Janet Smollett is a name many people know because of her famous children in Hollywood. But she is much more than just a mother of stars. She is a strong woman who fought for civil rights, raised six talented children, and built a family based on love and culture.
Detailed Bio Table
| Full Name | Janet Harris Smollett |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 27, 1952 |
| Age | 72 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Heritage | African-American, Native American, and Creole |
| Spouse | Joel Smollett (married 1975, died 2015) |
| Children | Six – Jojo, Jazz, Jussie, Jurnee, Jake, and Jocqui |
| Occupation | Activist, Educator, Author |
| Known For | Civil rights activism, Mother of the Smollett family |
| Famous Work | Co-author of “The Family Table” cookbook (2018) |
Early Life and Cultural Roots
Janet was born in New Orleans, a city famous for its rich history and mixed cultures. Growing up there gave her a deep connection to her African-American, Native American, and Creole background. These cultures shaped who she became and how she raised her family.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Janet saw unfair treatment of Black people and decided early in life to make things better. This desire to help others guided her throughout her life.
Meeting Joel and Building a Family
Janet met Joel Smollett while both were working for civil rights in California’s Bay Area. Joel came from a Jewish family with roots in Russia and Poland. Though from different backgrounds, they shared the same values and dreams.
They married in 1975 and gave all their children names starting with “J” – like their own names. They had six children: Jojo (1977), Jazz (1980), Jussie (1982), Jurnee (1986), Jake (1989), and Jocqui (1994).
Joel worked as a cable splicer to support the family, while Janet raised the children and taught them important values. Sadly, Joel died from cancer on January 7, 2015, at age 58.
A Mother Who Changed Everything
Janet helped each child find their talents. All six became successful in entertainment and other fields. She was their first and most important acting coach, spending hours helping them practice.
She taught them to work hard, believe in themselves, and care about making the world better. Because of her guidance, they all appeared together in a TV show called “On Our Own” in the 1990s.
Jurnee Smollett became a successful actress in shows like “Lovecraft Country” and movies like “Birds of Prey.” Jussie Smollett became famous in the TV series “Empire.” Jake became a chef and cooking show personality. Each child found their own path with their mother’s support.
Fighting for What is Right
Before becoming a mother, Janet was already fighting for civil rights. In the 1960s, she worked with important activists like Bobby Seale and Huey Newton, who started the Black Panther Party. One of her teachers was Julian Bond, a famous civil rights leader.
She is close friends with Angela Davis, another well-known activist. Her son Jussie said they even spent Mother’s Day with Angela Davis, showing her deep commitment to social justice.
Janet taught her children to care about important issues. They grew up learning about the struggles of Black people in America. Her children have supported movements like Black Lives Matter and worked to prevent HIV/AIDS.
Keeping Family Together Through Food
Janet used food to keep her family close. The family moved 13 times across the United States because of Joel’s work. Every time they moved, Janet had a special tradition. She would spend three days making a wooden kitchen table for their new home.
This table became the heart of their family. They would gather around it to eat meals, celebrate good news, and support each other. No matter where they lived, the family table reminded them they belonged together.
In 2018, Janet worked with her children to write a cookbook called “The Family Table: Recipes and Moments From a Nomadic Life.” This book shares their favorite family recipes and stories about their life together.
A Lasting Impact
Today, Janet continues to be a strong presence in her children’s lives. Even in her 70s, she stays active and involved. She raised her family to value education, stand up for what is right, and stay close to each other.
Her children often talk about how much she means to them. Jussie once took her on a trip to London to keep a promise he made 16 years earlier.
Janet faced many challenges – the loss of her husband and helping her children through struggles. But she never gave up on her values or her family.
The Power of a Mother’s Love
Janet Smollett’s story teaches us important lessons. She shows that being a good parent means teaching your children to care about others, work hard, and be proud of who they are.
She also shows us that one person can make a difference. By raising six children who use their fame to help others, she multiplied her own impact on the world.
Janet does not seek attention for herself, but her influence is clear in everything her children do. She built a family that stands together, supports each other, and tries to make the world better.
Conclusion
Janet Smollett’s life is a beautiful example of love, strength, and dedication to family. As the wife of Joel Smollett and mother of six talented children, she played a key role in shaping a family that values culture, education, and social justice. Through her activism and thoughtful parenting, Janet built a lasting legacy that goes beyond fame – one of hope, pride, and making a difference. Her story reminds us how powerful a mother’s love can be in creating positive change in both family and community.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many children does Janet Smollett have?
Janet Smollett has six children, all with names starting with “J”: Jojo, Jazz, Jussie, Jurnee, Jake, and Jocqui. All of them work in entertainment or other creative fields.
2. Is Janet Smollett married?
Janet was married to Joel Smollett from 1975 until his death in 2015. She has not remarried and focuses on her children and grandchildren.
3. What is Janet Smollett’s background?
Janet was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1952. She has African-American, Native American, and Creole heritage, which she passed on to her children with pride.
4. Did Janet Smollett write a book?
Yes, in 2018 she co-wrote a cookbook with four of her children called “The Family Table: Recipes and Moments From a Nomadic Life.” The book shares family recipes and stories.
5. What kind of activism did Janet Smollett do?
Janet was active in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. She worked with leaders of the Black Panther Party and remains friends with famous activist Angela Davis. She taught her children to care about social justice issues.
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