Who Is Janet Smollett? Inside the Life of Jussie Smollett’s Inspiring Mom

Have you ever wondered who raised six talented kids who all made it into Hollywood? That person is Janet Smollett, the strong and loving mother of actor Jussie Smollett and his five amazing siblings. She may not be a TV star herself, but she is the heart behind the Smollett family’s success.

In today’s article, we’re going to explore Janet’s life — her childhood, her role as a civil rights activist, her family, her influence on her children, and the powerful love she’s shown through the years. You’ll see why so many people admire her not just as a mom, but as a woman with purpose, strength, and a beautiful story.

Janet Smollett Quick Bio

Early Life of Janet Smollett

Janet Smollett was born on November 27, 1952, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She comes from an African American background and grew up in a time when life wasn’t always easy for people of color. She faced racism early in her life, but she stayed strong and never gave up.

We don’t know much about her parents or siblings, as Janet has always kept those details private. But what we do know is that her early years shaped the way she raised her children — with love, courage, and a strong sense of right and wrong.

She grew up with big dreams, and even though she didn’t chase fame for herself, she built a life filled with purpose and meaning.

Her Civil Rights Journey

Janet Smollett didn’t just raise famous kids — she also made her mark in the world as a civil rights activist. In the 1970s, she was deeply involved in the fight for equality. She even worked with powerful leaders like Huey Newton and Bobby Seale, the co-founders of the Black Panther Party.

One of her first mentors was Julian Bond, a well-known activist and politician. Over the years, Janet also became friends with Angela Davis, another powerful voice for justice. According to Jussie, they even spent Mother’s Day with Angela!

Her passion for fighting injustice wasn’t just a phase — it was her lifestyle. She passed this same fire to her children, and it shows in how they speak out today about social issues, racism, and equality.

The Love Story of Janet and Joel Smollett

Janet met Joel Smollett in the Bay Area while both were involved in civil rights work. He was a man of Jewish and Polish descent, and their connection was strong from the start. They shared the same values — justice, family, and standing up for what’s right.

Even though we don’t know the exact year they got married, it’s clear that their relationship was full of love and support. Together, they raised six children and gave them a warm, creative, and meaningful home.

Sadly, Joel passed away from cancer in 2015. It was a heartbreaking time for the family, but Janet stayed strong and continued to care for her children. She became both mother and father from that moment on.

Raising the Smollett Siblings

Janet and Joel didn’t just raise children — they raised stars. Their six kids — Jojo, Jazz, Jussie, Jurnee, Jake, and Jocqui — are all known for their work in entertainment and media.

They made sure their home was full of love, discipline, and fun. All the kids’ names begin with “J,” showing how closely knit the family is. Janet and Joel taught them to respect each other, express their creativity, and work hard at whatever they loved.

They also taught them to avoid conflict. One of the siblings once said, “We were brought up to reject fighting. It’s a waste of time.” That says a lot about the kind of peaceful home Janet helped create.

A Creative Family Life

Janet made sure her children had the freedom to be creative — even when money was tight. The family moved around a lot — 13 times, to be exact — chasing acting jobs and new opportunities.

Instead of buying expensive furniture, Janet built it herself. Beds, cribs, toy boxes, and even a wooden slide in the bedroom — she made it all with her hands. That’s the kind of mother she was — always creating, always caring.

She also encouraged her kids to perform at family events. On birthdays and especially on Mother’s Day, everyone had to get up and sing. These moments built their confidence and sparked their love for the stage.

Janet Smollett’s Role in Her Kids’ Careers

If you’ve ever seen one of the Smollett siblings on TV, thank Janet. She was more than just their mom — she was their first acting coach.

She taught them how to express themselves, how to stand out, and how to stay grounded. When Jurnee got her big break on Full House at just 4 years old, it opened the door for the rest of the siblings. Soon after, all six kids were cast in the 1994 sitcom On Our Own — a show that became a big part of their childhood.

Janet never pushed her kids to be stars. Instead, she made creativity a normal part of life. Acting, singing, dancing — it was all part of growing up in the Smollett household.

