Janet Smollett: The Matriarch Behind a Family of Talent, Activism, and Creativity

Janet Smollett, an American homemaker, educator, and activist, has shaped the lives of six children who have made their own mark in entertainment and various fields. As the matriarch of the Smollett family, Janet’s influence has been profound, not just on her children but also on the larger community. She is best known for her role as the mother of Jussie Smollett, but her story is much deeper than that. From her activism in the 1960s to her commitment to education and family unity, Janet Smollett’s life and values have helped shape the dynamic and success of the Smollett family.

Early Life and Background

Born on November 27, 1952, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Janet Smollett hails from a rich cultural heritage that blends African-American, Native American, and Creole roots. Her upbringing was deeply rooted in a sense of cultural pride and social justice, values that would guide her throughout her life. Janet’s early life was shaped by the social movements of the 1960s, which sparked her commitment to activism. She was an active participant in the U.S. civil rights movement and worked alongside prominent revolutionaries such as Bobby Seale and Huey Newton. This foundation of social consciousness became a cornerstone of her family’s values.

Marriage to Joel Smollett and Family Life

In 1975, Janet married Joel Smollett, a man of Jewish heritage whose roots trace back to Russia and Poland. Joel was a cable splicer by trade and worked tirelessly to provide for his family. The couple had six children: Jojo, Jazz, Jurnee, Jake, Jocqui, and Jussie. Together, they created a home that valued education, creativity, and family unity, despite financial challenges. Joel’s legacy of hard work and dedication to his family lives on through the success of his children.

Sadly, Joel Smollett passed away in 2015 after a battle with cancer. His death left a significant void in the Smollett family, but Janet’s strength and determination ensured that the family remained close-knit and supportive of one another. Janet continued to guide her children, teaching them the importance of compassion, empathy, and resilience.

Raising Six Successful Children

Janet’s approach to parenting was unconventional yet highly effective. She homeschooled all six of her children, providing them with a personalized education that went beyond textbooks. In addition to academics, Janet instilled in her children a deep appreciation for art, culture, history, and social activism. She wanted her children to be well-rounded individuals who understood their place in the world and had the tools to make a difference.

During their formative years, the Smollett family moved frequently, traveling between the West and East Coasts as Janet and Joel worked to support their children’s burgeoning careers in acting, modeling, and music. Despite the constant relocation, Janet remained a constant presence in her children’s lives, building a loving home wherever they went. Janet’s ability to create a sense of stability amid the constant changes in their lives is one of the many reasons her children are so close-knit and successful today.

The Smollett Family’s Entertainment Journey

The Smollett children were exposed to the entertainment world from a young age. They were encouraged to express their creativity through various forms of art, including acting, music, and cooking. Jurnee Smollett-Bell, one of Janet’s most well-known children, began her acting career at the age of four with a recurring role on the popular sitcom Full House. She quickly gained recognition for her talent and went on to star in films like Eve’s Bayou and The Middleman.

Jurnee’s success in Hollywood was just the beginning. Five out of the six Smollett siblings are involved in entertainment in some capacity, thanks to the influence of their parents. Janet’s encouragement of creative expression was pivotal in helping her children find their paths in the industry. From acting to music and even cooking, each Smollett sibling has pursued their own unique journey while maintaining a close bond with one another.

A Family Bond Built on Love and Support

The Smollett siblings are known for their close relationships and mutual respect. Growing up, they were taught to reject conflict and embrace cooperation. Janet and Joel instilled in their children the value of working together as a family and supporting one another in all their endeavors. The siblings often recall their childhoods fondly, citing their parents as the driving force behind their success.

Jussie Smollett, the most publicly recognized of the Smollett siblings, credits his parents with shaping his worldview. In an interview with The New York Times, Jussie recalled how his family would put on “shows” for fun, with everyone participating in some form of entertainment. “Creating was something that we just were expected to do,” Jussie said, recalling their family’s impromptu performances. Janet’s passion for creativity fostered a sense of confidence in her children, encouraging them to pursue their dreams in entertainment.

Cooking and The Family Table

Janet Smollett is also an accomplished home cook, known for her ability to create meals that bring the family together. Her love of cooking became a significant part of her family’s life, and it even led to the publication of a cookbook in 2018. The Family Table: Recipes and Moments from a Nomadic Life was a collaborative effort between Janet and her children, highlighting the importance of family gatherings and the meals that brought them together.

The cookbook is a reflection of Janet’s deep love for her family and her desire to pass down traditions and values through food. Janet’s recipes are infused with the cultural influences of her upbringing, and her children have followed in her footsteps, using cooking as a means of bonding and expressing their creativity.

The Smollett Family’s Legacy

The Smollett family’s success in entertainment and other fields is a testament to the values that Janet Smollett instilled in her children. Through her activism, commitment to education, and love for her family, Janet created a foundation that allowed her children to thrive. Her influence is evident in the diverse paths that each of her children has taken, and her legacy continues to inspire others.

Beyond her role as a mother, Janet Smollett’s contributions to society as an activist and educator have had a lasting impact. Her work in the civil rights movement and her efforts to raise her children with a strong sense of social justice have shaped the way her family engages with the world. Janet’s life is a reflection of the power of love, education, and activism, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Conclusion

Janet Smollett is a remarkable woman whose influence extends far beyond her role as the mother of Jussie Smollett. As a mother, educator, and activist, Janet’s life has been dedicated to creating a better world for her children and for those around her. Her commitment to social justice, family unity, and creative expression has shaped the lives of her children, helping them find success in the entertainment industry and beyond. Janet Smollett’s story is one of resilience, love, and dedication, and her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.