Janet Smollett is not a movie star, but her story is just as powerful. She is best known as the mother of six talented children, including actor Jussie Smollett and actress Jurnee Smollett. But there is so much more to know about her.
She is also a strong woman who spent her life teaching, cooking, and fighting for justice. She worked hard behind the scenes to raise a kind, creative, and close family. Everything she did was full of care, purpose, and love.
In this article, we’ll explore who Janet Smollett is, where she came from, what she believes in, and how she raised such a strong and successful family. Her life story is full of inspiration, strength, and deep family values.
Janet Faye Harris Smollett Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Janet Faye Harris Smollett |
| Known As | Janet Smollett |
| Date of Birth | November 27, 1952 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 73 years old |
| Place of Birth | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American, Native American, Creole |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Marital Status | Widowed (Husband Joel Smollett died in 2015) |
| Children | 6 (Jojo, Jazz, Jurnee, Jake, Jocqui, Jussie) |
| Main Roles | Mother, Activist, Educator, Chef |
| Famous For | Raising the Smollett siblings, activism |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $250,000 |
Who Is Janet Smollett?
Janet Smollett is a mother, teacher, and civil rights activist from New Orleans, Louisiana. She became known to many people because of her children, especially actor Jussie Smollett and actress Jurnee Smollett. But Janet has always lived a meaningful life of her own.
She spent her younger years working in movements that supported justice and fairness. At the same time, she focused on raising a family that believed in love, truth, and kindness. That is what made her different — she balanced both family and activism with care.
Even though she stays away from the spotlight, Janet’s story has touched many hearts. People respect her not only as the Smollett family matriarch, but as a woman of quiet strength and powerful values.
Janet’s Early Life and Childhood
Janet Smollett was born on November 27, 1952, in New Orleans, a city known for music, food, and culture. She grew up in a community filled with traditions and family pride. These early roots shaped the kind of mother and teacher she became.
Her background includes African-American, Native American, and Creole heritage. This mix of cultures gave her a deep respect for history and identity. As a child, she also faced racism and saw how unfair the world could be.
But even with those hard times, Janet learned to stay strong. She grew up believing that people should be treated fairly and with respect. That belief became the foundation of how she raised her children later in life.
Janet Smollett’s Life as a Young Activist
As a young woman, Janet Smollett didn’t stay quiet when she saw unfair things happening. She joined the civil rights movement and worked with important leaders like Bobby Seale and Huey Newton from the Black Panther Party.
She didn’t just talk about change — she worked for it. Janet helped support causes like equal education, racial justice, and HIV/AIDS awareness. She believed that real change starts with real action.
Janet carried this same spirit into her family life. She taught her kids to speak up for others, stay proud of their culture, and never be afraid to stand for what’s right. Her activism was not just in the streets — it was also in her home.
Janet Smollett’s Meeting and Marrying Joel Smollett
Janet met Joel Smollett in the Bay Area while both were active in social justice work. Joel came from a Jewish family with roots in Russia and Poland. They shared the same passion for activism and built a life together based on those values.
They had a strong and loving bond. While Joel worked as a cable splicer to support the family, Janet stayed home to raise their children with care and intention. Their teamwork made the family strong from the inside out.
Janet and Joel decided to name all their kids with names that begin with “J” — Jojo, Jazz, Jurnee, Jake, Jocqui, and Jussie. Their marriage blended two rich cultures and was full of love, learning, and unity.
Janet Smollett Raising a Family of Six
Raising six children is not easy, but Janet Smollett did it with heart and strength. She chose to homeschool them so they could learn in a safe, loving, and thoughtful space. Education in her home was about more than school subjects.
She taught her kids about Black history, kindness, family values, and courage. She helped them grow into confident, curious, and creative people. Every day was a mix of learning, cooking, talking, and performing together as a family.
Even though they were a big family, Janet gave each child the love and support they needed. Today, her children say she was their first teacher, first coach, and first cheerleader — the one who helped them believe in themselves from the very start.
Janet Smollett’s Children’s Careers and Success
As the children grew older, their talents started to shine. Janet Smollett always noticed what each child loved doing. She never forced them into one path. Instead, she supported their natural skills and helped them feel confident.
Jojo became an actor and producer. Jazz worked as an actress, producer, and chef. Jurnee became a well-known actress in movies and TV shows. Jake mixed acting with cooking, while Jocqui chose a path in technology and business.
Jussie became famous as an actor and singer. Even when his life faced public problems, Janet Smollett stayed calm and supportive. She believed that family support matters most during hard times. Her steady love helped keep the family together.
Cooking, Family Time, and Her Book
Cooking was always very special in Janet Smollett’s home. Food was not just about eating. It was about sharing stories, laughing together, and feeling safe. The kitchen became the heart of the family.
Wherever the family moved, Janet would set up a long wooden table. Around this table, the kids sang songs, acted out small plays, and talked about their day. These moments helped build strong family bonds.
Later, Janet and her children shared these memories in a book called The Family Table. The book includes recipes and family stories from their life across many states. It shows how love, food, and family moments shaped their journey.
Janet Smollett Saying Goodbye to Joel
In 2015, Janet Smollett faced one of the hardest moments of her life. Her husband Joel passed away after a long fight with cancer. His death was very painful for the whole family.
During this sad time, Janet stayed strong for her children. She helped them cope with loss while keeping the family close. Even though her heart was heavy, she continued to guide them with patience and care.
After Joel’s passing, Janet became the emotional center of the family. Her calm nature and loving words helped everyone move forward together. She showed that strength can be quiet and gentle.
What Makes Janet’s Parenting Special
Janet Smollett believed that parenting was more than rules and schoolwork. She felt children should learn kindness, respect, and self-worth. That belief guided everything she did as a mother.
She mixed lessons about history, culture, and fairness into daily life. Her children learned to speak up, listen to others, and stand for what is right. These lessons stayed with them as adults.
Even today, people admire how grounded her children are. Their confidence, creativity, and care for others reflect Janet’s parenting style. She didn’t raise stars first. She raised good humans first.
Janet’s Life Today
Today, Janet Smollett lives a quiet and peaceful life. She stays away from attention and enjoys private time with her family. Fame has never been her goal.
She remains close to her children and grandchildren. Janet still supports causes she believes in, but in a calm and private way. Her focus is on peace, love, and family unity.
Even without being in the spotlight, her influence is strong. The values she taught continue to shape her family’s lives. Her presence is felt through the way her children live and think.
Final Thoughts
Janet Smollett’s life is a powerful example of quiet strength. She showed that love, patience, and values can shape the future. Her role as a mother mattered just as much as any public title.
She raised six children with care, culture, and courage. Through activism, teaching, and family moments, she built a strong foundation that still stands today.
Janet Smollett may live privately, but her impact is lasting. Her story reminds us that behind every strong family is someone who chose love, guidance, and purpose every single day.
(FAQs)
When and where was Janet Smollett born?
She was born on November 27, 1952, in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the United States.
What is Janet Smollett known for?
She is known for raising a creative and close family, being active in civil rights movements, homeschooling her children, and co-writing a cookbook with them.
Who was Janet Smollett’s husband?
Her husband was Joel Smollett, who passed away in 2015 after a battle with cancer. He was from a Jewish family with roots in Russia and Poland.
How many children does Janet Smollett have?
Janet has six children: Jojo, Jazz, Jurnee, Jake, Jocqui, and Jussie. All of them are involved in entertainment, business, or cooking.
Did Janet Smollett homeschool her kids?
Yes, she homeschooled all six of her children. She focused on regular studies as well as kindness, culture, and confidence.
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