When six children all pursue careers in entertainment, people wonder about the home they came from. Janet Smollett raised a family that put itself in front of cameras and on stages across America. Her children — Jurnee, Jussie, JoJo, Jake, Jocqui, and Jazz — built careers as actors, producers, and performers. But behind their success stands a woman whose activism and parenting shaped how they saw the world.
Janet’s story reaches beyond Hollywood. She’s a cookbook author, civil rights advocate, and mother who built a household around art and justice. Her roots in New Orleans and her years in California created a unique environment where creativity met social conscience.
Who is Janet Smollett?
Janet Smollett is best known as the mother of six entertainment professionals, most notably actors Jurnee Smollett and Jussie Smollett. She was born in New Orleans and spent decades raising her family between the South and California. Beyond parenting, she carved out roles as a cookbook collaborator and community activist.
Her work in civil rights and HIV/AIDS advocacy defined much of her adult life. While her children gained fame, Janet stayed focused on causes she believed in. She brought those values home, teaching her kids to care about social issues alongside their artistic ambitions.
Early life and roots
Janet grew up in New Orleans, a city known for its rich cultural mix and strong community ties. Her family background included Jewish and Creole heritage, which exposed her to different traditions and perspectives. That diversity influenced how she later raised her own children.
New Orleans in the mid-20th century was a place where civil rights struggles played out daily. Janet witnessed these fights firsthand. The experiences planted seeds for her later activism. She learned early that speaking up mattered.
Those formative years in Louisiana gave her a strong sense of identity. When she eventually moved west, she carried those values with her. The blend of cultures and the emphasis on justice became cornerstones of the Smollett household.
Family life: raising six performers
Janet married Joel Smollett, and together they built a large, creative family. Their six children — Jurnee, Jussie, JoJo, Jake, Jocqui, and Jazz — all found their way into entertainment. Janet and Joel encouraged artistic expression from the start.
The household wasn’t typical. The Smolletts moved between California and other locations, following opportunities and creating them. Janet homeschooled some of her children at various points, giving them flexibility to pursue auditions and roles. The family approach was hands-on and deeply involved.
She created an environment where creativity thrived, but responsibility mattered. The children learned to value both their craft and their community. Janet made sure her kids understood that their talents came with obligations to speak up and give back.
Notable children
Jurnee Smollett became one of the most recognized faces in the family, with roles in films and television shows spanning decades. Jussie gained fame on the series Empire before his career took a controversial turn. The other siblings — JoJo, Jake, Jocqui, and Jazz — each pursued their own paths in entertainment, working as actors, producers, and behind-the-scenes professionals.
The family’s early projects
In 1994, the Smollett family starred together in the ABC sitcom On Our Own. The show featured all six children and gave them early exposure to the industry. While it didn’t run long, the experience bonded them and taught them how television production worked. Janet and Joel supported their kids through the demands of child acting while trying to maintain some normalcy at home.
Career highlights & public roles
Janet’s professional identity extended beyond motherhood. She co-authored a cookbook that reflected her family’s diverse cultural background. The recipes drew from her New Orleans roots and the Jewish traditions she inherited. The book gave readers a glimpse into how she fed her large, busy family.
She also took on small production roles over the years, though her behind-the-scenes work never sought the spotlight. Janet preferred supporting her children’s projects rather than building her own public profile. Her focus remained on activism and community work.
Janet Smollett’s activism and community work
Civil rights work defined much of Janet’s adult life. She participated in movements that fought for equality and justice. Her involvement wasn’t casual — she showed up, organized, and pushed for change.
HIV/AIDS advocacy became another focus. During the height of the crisis, she worked to raise awareness and reduce stigma. Janet brought that same energy to other causes, teaching her children that their voices could make a difference. She demonstrated activism through action, not just words.
Public attention: family news and the spotlight
Janet’s private life became public when her son Jussie faced legal troubles in 2019. Jussie reported being the victim of a hate crime in Chicago, but investigators later charged him with staging the incident. The case drew national attention and divided public opinion.
Janet stood by her son throughout the ordeal. She attended court proceedings and publicly supported him. The situation put her in an uncomfortable position — balancing her role as a mother with the intense scrutiny that came with the allegations.
The Illinois Supreme Court eventually overturned Jussie’s conviction in 2024, but the controversy left lasting marks on the family’s public image. Janet navigated the media storm with dignity, though she rarely spoke directly to reporters. She let her presence speak for itself.
What fans ask: age, where she lives, and social presence
Janet’s exact birthdate isn’t widely published, though various sources place her birth in the 1950s. She keeps many personal details private, including her current residence. Unlike her children, she doesn’t maintain an active social media presence.
Fans who want to learn about her usually piece together information from interviews her children give or from older profiles. Janet seems content to let her work and her family speak for her rather than building her own public platform.
The Smollett family legacy — in brief
Janet’s parenting approach created something unusual — six children who not only pursued entertainment but did so with a sense of purpose. They learned to use their platforms for advocacy. That combination of art and activism reflects the home Janet built.
She remains a behind-the-scenes figure, even as her children’s careers put them in the spotlight. Janet’s influence shows up in how her children speak about justice, representation, and community. The legacy isn’t just about talent. It’s about values passed down through intention and example.
Snapshot: quick facts
Janet Smollett was born in New Orleans and raised six children who all entered entertainment careers. She co-authored a cookbook that combined her cultural heritage with family recipes. Her activism focused on civil rights and HIV/AIDS awareness. Her most recognizable children are actors Jurnee and Jussie Smollett. She stood by her family during public controversies and legal challenges.
Janet Smollett built a life around two commitments: raising creative children and fighting for causes she believed in. Those commitments shaped a family that continues to navigate fame, controversy, and art. Her story reminds us that the people behind famous names often carry their own important work — work that deserves recognition even when it doesn’t seek applause.
