Joel Smollett was not a movie star, but he played one of the most important roles in the Smollett family. He was the father of six children who all grew up to work in TV, movies, food shows, and other creative fields. Even though he stayed away from the spotlight, his love and guidance shaped a whole family that later became known across the world.
Many people today want to know more about Joel Smollett because his children talk about him with so much respect and warmth. They often share how he stood by them, helped them, and taught them to stay close as a family. In this article, we will look at his early life, his family roots, his marriage, and the beginning of the Smollett family. We will also learn what made him such a strong and caring father.
Who Was Joel Smollett?
Joel Smollett was the father of six well-known children, including actor Jussie Smollett and actress Jurnee Smollett. Many people call him the “Patriarch of the Smollett Family” because he built a home filled with love, culture, and strong values. Even though he never looked for fame, he became known through the success of his children.
He was born on October 8, 1956, and passed away on January 7, 2015, at the age of 58. Joel Smollett had a mixed background of Russian and Polish Jewish roots, and he followed the Jewish faith. He had black hair, brown eyes, and a height of around 5 feet 7 inches. People who knew him said he was calm, kind, and very protective of his family.
Joel Smollett did not like being judged by race or skin color. He believed that every person should be treated with fairness and respect. These beliefs made him very active in civil rights work, and this same passion later helped him build a strong and loving family. His children often say they learned strength, unity, and courage from him.
Joel’s Early Life & Family
Joel Smollett was born in Russia and spent part of his childhood in Poland. His early years were simple, and his family followed their Jewish traditions closely. His parents were Peter Smollett, who was a Polish Jew, and Molly Hirschenson, who came from Russia. Joel also had one sibling, but not much is known about them.
When Joel was in his late teens, his family moved to the United States to start a new life. Moving from one country to another was not easy, but this journey helped shape him into a strong and hardworking person. He learned how to face challenges, adjust to a new place, and support the people around him. These early lessons later helped him raise a large family with care and patience.
Joel Smollett’s grandparents were David Smollett and Dawley Levy. His mixed cultural background gave him a deep understanding of identity, faith, and history. Growing up between different countries and cultures also taught him the value of family and community. These experiences became the foundation of the close family he later built with his wife, Janet.
Who Was Joel Smollett’s Wife?
Joel Smollett’s wife was Janet (also known as Janette) Smollett. She was an African-American woman from New Orleans with a strong heart and a brave spirit. Janet cared deeply about human rights and equality, and this passion led her to join civil rights work in the Bay Area. This is where she met Joel. They connected because they both wanted to stand up for fairness and justice.
The two fell in love and got married in their twenties. Their marriage was special because it brought together two different cultures — a Jewish-Russian-Polish man and an African-American woman. Even with their different backgrounds, they shared the same values and dreams for their future family.
Some sources say Joel and Janet stayed together until his death, while others say they separated in the late 1990s. Because different sources say different things, the best way is to mention both gently. What we do know for sure is that they raised six children together and built a busy, creative, and loving home. Janet also played a big role in guiding the children’s early acting careers while Joel worked to support the household.
Joel Smollett Had Six Children
Joel and Janet Smollett had six children, and all their names begin with the letter “J.” Each child grew up to work in acting, hosting, cooking, or media. They are one of the most well-known families in Hollywood today, and much of that success came from the strong family base Joel helped build.
Jojo Smollett
Jojo Smollett, the oldest child, was born on August 28, 1977, in New York. He started acting at a young age and appeared in shows like City of Hope and On Our Own. He later worked as a producer and also supported nonprofit work. Jojo is known as the calm and steady older brother who helped his younger siblings.
Even though he stepped back from acting later in life, Jojo Smollett still remains a respected figure in the family. His early career helped open doors for the rest of the Smollett children. His parents often said Jojo had a gentle personality and cared deeply for his brothers and sisters.
Jazz Smollett
Jazz Smollett, born on April 1, 1980, is the first daughter in the family. She is an actress, producer, and co-host known for her warm personality and creative work. She starred in On Our Own and later worked on “Living by Design with Jake and Jazz.” She also helped produce major events like the Trumpet Awards.
Jazz is also a cookbook co-author and a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. She brings a soft, nurturing energy to the family and is also a mother to her daughter, Nylah. She often says that her parents, especially Joel Smollett, taught her the importance of family and teamwork.
Jussie Smollett
Jussie Smollett, born on June 21, 1982, is the most famous child of the family. He became widely known for his role as Jamal Lyon in the hit show Empire. He has worked as an actor, singer, director, and producer in many movies and TV shows. His talent and voice made him one of the standout stars of his time.
Jussie once shared that he came out as gay to his parents at the age of 19, and Joel Smollett accepted him with full love. This support meant everything to him. When Joel passed away, Jussie wrote a touching tribute, calling him their “king” and “champ,” showing how deep their bond was.
