Eminem starred as Jimmy Smith Jr. in the 2002 film 8 Mile.
The character, nicknamed B-Rabbit, is an aspiring Detroit rapper trying to establish himself through local freestyle battles. The role was Eminem’s feature-film debut, and the story includes autobiographical elements inspired by his background and early career.
The film was directed by Curtis Hanson and written by Scott Silver. Its title refers to 8 Mile Road, which historically separates Detroit from suburban communities to the north. Kim Basinger, Brittany Murphy, Mekhi Phifer, and Anthony Mackie also appear in the cast.
A common mix-up is confusing the fictional rapper Jimmy Smith Jr. with Eminem’s real name, Marshall Mathers. Eminem plays Jimmy, but the character is not simply a literal biography. The film’s soundtrack also produced “Lose Yourself,” which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 75th Academy Awards.