.
I voted “Who?”
Never heard of him, never heard of the show, and I have no idea what you guys are talking about with this “fake attack.”
I guess it’s time to go hit Google…
I first heard of him on Saturday, I believe. I think I was vaguely aware there was a TV show called Empire, but what it’s about, I couldn’t tell you. Actually, no, I lied. On Sunday I did find out what it was about (some series about a music/rap studio?) but before then, I would have been vaguely aware of it and not been able to tell you what it’s about.
HIM I recognise! Moe wanted to make him a Stooge after Shemp died. A funny man.
No. And for all I know, Empire is set in Ancient Rome.
Who?
(nah s’okay, I can Google…)
Neither had I.
I saw this name mentioned on Facebook 2 hours ago and thought someone had mistyped Jessie. This thread is the second time I have ever seen this name. I don’t know what Empire is, having never heard of it until I read the comments in this thread.
I’d thought, until a few minutes ago, that he was the younger and less talented brother of Tobias Smollett (1721 - 1771), British author of rather “racy” novels. Jussie spent his long life in total obscurity, his only literary creations being a couple of decidedly weak limericks 
…
I knew Journee Smollett was because of a movie she was in I think it was the spelling bee movie ……
Yes, because I and just about all of my friends were familiar with the Mighty Ducks movies, and I also know his sister from a few things.
I’m surprised I’ve heard of the show. Must have overheard an advertisement somewhere. I couldn’t have told you any actors before the recent mess.
“When this started out, it was a story about people who hated Jussie Smollett because he was black and gay. But now, people hate him because he’s an asshole. In other words, they’re judging him on the content of his character and not the color of his skin. And that, my friends, is progress.”
–Trevor Noah
That’s probably the biggest head-scratcher in the thread; he’s had a quarter century career in film and TV, and was Oscar nominated for “Hustle and Flow.” Plus he’s a fairly distinctive looking guy- kind of a “know him if you see him” sort of look.
Plus, he had a major role in Iron Man, which is probably where most people saw him.