Janet Smollett, the Chef and Cookbook Author

Janet Smollett didn’t just teach her kids how to act — she also taught them how to cook and enjoy good food together. She always made sure that family meals were special, even when times were tough.

When the family moved from place to place, one thing stayed the same — the kitchen table. Janet would build it by hand every time they moved. That table became the heart of the home. It was where they talked, laughed, and shared everything as a family.

In 2018, the Smollett family published a cookbook called “The Family Table: Recipes and Moments From a Nomadic Life.” The book is full of recipes, stories, and memories from their travels. Janet’s love for cooking helped keep the family close, no matter where they lived.

The Talented Smollett Children

Each of Janet’s six kids followed a path shaped by love, creativity, and hard work. And they’ve all made their mark.

• Jojo Smollett is an actor and producer.

• Jazz Smollett is a TV personality and producer, and she also hosts a design show with her brother Jake.

• Jussie Smollett, known for Empire, is both an actor and singer.

• Jurnee Smollett is a successful actress in movies and shows like Lovecraft Country and Underground.

• Jake Smollett is an actor and a professional chef.

• Jocqui Smollett works in tech and data analytics and is also a business founder.

Each one has found their own path, but they all say the same thing — they wouldn’t be where they are without Janet Smollett.

Losing Her Husband, Joel Smollett

In 2015, Janet’s world changed when her husband, Joel Smollett, passed away after battling cancer. He was just 58 years old. It was a sad and painful time for the entire family.

But Janet stayed strong. She supported her children while also dealing with her own heartbreak. She didn’t give up. Instead, she kept being the center of her family, offering love, strength, and hope.

Even after Joel’s passing, Janet made sure that the love in their home never faded.

Janet Smollett’s Influence on Activism Today

Janet Smollett didn’t stop being an activist. In fact, her passion for justice lives on through her children. They’ve spoken out for causes like Black Lives Matter, HIV/AIDS awareness, and LGBTQ+ rights.

Even when Jurnee was only 5 years old, Janet took her to her first protest. That shows how deeply Janet believed in standing up for what’s right.

Janet also taught her children about the struggles of the past — not to scare them, but to teach them how to be strong and fair. Today, her children continue to use their voices to speak for others, just like their mother always has.

Where Is Janet Smollett Now?

As of 2025, Janet Smollett lives in California. She keeps a quiet and private life, but she is still very close to all of her children. She shows up when they need her, whether it’s to support them at public events or during difficult times.

She’s no longer in the spotlight, but she doesn’t need to be. Her story lives on through her family — through their words, their actions, and their love.

Janet enjoys spending time with her kids and grandchildren, celebrating holidays, and keeping her traditions alive. She’s the heart of the Smollett family.

Final Thoughts

Janet Smollett is more than just Jussie Smollett’s mom. She is a strong, wise, and loving woman who built a beautiful family. She taught her children to be kind, creative, and brave. She stood up for what’s right, even when it wasn’t easy.

She faced racism, loss, and pain, but she never gave up. Instead, she turned her life into something meaningful. Her story is one of hope, love, and strength.

In a world full of noise, Janet Smollett reminds us that being a good parent, standing up for others, and spreading kindness can truly make a difference.

(FAQs)

Who was Janet Smollett’s husband?

Janet was married to Joel Smollett, a Jewish man of Polish descent. They met during civil rights work and stayed together until his death from cancer in 2015.

Who is Janet Smollett’s father?

Surprisingly, Janet has never shared her father’s name in public. She keeps her early family life very private, and no official record of her parents exists online.

Was Janet Smollett part of the Black Panther movement?

Yes, Janet Smollett worked with Black Panther leaders like Huey Newton and Bobby Seale. She was mentored by Julian Bond and is even friends with Angela Davis.

What is Janet Smollett’s net worth?

Though she raised six stars, Janet’s net worth is only around $250,000. She chose a quiet life focused on family and activism — not fame or fortune.

How old is Janet Smollett?

Janet Smollett was born on November 27, 1952, which makes her 72 years old in 2025.