Janet Smollett is a civil rights activist, teacher, and mother to six successful children in Hollywood. Born in New Orleans in 1952, she’s known for her hands-on parenting, activism work with the Black Panthers, and creating a strong family foundation that launched her children into entertainment careers.
Quick Facts About Janet Smollett
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Janet Harris Smollett |
| Date of Birth | November 27, 1952 |
| Age | 72 years old (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American, Native American, and Creole |
| Profession | Civil Rights Activist, Teacher, Chef |
| Net Worth | Estimated $250,000 |
| Children | 6 (Jojo, Jazz, Jussie, Jurnee, Jake, Jocqui) |
| Marital Status | Widowed (husband Joel Smollett died in 2015) |
| Height | 5’6″ (168 cm) |
| Famous For | Mother of the Smollett siblings, activism, cookbook author |
Early Life and Background
Janet Smollett was born on November 27, 1952, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She grew up surrounded by the rich cultural traditions of Louisiana, including African-American, Native American, and Creole influences. This diverse background shaped how she raised her children and the values she passed down to them.
Details about her parents and siblings remain private. Janet has always maintained boundaries between her public role as a mother to celebrities and her personal history. What we know is that she was drawn to activism from a young age, fighting for civil rights and social justice causes.
Growing up in the South during the Civil Rights Movement had a big impact on her worldview. She saw firsthand the struggles Black Americans faced and decided early on that she wanted to be part of the solution.
Marriage to Joel Smollett
Janet met Joel Smollett while they were both working for civil rights in the Bay Area of California. Joel was Jewish with Russian and Polish roots. Their interracial, interfaith marriage created a unique family that celebrated both Christmas and Hanukkah, Easter and Passover.
The couple married in 1975 and built their relationship on shared values of justice, equality, and family. Joel worked as a cable splicer to support the family while Janet focused on raising their six children. Together, they moved 13 times across the United States, always keeping their family close despite financial struggles.
Tragedy struck in 2015 when Joel lost his battle with cancer on January 7. Janet and their children were devastated, but she remained strong for her family during this difficult time.
The Smollett Children: Six Stars in Hollywood
Janet homeschooled all six children, teaching them not just academics but also activism, empathy, and performing arts. She served as their first acting coach, and her guidance helped launch their entertainment careers.
All their names start with “J” — a pattern Joel and Janet started since both their names began with that letter:
Jojo Smollett (born August 28, 1977) is the eldest child. He works as an actor and producer, appearing in shows like “On Our Own,” “Roseanne,” and “The Practice.”
Jazz Smollett-Warwell (born April 1, 1980) is an actress, producer, and lifestyle personality. She helps raise awareness about various social causes and has been married to producer Troy Warwell since 2012.
Jussie Smollett (born June 21, 1982) gained fame on the Fox drama “Empire.” Despite legal troubles in 2019 related to a reported attack, he continues working in entertainment and advocacy.
Jurnee Smollett (born October 1, 1986) is the most recognized of the siblings. She starred in “Lovecraft Country,” “Birds of Prey,” and “Friday Night Lights,” earning critical acclaim throughout her career.
Jake Smollett (born July 29, 1989) is an actor and celebrity chef. He co-hosted “Smollett Eats” on Food Network and appeared in “Eve’s Bayou.”
Jocqui Smollett (born August 2, 1994) is the youngest sibling. He appeared in “On Our Own” as a child actor.
Janet’s Activism and Civil Rights Work
Janet was actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement during her younger years. She worked alongside Black Panther Party co-founders Bobby Seale and Huey Newton in the Bay Area. One of her early mentors was civil rights leader Julian Bond.
Her activism wasn’t just a phase. She instilled these values in her children from birth. When Jurnee was only five years old, she joined her mother at a protest. The Smollett siblings grew up attending rallies, learning about social justice, and understanding their responsibility to use their platforms for good.
Janet’s causes include HIV/AIDS awareness, civil rights, equality, and the Black Lives Matter movement. She taught her children to speak up against injustice and never forget where they came from.
The Famous Family Table
One of Janet’s most unique traditions was building dining tables by hand. Every time the family moved to a new home (which happened 13 times), Janet would spend three days transforming planks of hardwood into a smooth, varnished butcher block table.
This wasn’t just about furniture. The table became the heart of the Smollett home. The family gathered there for every meal, celebrating holidays, discussing politics, sharing accomplishments, and strengthening their bond.
During the 1994 Northridge earthquake in California, the Smollett family survived by taking shelter under Janet’s handcrafted table. After the quake, they continued sleeping beneath it for safety. That nine-foot table was stronger than anything else in their home.
To this day, Janet has built dining tables for each of her adult children’s homes. It’s a tradition that keeps the family connected to their roots.
The Family Table Cookbook
In 2018, four of the Smollett siblings (Jazz, Jake, Jurnee, and Jussie) published “The Family Table: Recipes and Moments from a Nomadic Life.” The cookbook features over 130 recipes inspired by Janet’s cooking, along with stories from their childhood.
Janet’s New Orleans roots shine through in dishes like Seventh Ward Gumbo, NOLA Smothered Chicken, and Oyster Po’ Boys. The book also includes recipes reflecting Joel’s Jewish heritage and the family’s travels across America.
Janet doesn’t write her recipes down. Her children watched her cook for years, learning by observation and taste. For the cookbook, they had to recreate and measure her dishes to share with the world.
The book became a tribute not just to food but to Janet’s philosophy: that families grow stronger when they eat together, talk together, and support each other through everything life throws at them.
Janet Smollett’s Net Worth
Janet’s estimated net worth is around $250,000. She never pursued wealth or fame for herself. Her career as a teacher and activist didn’t generate significant income, and the family often struggled financially during the children’s youth.
