Out actor Jussie Smollett is headed to
public television.
The 32-year-old Smollett, who is best
know for his portrayal of gay musician Jamal Lyon on the Fox drama
Empire, will host the eighth season of AfroPop: The
Ultimate Cultural Exchange, which premieres on Monday, January 18
on WORLD Channel.
“AfroPop's engaging, real-life
tales add to the collection of rich Black stories that audiences are
clamoring for and I wanted to be a part of bringing them to national
attention,” Smollett said.
“Jussie is an immense talent with a
huge heart and a global perspective on issues, making him the perfect
choice as host of the series,” said AfroPop Executive
Producer Kay Shaw. “The range and diversity of the content
presented appeared to have really resonated with him and he was an
informed host, contributing his knowledge of the issues addressed in
the documentaries.”
Among the films included this
season on AfroPop is one about a transgender woman in Cape
Verde and her impact on the community.
(Related: Empire's
Jussie Smollett tells Ellen DeGeneres he's gay.)