While at the 2011 Emmy Awards, a CurlyNikki correspondent caught up with the gorgeous and talented Jurnee Smollett! Best known for her roles in Eve’s Bayou and The Great Debaters, the naturally curly actress currently plays Jess Merriweather on the critically acclaimed television series Friday Night Lights. I, however, being the ’90s kid I am, remember ogling Jurnee’s curls as early as her Full House days. So here you have it, 4 minutes and 5 questions with Jurnee! And… GO!
What does it feel like to be here on TV’s biggest night?
Jurnee: It’s really exciting, a little overwhelming. To be a part of a show like Friday Night Lights, that’s nominated for best drama… it kind of doesn’t get better than this. I’m excited.
What are you going to do when your nomination comes? We know it’s coming!
Jurnee: You know what, for me, I don’t think a lot about nominations for myself. Because honestly I just want to do great work. I want to work with people that challenge me, like great film makers. I don’t really know what I’ll do, if it ever happens. That’s not really my focus honestly.
How does it feel to be a part of the cast of a show like Friday Night Lights?
Jurnee: It feels really amazing, because it’s such an incredible show. I mean, to be a part of a show, that I think is going to go down in history as one of the great Television shows… it’s like an honor for me. I grew a lot as an actress, I learned a lot about making television that is truthful. So for me it was such a great experience and something that I’ll forever be proud of.
How’s married life?
Jurnee: It’s the greatest thing God could’ve ever invented. I’m so happy. Josiah and I were married on October 24th, so we’re coming up on a year.
Do you have natural hair? What do you use?
Jurnee: I’m natural. I’ve never done a perm. I’ve always heard that they’re damaging, but I don’t know, I’ve never tried it. Maybe it’s for me in the future? I don’t know.
As far as products, I adore Carols Daughter… I use a lot of different things. I like to keep my hair moisturized, so I try lots of different conditioners. My hair can get dry especially in the LA weather.
Maintenance is easy. I do my hair myself. For work and events, I just blow it out, curl it and go. I’m not the girl that likes a lot of maintenance. On my off days I wear it natural, big and wild.
Anonymous September 22, 2011 7:55 PM – Well, she never needed a perm. Her curls are like 3b or some ish like that??
Wow, she has grown up 🙂
I've always enjoyed watching Jurnee on the small and big screen, but LOL at her acting clueless about what a perm does.
I love Jurnee! I don't know her at all but she always seems like such a nice, smart person. Is that her natural hair color? I remember it being more red in Eve's Bayou and Selma Lord Selma.
Toying the thought of a Relaxer for what?! Guaranteed hair fall out with her hair type, all she will need is a blow-dryer & flat iron for silky straight looks!
yeah sad that this season was the last, but unlike many other shows (well shows that I've watched lol) they were able to have a series finale! 🙂
I love this young lady! She's been doing great work since she was a kid and she seems so well rounded and level headed!!!
LOVE Journee! Thanks for featuring her and keep the interviews coming.
I too remember her from On Our Own. It was her and five (six?) Smollett siblings, plus some random guy…and she stood out even then. Great interview!
(I do have one complaint: One "apart" is bad enough, but three are too much.)
To bad the show is being cancelled…
Love her!
I absolutely am in love with Friday Night Lights! It really is one of the most underrated shows of our time.
I've always admired Jurnee's hair. Shes only a year older than me so I really feel like I grew up with her.
I remember her from the show On Our Own. Their whole family has gorgerous curls. I was so envious of the big sister's hair. Even the baby had a mane of curls. I hope she NEVER relaxes her awesome mane.
She's very pretty and love that purple dress on her as well. Her hubby reminds me of one of the Wayans brothers cute couple.
Stunning gown. I've always admired her hair. Can I be a correspondent?! j/k
I loved her in the great debaters. She's grown into a beautiful woman! Congrats on the win!
That's it?