Meet Joel Smollett: Jussie Smollett’s Father Who Raised Six Talented Kids

Joel Smollett was not a movie star. He didn’t walk red carpets or appear on TV. But he did something even more special — he raised six kids, and all of them became stars.

You may know his son, Jussie Smollett, from the hit show Empire. Or maybe you’ve seen Jurnee Smollett in movies and shows like Lovecraft Country or Eve’s Bayou. These talented actors didn’t just appear out of nowhere. They were raised with love, care, and strong values. Behind their success was a quiet and steady man — their father, Joel Smollett.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at who Joel Smollett was. We’ll explore his early life, his job, his love story with Janet Smollett, and how he supported his children in their journey. His name may not be as famous as his kids, but his story is powerful and worth knowing.

Joel Smollett Quick Bio

Where Was Joel Smollett Born and Raised?

Joel Smollett was born on October 8, 1956, in Russia. He spent some of his early years in Poland, as his family moved between countries. His roots were Russian-Polish Jewish, which means he came from a rich culture with deep family traditions.

Later, Joel and his family moved to the United States, where he grew up and built his life. Even though he wasn’t born in America, he became a proud American citizen. He learned how to work hard and take care of those he loved.

Many people don’t know about his early years because he didn’t talk much about himself. But those close to him said he always remembered where he came from — and he passed that sense of history down to his kids.

Joel Smollett’s Early Life and Family Background

Joel’s family was small but strong. His father was Peter Smollett, a Polish Jew, and his mother was Molly Hirschenson, who came from Russian roots. Together, they raised Joel with Jewish values, including honesty, family unity, and kindness to others.

Joel also had one sibling, though not much is known about them. Growing up, Joel saw how hard his parents worked. He learned early that you don’t need fame or money to make a good life — you need heart, effort, and love.

These are the same lessons Joel later gave to his own kids. He showed them that being proud of your roots and working for your dreams is what really matters.

What Did Joel Smollett Do for a Living?

Joel was not in the entertainment business. He worked a simple, honest job as a cable splicer. That means he helped connect and fix phone and cable lines. It was a hard job, often done outdoors and in tough conditions.

But Joel never complained. He did his work with pride. It was how he supported his big family. Even though he was sometimes away for work, he always stayed close to his children by calling, writing, or coming home whenever he could.

His kids later said that their dad may not have had a flashy job, but he had a strong heart. He gave them safety, stability, and a real example of what it means to work hard for those you love.

Joel Smollett: Jussie Smollett’s Father and Civil Rights Supporter

Before becoming a father, Joel Smollett was also a civil rights activist. He believed strongly in fairness and equality for everyone. During one of these campaigns, he met a young woman named Janet, who shared the same passion.

They were both fighting for what was right — and during that fight, they found love. Joel and Janet didn’t just care about big causes in the world. They also cared deeply about building a family full of love, respect, and hope.

Even after he became a father, Joel kept those same values. He taught his kids to stand up for what’s right, speak kindly to others, and never forget where they came from.

Joel Smollett’s Marriage to Janet Smollett

Joel married Janet Smollett, a strong and passionate woman from New Orleans. She is African-American, and their marriage was interracial. But to Joel, race didn’t matter. He didn’t like being called “white” or put into a box because of his skin. He believed people should be seen for their hearts — not their color.

Together, Joel and Janet raised a biracial family. Their children grew up learning about both Black and Jewish traditions. The house was filled with culture, stories, and love from both sides of their heritage.

Joel and Janet stayed together for many years. Even though they later separated when Jussie was a teenager, they always remained connected through their children. They built a strong foundation that helped all six of their kids shine.

Joel Smollett and His Six Talented Children

Joel and Janet had six children — and all of them have done amazing things. Their names all start with the letter “J,” just like their parents.

Here’s a quick look at the talented Smollett siblings:

• Jojo Smollett – The oldest. An actor and producer who works with nonprofits.

