Joel Smollett (October 8, 1956 – January 7, 2015) was the Ashkenazi Jewish father of six incredibly talented children who became Hollywood stars. At the time of his death at age 58 after battling cancer, his estimated net worth was between $300,000 and $500,000, earned through decades as a cable splicer. Standing around 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall with a lean build, Joel lived a quiet life while raising one of the most resilient interracial families in entertainment history.
Early Life: From Russian-Jewish Roots to American Activist
Joel was born in Russia to Ashkenazi Jewish parents and immigrated to the United States as a teenager to escape antisemitism. Growing up in California during the civil rights era shaped him deeply. Instead of chasing fame, he chose the steady, physical job of a cable splicer — a blue-collar role that paid an estimated $50,000–$80,000 per year (in today’s dollars) and kept him underground fixing phone and internet lines while his kids chased Hollywood dreams.
Married Life with Janet Smollett: A True Interracial Love Story
Joel met Janet Harris, an African-American civil rights activist from New Orleans, while protesting in the Bay Area in the 1970s. They married soon after and stayed devoted until his death — no separations, no scandals, no dating outside the marriage. Janet has never remarried and still honors Joel’s memory a decade later. Their partnership proved that love, shared values, and raising children with purpose can overcome any racial divide.
The Six Smollett Children: From Child Stars to Adult Success
Joel and Janet raised six children who all entered show business young and stayed successful as adults — an almost unheard-of feat in Hollywood:
- Jojo Smollett – actor and producer
- Jazz Smollett – TV host and producer
- Jussie Smollett – actor and singer (Empire)
- Jurnee Smollett – Emmy-nominated actress (Lovecraft Country, Friday Night Lights)
- Jake Smollett – chef and Food Network star
- Jocqui Smollett – dancer and production talent
The family sitcom On Our Own (1994–1995) was loosely based on their real-life dynamic of siblings looking out for each other.
Joel Smollett Biography at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joel Smollett |
| Date of Birth | October 8, 1956 |
| Age at Death | 58 years old (would be 69 in 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Russia (Ashkenazi Jewish family) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Ashkenazi Jewish |
| Height | Approximately 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Weight | Not publicly known (lean, athletic build) |
| Profession | Cable splicer, civil rights activist |
| Estimated Salary | $50,000–$80,000 per year |
| Net Worth at Death | $300,000 – $500,000 |
| Married | Yes – Janet Harris Smollett (1970s–2015) |
| Dating History | Only married to Janet; no other relationships known |
| Children | 6 (Jojo, Jazz, Jussie, Jurnee, Jake, Jocqui) |
| Date of Death | January 7, 2015 |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
| Legacy | Father of one of Hollywood’s most successful sibling groups |
His Final Years and Lasting Impact in 2025
Joel passed away just weeks before Jussie’s breakout role on Empire premiered — Jussie dedicated the entire series to his dad. A decade later, the Smollett siblings continue to work, create cookbooks, host shows, and speak openly about the values their parents instilled. In a world that still debates race and identity, Joel and Janet’s interracial family remains a quiet but powerful example of unity, hard work, and unconditional love.
Joel Smollett never sought the spotlight, yet his legacy shines through every one of his children’s achievements. Sometimes the greatest parents are the ones who stay behind the camera — and keep the family together no matter what.
