When people hear the name Smollett, they often think of Hollywood. They think of TV shows, movies, and red carpets. But behind all that fame is one strong woman — Janet Smollett.
Janet Smollett is not just the mother of Jussie Smollett. She is an activist, a teacher, a cook, and the heart of a famous family. She raised six creative children while standing up for justice and equality. In this article, we will explore who Janet Smollett really is, where she came from, and how she shaped the lives of her children.
Janet Smollett Quick Bio
| Full Name | Janet Faye Harris Smollett |
| Date of Birth | November 27, 1952 |
| Age | 73 (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Weight | 51 kg (112 lbs) |
| Religion | Christian |
| Marital Status | Widowed |
| Husband | Joel Smollett (died in 2015) |
| Children | 6 – Jojo, Jazz, Jussie, Jurnee, Jake, Jocqui |
| Profession | Activist, teacher, chef |
| Book | The Family Table (2018) |
| Known For | Raising 6 Hollywood stars |
| Net Worth | $250,000 (approx.) |
| Lives In | California, USA |
| Hobby | Cooking, storytelling |
Early Life of Janet Smollett
Janet Smollett was born on November 27, 1952, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She grew up in a city full of music, culture, and strong traditions. These early surroundings played a big role in shaping her values and love for community.
She comes from an African-American background and holds American nationality. Janet has always kept details about her parents and early family life private. Even so, it is clear that her upbringing taught her strength, pride, and resilience from a young age.
How Janet Smollett Became an Activist
From her younger years, Janet Smollett felt deeply connected to the fight for justice. She became involved in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, standing up against racism and inequality at a time when it was not easy or safe to do so.
She worked closely with famous civil rights leaders like Huey Newton, Bobby Seale, Angela Davis, and Julian Bond. Janet was also linked to the Black Panther movement, where she supported strong community action and equal rights. Her passion for activism would later shape how she raised her children.
The Love Story of Janet and Joel Smollett
Janet Smollett met her future husband, Joel Smollett, during her activism work in the Bay Area. They connected through shared values, love for justice, and a desire to make the world fairer. Their bond was built on respect and shared beliefs.
Joel Smollett was of Jewish background, with Russian and Polish roots. Despite coming from different cultures, Janet and Joel created a loving and united home. Their marriage lasted many years until Joel sadly passed away from cancer in 2015. Janet has often spoken about how much she misses him.
Janet Smollett was not a typical mother. She was deeply involved in every part of her children’s lives. Even when the family moved often due to work and life changes, Janet made sure their home always felt warm and safe.
She believed in creativity. Singing, acting, and storytelling were part of everyday life. Janet encouraged her children to express themselves freely, helping them build confidence from a young age. Many of her children later said she was their first and only acting coach.
All About Janet Smollett’s Six Children
Janet and Joel Smollett had six children, and all of their names start with the letter “J.” This was a fun family choice that later became well known.
Their children are Jojo, Jazz, Jussie, Jurnee, Jake, and Jocqui Smollett. Each one followed a creative path, working in acting, producing, cooking, or technology. Janet supported each child equally, making sure none felt left behind.
Janet Smollett and the Show ‘On Our Own’
In the early 1990s, all six Smollett children starred together in a TV show called On Our Own. The show aired from 1994 to 1995 and became the family’s big introduction to Hollywood.
Behind the scenes, Janet Smollett played a key role. She coached her children, guided their performances, and kept them grounded. Even though the show only lasted one season, it opened doors and started careers that would continue for many years.
Janet Smollett’s Influence on Her Children’s Activism
Janet Smollett didn’t just talk about justice — she lived it. And her children watched and learned. From a young age, they joined her in protests, community work, and honest talks about the world.
Her daughter Jurnee once shared that she went to her first protest with Janet when she was just five years old. That moment stayed with her forever. Today, all six Smollett children support causes like Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+ rights, and HIV/AIDS awareness. They speak up for others, just like their mom always taught them.
Janet’s courage and passion didn’t just raise entertainers — she raised changemakers.
Cooking, Creativity, and The Family Table
One of the most beautiful parts of Janet Smollett’s life is how she brought her family together through food. Every time they moved to a new house, she would build a big, wooden kitchen table. It wasn’t just a place to eat. It became the heart of their home.
At that table, the Smollett kids would sing, perform, and share stories. They celebrated holidays, birthdays, and even small wins with home-cooked meals and laughter. Cooking was Janet’s way of showing love and teaching her kids about family, joy, and culture.
In 2018, the Smollett siblings released a cookbook called The Family Table: Recipes and Moments From a Nomadic Life. It shared their favorite meals and special memories — all inspired by Janet’s kitchen magic.
How Janet Supported Jussie Smollett Through Controversy
In 2019, Janet’s son Jussie Smollett became the center of a national scandal. He was accused of faking a hate crime to gain attention and was later charged with disorderly conduct. The news shocked many, and it put the whole family under the spotlight.
But Janet Smollett stood by her son through it all. She walked with him to court. She held his hand. She didn’t turn away when things got tough. Her love as a mother never changed, even when public opinion did.
The rest of the family also spoke up, sharing their support for Jussie. Even in hard times, Janet showed the world what it means to love and protect your children.
Where Is Janet Smollett Today?
As of 2026, Janet Smollett is living a quiet and peaceful life in California. She still stays close to her children and grandchildren. Although she’s not in the spotlight, she continues to be the center of her family.
She may not appear in the media much, but her impact is strong. Whether it’s a birthday dinner, a phone call about a movie role, or just sharing advice, Janet is always there for her family.
Her days are filled with love, memories, and the joy of seeing her children carry on her values.
Janet Smollett’s Legacy and Life Lessons
Janet Smollett’s story is about more than fame. It’s about heart, strength, and hope. She raised six talented kids who love each other and fight for what’s right. She built a family full of joy, creativity, and kindness.
She showed that even without fame, one person can change many lives. Her lessons of courage, love, and unity are what truly define her legacy.
If there’s one thing we can all learn from Janet, it’s this — lead with love, stand up for what’s right, and never stop believing in your family.
Final Thoughts
So, who is Janet Smollett? She’s a mother, a leader, a fighter, and a teacher. She’s the woman behind the Smollett name — not just watching from the side, but building the foundation her children stand on today.
Her life reminds us that success isn’t always about fame or money. Sometimes, the most powerful stories come from mothers who loved deeply, fought bravely, and never gave up on their families.
(FAQs)
How much money does Janet Smollett have?
Even though all her kids are stars, Janet Smollett’s net worth is only about $250,000. That’s pretty surprising for someone who raised a Hollywood family!
Who was Janet Smollett married to?
She was married to Joel Smollett, a kind and strong man who also believed in justice. He passed away from cancer in 2015, and Janet has missed him deeply ever since.
What is Janet Smollett’s background?
Janet is African-American, and proud of it. She taught her kids to love their roots, their history, and to always speak up for what’s right.
Has Janet Smollett been in any movies or shows?
No, Janet has never acted. But here’s the surprise — all six of her kids were in a TV show together! And Janet helped coach them from behind the scenes like a real pro.
How old is Janet Smollett now?
Janet was born on November 27, 1952, which makes her 73 years old. But honestly, she still looks amazing and full of energy.
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