Jurnee Smollett shares how her 8-year-old son Hunter has formed a special bond with Smoke co-star Taron Egerton during filming in Canada, highlighting a warm on-set dynamic that included a thoughtful wrap gift from Egerton. While the Apple TV+ series was shot in Vancouver, Egerton gifted Hunter a hockey jersey after the youngster fell in love with hockey and the Vancouver Canucks, a gesture Smollett recalls as sweet and generous.
Smollett describes Egerton as the opposite of his on-screen persona in the best possible way—a kind, collaborative, and genuinely caring teammate who built a connection with her son. She also notes that the camaraderie extended to other familiar faces on the show, including Greg Kinnear, John Leguizamo, and the show’s creator, Dennis Lehane, calling the on-set environment beautiful and supportive.
Hunter has long been comfortable on set, a trait Smollett attributes to years of accompanying his mother to work. She says Hunter loves watching the process from the monitor, asking occasional questions about future episodes, and even predicting plot points. The young boy has lately shown an interest in being seen on camera himself, drawn to the magic of cinema and occasionally stepping into the background when directors invite him to participate.
While Smollett acknowledges the tempting idea of letting Hunter pursue acting, she also stresses a balanced approach. A former child actor herself, she emphasizes exposure to a broad range of experiences—she wants Hunter to explore different fields, study, and take classes rather than rushing into auditions at a young age. She highlights his strengths in sports, math, and science, noting that he often conducts science experiments at home and excels academically.
Smollett’s outlook reflects a broader philosophy: nurture curiosity, encourage exploration, and allow children to discover what sticks. If acting ever becomes a path for Hunter, she envisions a gradual, well-rounded approach rather than pushing him into the hustle.
Smoke is available on Apple TV+ with new episodes released weekly on Fridays, continuing to showcase Smollett’s on-screen talent alongside a growing cast.
What this demonstrates: positive, family-centered on-set dynamics can support a child’s natural curiosity and interest in storytelling, while a diverse parental approach helps young talents explore multiple avenues for their future. Hunters’ experience on this production paints an encouraging picture of balancing professional exposure with educational and personal development.
Summary: Jurnee Smollett reveals a meaningful bond between her son Hunter and Taron Egerton during filming, underscoring a supportive, family-friendly set environment and a thoughtful approach to Hunter’s potential future in the industry. The experience also highlights the importance of exposing children to a range of pursuits beyond acting, fostering curiosity and growth.