Jurnee Smollett
Jurnee Smollett, born on October 1, 1986, is one of the most successful actresses in the family. She has acted in many movies and TV shows, including Full House, True Blood, Lovecraft Country, and Spiderhead. She is also known for her activism and strong voice on important issues.
Jurnee often talks about how her father, Joel Smollett, taught her to speak up, stay strong, and stay true to herself. She has more than 40 acting credits and started her career as a child. Today, she continues to shine in Hollywood, and she always mentions how her family shaped her journey.
Jake Smollett
Jake Smollett, born on July 29, 1989, is an actor, chef, TV host, and cookbook author. He starred in On Our Own and Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper when he was young. As he grew older, he became known for his cooking shows and food content, often teaming up with Jazz.
Jake loves bringing people together through food, and he often says family meals were a big part of their childhood. He talks warmly about Joel Smollett and how their father worked hard to give them a good life, even when times were tough.
Jocqui Smollett
Jocqui Smollett, born on August 1, 1993, is the youngest child. He acted in shows like On Our Own and Pitch This, but later moved into tech, real estate, and public speaking. Jocqui likes to stay private and focuses more on business and community work.
Even though he is the youngest, Jocqui often speaks proudly about the values his father taught him. He says that Joel Smollett showed him how to work hard and stay true to yourself, no matter what path you choose in life.
Joel Smollett’s Career
Joel Smollett worked as a cable splicer in the United States. This job required effort and long hours, but he did it proudly because it helped him support his large family. Even though the job was not glamorous, it showed how dedicated and responsible he was. His children often say their father worked quietly but always with purpose.
Along with his regular job, Joel Smollett was also a strong civil rights supporter. He believed deeply in fairness, equality, and human rights. His activism was not just a hobby — it shaped his daily life and even led him to meet his wife, Janet. This passion for justice became a major part of the Smollett family’s identity and helped build the strong values they hold today.
Joel Smollett’s Cause of Death
Joel Smollett battled cancer for a long time, and he passed away on January 7, 2015, at the age of 58. His family did not share the type of cancer he had, and they chose to keep those details private. What they did share was how brave he was and how hard he fought until the very end. His children stayed close to him during this time, and they made sure he got the best care and support.
Jussie Smollett wrote a heartfelt message one day after Joel passed away, calling him their “king” and their “champ.” The message showed how much Joel meant to his children and how deeply they loved him. It was also a very emotional time for the family because Joel Smollett died just one day before Jussie’s show, Empire, premiered. Even though Jussie was reaching a new level of fame, he had to deal with the pain of losing his father at the same time. His tribute showed how much Joel shaped their lives and how proud they were to be his children.
Was Joel Smollett Rich?
Many people wonder about Joel Smollett’s net worth, but the truth is that his earnings were never made public. He lived a simple and hardworking life. He did not chase money or fame, and he did not work in glamorous jobs. He worked as a cable splicer and supported his large family through steady and honest work. His focus was always on providing, guiding, and protecting his children.
Even though Joel Smollett was not wealthy in the financial sense, he built something far more valuable — a strong, united, and successful family. His children later earned their own wealth through acting, cooking, hosting, producing, and other creative fields. They built their careers with the foundation Joel gave them. So while Joel Smollett may not have left behind a big bank account, he left behind a legacy of love, values, and success that is worth much more.
Final Thoughts
Joel Smollett’s story is simple, warm, and powerful. He was a man who traveled across countries, built a new life in America, and raised six talented children who became stars in their own ways. He may not have been famous himself, but he shaped a family that many people around the world recognize today. His strength, kindness, and values are still seen in the work and lives of his children.
When people talk about Joel Smollett, they remember a caring father, a brave man, and a quiet leader of his home. He taught his children to stay close, support each other, and stay true to themselves. His journey from Russia and Poland to the United States created the base for the Smollett family we know today. Even though he is no longer here, his impact continues through every success, every project, and every memory his children share. Joel Smollett’s legacy lives on with love, honor, and deep respect.
(FAQs)
What was the age of Joel Smollett?
Joel Smollett was 58 years old when he passed away. He was born on October 8, 1956, and died on January 7, 2015.
What happened to Joel Smollett?
Joel Smollett passed away after battling cancer. His family did not share what type of cancer it was, but they said he fought bravely until the end.
Why is Joel Smollett famous?
Joel Smollett is known as the father of the Smollett family, a group of six talented children who all worked in movies, TV, and creative fields. His children often say he was the strong support behind their success.
Where is Joel Smollett today?
Joel Smollett is no longer alive. He passed away on January 7, 2015, after battling cancer. He is remembered through his children, who still speak about him with love and respect. His legacy continues through the success of the Smollett family.
How many children did Joel Smollett have?
Joel Smollett had six children, and all their names start with the letter “J” — Jojo, Jazz, Jussie, Jurnee, Jake, and Jocqui.
