Celebrity Extra: Jussie Smollett
By Dana Jackson
Q: What ever happened to Jussie Smollett since he was let out of jail after he was convicted for lying about being a victim of assault? Does he have any career left in Hollywood after this? -- U.L.
A: Actor Jussie Smollett was at the peak of his career as a regular on the hit Fox series "Empire" when he said he was the victim of a hate crime. He eventually admitted that he staged the incident with his "attackers" and was subsequently charged with falsifying police reports. He was sentenced to 150 days in jail but only served six days before being released in 2023. The Illinois Supreme Court also recently ruled that he will not have to return to jail to finish his sentence, which was a possibility at one point.
Jussie Smollett ("The Lost Holliday"). Photo Credit: Depositphotos
As for his career in front of the camera, this appears to be over for now. He did direct, co-write and star in a movie called "The Lost Holliday" this year with Vivica A. Fox ("Curb Your Enthusiasm") and Jabari Redd ("The Chi"). But he has no other projects on the horizon.
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Q: When is "The Traitors" coming back, and who will be competing this time besides Tom Sandoval? -- S.E.
A: Season three of the American version of the whodunit reality show "The Traitors" returns to Peacock on Jan. 9, 2025. Set in an ancient castle in the Scottish Highlands, celebrity contestants compete to be the last one standing for a six-figure cash prize. With ratings of over 2.5 million viewers, they're also competing for more fame than they ever achieved prior to the show.
The upcoming season has already been filmed, and episodes will be released weekly instead of all at once, which increases the suspense for viewers at home. The third season's cast includes Tom Sandoval from "Vanderpump Rules"; Robyn Dixon, Dorinda Medley, Dolores Catania and Chanel Ayan all from "The Real Housewives" of various cities; "Big Brother" stars Danielle Reyes and Britney Haynes; "Survivor" alums Boston Rob Mariano, Carolyn Wiger, Jeremy Collins, and Tony Vlachos; Chrishell Stause ("Selling Sunset"); and British Royal Lord Ivar Mountbatten.
The delightful, quippy host Alan Cumming and his fantastic wardrobe will return. His rescue dog, Lala, who appeared onscreen last season, has been given a promotion to "co-host," and the two will likely be wearing matching outfits once again.
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Q: Is country music singer Alana Springsteen related to Bruce Springsteen at all? I've heard both "yes" and "no." -- A.E.
A: No, the two singers aren't related, but it's a question she is often asked. The 22-year-old singer-songwriter moved to Nashville, Tennessee, at age 14 and released her debut album "Twenty Something" last year. She says she had thought about changing her last name at one point because she didn't want people to think she was taking advantage of the Springsteen name, but she decided to stay true to herself and keep her surname.
As for Bruce, he has three grown children with wife and bandmate Patti Scialfa, but none has followed in their parents' rockstar footsteps.
Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
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