• Jazz Smollett – Actress, producer, writer, and co-author of the family’s cookbook.

• Jussie Smollett – Actor and singer, best known for his role in Empire.

• Jurnee Smollett – A successful actress who started young and still shines today.

• Jake Smollett – Actor and celebrity chef. He also co-wrote the family cookbook.

• Jocqui Smollett – The youngest. Started as an actor, then moved into tech.

As kids, they all appeared together in a family TV show called “On Our Own”, which aired in the mid-90s. It was rare to see a real-life family acting together — but the Smolletts made it work, and viewers loved them.

Life at Home: How Joel Smollett Raised His Kids

Even though Joel worked long hours, he was always there for his kids when it really mattered. He was known as overprotective, especially by Jussie, who joked that his dad was a “worrywart.” But that was just his way of showing love.

There’s even a sweet story where Joel offered to act as Jussie’s bodyguard when paparazzi were chasing him. That’s the kind of father he was — always ready to step in, protect, and help.

Joel didn’t try to control his kids. Instead, he guided them, encouraged their dreams, and made sure they knew how to be kind, respectful, and confident. His quiet strength became the foundation they all stood on.

Jussie Smollett’s Father Was More Than Just a Parent

Joel Smollett didn’t want fame, but he became well-known through his children — especially his son Jussie Smollett. While Jussie gained fans through acting and music, he never forgot the man who raised him.

In many interviews, Jussie has said his father was very protective, always looking out for him. Joel once joked that he would become Jussie’s bodyguard because of the paparazzi following him. It showed how deeply he cared.

Even though Joel worked a lot, he was emotionally close to his children. He gave them space to grow but made sure they knew he was always there. That quiet strength made a big difference in their lives.

Joel Smollett’s Final Years and Battle with Cancer

Sadly, Joel Smollett got very sick in his later years. He was diagnosed with cancer, though the family never shared the exact type. He stayed strong and calm through it all, even during the hardest times.

His children did everything they could to take care of him. They spent time with him, gave him support, and showed him love every step of the way. Even when things got tough, Joel stayed proud and peaceful.

On January 7, 2015, Joel Smollett passed away at the age of 58. It was a very emotional time for the family. They didn’t just lose a father — they lost the man who gave them strength, wisdom, and direction.

A Touching Goodbye from Jussie Smollett

The day after Joel Smollett died, Jussie Smollett shared a heartfelt message on Instagram. He called his father “our king” and “a champ.” It was clear that Joel meant the world to him.

Jussie said his father showed strength and dignity until the very end. Even in pain, Joel never gave up. His message was full of love, but also full of pride. Jussie promised to make his father proud and to carry his lessons forward.

What made it even more emotional was the timing. Joel passed away on the same day Jussie’s show Empire premiered. It was the show that made Jussie a star. It felt like Joel waited to see his son’s big moment before letting go.

Joel Smollett’s Legacy Lives On

Even though Joel Smollett is no longer here, his spirit lives on. His six children continue to talk about him with love and respect. They often say that everything they are comes from everything he gave.

They are all successful in different ways — in acting, cooking, writing, tech, and more. But no matter how far they go, they still carry Joel’s values: work hard, stay close to family, be kind, and never give up.

Joel Smollett may have lived a quiet life, but his influence is loud and clear. He helped shape one of Hollywood’s most unique and talented families. That is something truly special.

Final Thoughts

Not everyone knows the name Joel Smollett. But once you hear his story, it’s hard to forget. He was more than just Jussie Smollett’s father — he was the heart of the Smollett family.

He worked with his hands, stood up for what was right, and raised six kids who chased big dreams. He didn’t need cameras or headlines. His greatest achievement was his family.

In 2025, as the Smollett siblings continue to shine in their careers, they carry a piece of their father with them. Joel’s story reminds us that you don’t have to be famous to be great — you just need to love deeply, guide wisely, and live with purpose.

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