However, her true wealth lies in the success of her children. Combined, the Smollett siblings have built careers worth millions in Hollywood. Janet’s investment was in their education, values, and opportunities — and that investment paid off beyond measure.
Recent Events: The 2024 Burglary Attempt
In October 2024, Janet experienced a frightening incident at her Los Angeles home. Two individuals attempted to break in through her back door, causing $300 in damage to a window. Janet heard the noise, went outside, and confronted the would-be burglars. They fled the scene immediately.
Jussie rushed to his mother’s side after the incident to ensure she was safe. Police filed a report for attempted burglary and began searching for the suspects. The incident reminded everyone of Janet’s courage — even at 71 years old, she wasn’t afraid to face danger head-on.
Janet’s Parenting Philosophy
Janet’s approach to motherhood was unconventional but effective. She homeschooled her children to give them a well-rounded education that included social justice, cultural awareness, and creative expression.
She encouraged her children to perform from a young age. At the family table, she’d have them sing songs, perform plays, and showcase their talents. This practice built their confidence and prepared them for careers in entertainment.
Janet also taught her children to never forget their heritage. She shared stories about their African-American, Jewish, Native American, and Creole roots. She made sure they celebrated all aspects of their identity and understood the history behind each tradition.
Most importantly, Janet led by example. She showed her children what it means to fight for what’s right, work hard, and keep family first no matter what challenges arise.
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Life After Joel’s Death
Losing Joel in 2015 was devastating for Janet. They had been married for 40 years, building a life together despite financial hardships and constant moving. Joel was not just her husband but her partner in activism and parenting.
Janet found strength in her children during her grief. They rallied around her, offering support and love. Jussie once took his mother to London, fulfilling a promise he’d made 16 years earlier to take her on a special trip when he could afford it.
The family continues to honor Joel’s memory by living according to the values he and Janet instilled in them. His legacy lives on through their activism, success, and commitment to family.
Janet’s Impact on Her Children’s Careers
Janet served as the first and primary acting coach for all six children. She recognized their talents early and knew how to nurture them without pushing too hard.
When the siblings landed their sitcom “On Our Own” in 1994, it was validation of Janet’s approach. The show only lasted one season, but it gave the children valuable experience working together in Hollywood.
Janet taught them that success means more than fame or money. She emphasized using their platforms to make a difference, speaking truth to power, and never compromising their values for career advancement.
Her children frequently credit her for their success. Jurnee has spoken about how Janet’s activism inspired her to choose roles that challenge stereotypes and represent marginalized communities. Jussie has mentioned that his mother watches “Empire” religiously and calls him after every episode to discuss the show.
Where Is Janet Smollett Now?
Janet lives in California, staying close to her children and grandchildren. She remains active in her community and continues supporting causes she cares about.
At 72, Janet enjoys a quieter life than she did during the hectic years of raising six children. But she’s still the matriarch everyone turns to for advice, comfort, and home-cooked meals.
Janet has passed on her furniture-building skills to Jake, who now makes tables and beds with her. This tradition ensures that future generations of Smolletts will have handcrafted pieces that connect them to their grandmother’s legacy.
Lesser-Known Facts About Janet Smollett
- Janet was rumored to be related to Vice President Kamala Harris because they share the maiden name “Harris.” This rumor is false — they’re not related.
- She never slept in a bed she didn’t build herself. Throughout their nomadic childhood, Janet made all the furniture for their homes.
- Janet produced a film in 2024 called “The Lost Holliday,” marking her entry into behind-the-scenes entertainment work.
- She emphasized education so much that all six children completed their schooling despite constant moving and early entertainment careers.
- Janet’s cooking style blends multiple cultural traditions — New Orleans Creole, Jewish Eastern European, and American comfort food.
Janet Smollett’s Legacy
Janet Smollett represents the power of strong parenting, unwavering values, and commitment to family. She raised six children who all succeeded in competitive entertainment careers while maintaining their integrity and connection to their roots.
Her activism work during the Civil Rights Movement laid the foundation for her children’s own advocacy. The Smollett siblings continue fighting for causes their mother taught them to care about: racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, HIV/AIDS awareness, and equality for all.
The family table tradition Janet created has become a symbol of what matters most — gathering together, sharing stories, supporting each other, and building memories that last forever.
Janet proved that you don’t need wealth or fame to leave a powerful legacy. You need love, dedication, strong values, and the courage to stand up for what’s right.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How old is Janet Smollett?
Janet Smollett is 72 years old as of 2024. She was born on November 27, 1952, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Despite her age, she remains active in her family’s life and continues supporting her children’s careers and causes she believes in.
2. What is Janet Smollett’s net worth?
Janet Smollett’s estimated net worth is approximately $250,000. She earned this through her work as a teacher and activist, not through entertainment. Her children’s combined success in Hollywood represents her true investment — she prioritized their education and opportunities over personal wealth accumulation.
3. How many children does Janet Smollett have?
Janet has six children: Jojo, Jazz, Jussie, Jurnee, Jake, and Jocqui. All their names start with the letter “J” — a pattern Janet and her late husband Joel began since both their names started with that letter. Each child has pursued careers in entertainment with varying levels of success.
4. What happened to Janet Smollett’s husband?
Joel Smollett, Janet’s husband, died on January 7, 2015, after a long battle with cancer. They had been married for 40 years and raised six children together. Joel’s death was devastating for the family, but Janet remained strong and continued supporting her children through their grief.
5. Did Janet Smollett write a cookbook?
Janet didn’t personally write a cookbook, but her children (Jazz, Jake, Jurnee, and Jussie) published “The Family Table: Recipes and Moments from a Nomadic Life” in 2018. The book features over 130 recipes based on Janet’s cooking, along with family stories. Janet’s New Orleans roots and diverse cooking style inspired the collection.
