Joel Smollett: The Father of the Famous Smollett Siblings

Posted on 30 January, 2024 by Aronfinch

Joel Smollett was a Jewish-American cable splicer and civil rights champion, best known as the father of the Smollett siblings, a family of actors, musicians, and directors. He was born in Russia and immigrated to the US with his family, where he met and married Janet Smollett, a woman of African-American descent. He raised six children, who all pursued careers in the entertainment industry. He died in 2015 after a long battle with cancer. This article will teach you more about Joel Smollett’s early life, marriage, children, and legacy.

Joel Smollett: Early life

Joel Smollett was born in Russia on October 8, 1956, to Peter Smollett and Molly Hirschenson, Polish Jews. He had one sibling whose name and details are unknown. He grew up in Poland, where he faced discrimination and persecution because of his Jewish heritage. As a teenager, he and his family immigrated to the US for a better life and opportunities. He settled in California, where he attended high school and college. He became interested in civil rights and social justice and joined several movements and organizations that fought for equality and freedom.

Marriage

Joel Smollett met Janet Smollett, a woman of African-American ancestry, in the late 1970s. Despite the racial and cultural differences, they fell in love and married. They moved to Oakland, California, where they started a family. They had six children, four boys and two girls, born between 1980 and 1989. They named their children Jussie, Jojo, Jake, Jocqui, Jurnee, and Jazz.

Children

Joel Smollett’s children are all successful and famous in their own right as actors, musicians, and directors. They are:

Jussie Smollett, born on June 21, 1982, is an actor and singer famous for his role as Jamal Lyon in the TV series Empire. He has also appeared in movies such as The Mighty Ducks, Alien: Covenant, and Marshall.

Jojo Smollett, born on August 28, 1983, is an actor and producer famous for his role as Michael in the TV series On Our Own, featuring his entire family.

Jake Smollett, born on July 29, 1985, is an actor and chef best known for his role as Joc Joc in the TV series On Our Own. He has also appeared in movies such as Eve’s Bayou, The Middleman, and Pitch This.

Jocqui Smollett, born on August 2, 1987, is an actor and director famous for his role as Jarreau Jerrico in the TV series On Our Own. He has also appeared in movies such as Moesha, Promised Land, and The Reel Kids.

Jurnee Smollett, born on October 1, 1986, is an actress and activist who is best known for her roles as Denise in the TV series Full House, Jess Merriweather in the TV series Friday Night Lights, and Letitia Lewis in the TV series Lovecraft Country.

Jazz Smollett, born on April 1, 1980, is an actress and producer best known for her role as Jordee Jerrico in the TV series On Our Own. She has also appeared in movies such as Always with You, I Want You, and Selma.

Conclusion

Joel Smollett died on January 7, 2015, at the age of 58, after a long battle with cancer. His death was mourned by his family, friends, and fans, who paid tribute to him on social media and in public events. His children expressed their love and gratitude for him and said he was their inspiration and hero.