Almost every lover of Hollywood movies is familiar with the name ‘Smollett’. The Smollett name has become popular not only in the movie industry but also in the music industry. However, not everyone knows the origin or true story behind that name.
In this article, we will discuss the patriarch of the Smollett family – Joel Smollett, and highlight why his name gained popularity in the entertainment scene.
Summary of Profile
- Name: Joel Smollet
- Date of birth: October 8, 1956
- Place of birth: Russia
- Nationality: America
- Religion: Jewish
- Marital status: Married
- Number of children: 6
- Height: 5 feet 7 inches
Who is Joel Smollett?
Joel Smollett is not a famous man, but he made the name “Smollett’ popular through his children. He invested in the movie industry through his children. One of his children, Jussie Smollett, also known as Jamal Lyon, following his notable role in the series movie, Empire became multiple award-winning actors.
Joel Smollett was born on October 8, 1956. He is a Jewish man that migrated from Russia and Poland to America. He is the first Smollett immigrant.
While in America, Smollett got married to a beautiful African-American, Janeth Smollett. Janeth was born on November 27 1952 and is referred to as one of the founders of the popular Marvel movie Black Panther.
Joel Smollet and his family
Joel and Janeth Smollett are blessed with six children. Amongst their kids are actors, musicians, producers, and models- all six children are successful in their careers.
Joel Smollett was a loving father who provided for his family. His fatherly roles didn’t end in tackling family issues as he played a key role in his children’s career as well. He was a role model for his children and groomed them into the successful men and women they grew up to become today.
Joel is still remembered as a patriarch of the Smollett family, and even after his death, his children still remember him as the source of their inspiration. On one of the Fathers’ Day, one of his daughters, Jurnee, had taken to her Instagram page to celebrate him with a heartfelt caption which read thus;
“Love you, Dad. Keep flying high up there. Till we meet again.
Love, your little girl.”
Joel Smollett’s Children
Joel Smollett’s children are six in number, namely- Jussie, Jazz, Jake, Jojo, Jocqui, and Jurnee. They are renowned actors, musicians, and producers today.
One remarkable thing about Joel Smollett’s children is that they also love working together. The kids starred together in the popular ABC series, ‘On Our Own’ in the 90s. Here is a summary of each of his children and what they are up to.
Jojo Smollett
Jojo is Joel’s first son. He was born in California on August 28, 1977. He is an actor and a movie producer, famous for his role in movies like The Practise, Hope, and the City of Roseanne.
Jazz Smollett Warwell
Jazz Smollet is the second child and first daughter of Joel and Janeth Smollett. On April 1, 1980, she was born in California and grew up to become an actress and movie producer. Jazz later got married to the love of her life, Troy Warwell, who is a producer.
Jussie Smollett
Jussie, also known as Justin, is the third child of Joel. He was born on June 21, 1982. He grew up to become a singer, an actor, and a photographer. Fans love him because of his handsome looks and his incredible acting skills.
Jussie landed a recording contract with Columbia Records, where he acted the role of Jamal Lyon on the TV series Empire. The movie was a major one that brought him to the limelight, and it was during the premiere of the film he lost his father.
Jurnee Smollett
Joel is the fourth and second daughter of Joel Smollet. She was born on October 1, 1986. Her acting career started when she was little when she was featured alongside her siblings in the comedy show “On Our Own”. She became known for the movies she starred in, such as Lovecraft County, Gridiron Gang, and Great Debtors. In 2008, she was awarded the Best Younger Performer and outstanding actor in motion photo for her role in Choice.
Jake Smollett
Jake is the fifth child of Joel and was born on July 29, 1989. Jake is very active on social media as he has many followers on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook engaging his posts. He is an actor and has starred in many movies such as Eve’s Bayou and The Middleman.
Jocqui Smollet
Jocqui is the youngest child of Joel and Janeth Smollet. He is also as talented as his other siblings. He was born on August 2, 1993. He also starred in On Our Own, where he played the role of Jarreau Jerrico. Aside from acting, Jocqui has other great projects he is running. He is the CEO and founder of Hosted Incorporation. He is also tech personnel.
How Joel Smollett impacted the lives of children
It is said that ‘charity begins at home, and that was exactly the case with Joel Smollett and his family. Joel’s life shows the impact parents have on the life of their children and the role they play in their success or failure.
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Joel Smollett was loving and caring, and he taught his children to do the same. He taught them to work hard and also to help others. The Smollet family today are known for carrying out civil rights campaigns. Jurnee Smollett does charity works and supports foundations such as Nelson Mandela Children’s Foundation and Children Defense Funds.
How Joel Smollett died
Joel Smollet lived from October 8 1956 to January 15, 2015. He died at the age of 58 after battling cancer for a long time.
Joel’s death had a profound impact on the family. His first son, Jussie Smollet, first shared the news of his death. The Empire actor wrote a tribute to his father on Instagram where he referred to his father as a king and Champ and the source of the family’s inspiration.
Also, his wife Janeth has not been engaged in any other relationship since he passed away. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Joel Smollett’s net worth
The precise net worth of Joel Smollett is not known, but it is estimated to be around $300,000. He might not have made a lot of money during his lifetime, but there is no doubt that he died a wealthy man following his children’s success.
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