Everyone has a past, but I try not to let that affect the way I see them; I want to get to know who they are today. – Jurnee Smollett
You go through those awkward, dorky, geeky stages, and growing up in the industry amplifies all that. Fortunately, I have a mother who encouraged me to build my confidence from within and embrace my imperfections. – Jurnee Smollett
I love music, and I love drumlines. I like school bands a lot. There’s nothing wrong with cheerleading, but I’d rather be a band geek. It’s a little more interesting. – Jurnee Smollett
Vanessa Williams in person is like… the camera cannot capture how gorgeous this woman is! She is just so breathtaking. – Jurnee Smollett
My little brothers loved baseball. I’m not as big on that as basketball or football, but I understand the game. – Jurnee Smollett
There are so many people who will try and make you feel like your opinion doesn’t matter, and I’ve learned how important it is to use your voice. – Jurnee Smollett
I am oftentimes the ear for some people that I know and love. Which I like being. I don’t know if I’d like being a marriage counselor, though, because that’s too deep for me. – Jurnee Smollett
My best advice would be that you have to be vulnerable with each other. Like, everyone says you have to be honest, you have to communicate; like, yes, of course, but you gotta be willing to be vulnerable. – Jurnee Smollett
As an artist, you want to stretch. That’s the only way you’re going to grow. If I stay inside my comfort zone, do roles that I’ve done before, then I’m never going to get better as an actress. – Jurnee Smollett
I try to give each performance my own soul, to bring a truth to my character. Hopefully, when I bring that much truth to a character, it resonates with somebody, and it sparks some kind of emotion in them. – Jurnee Smollett
