The first thought that comes to mind when talking about the Joel Smollett family is the six siblings full of talent. We are constantly exposed to their achievements in films and TV series. Without much reflection, one might forget the person who was the source of their talents. That person was Joel Smollett. He was not only the father but also the most influential member of the artistic family. Plus, he was not only a parent. He was also a guide, a narrator, and a promoter. Mr. Smollett lived a life that was dominated by his love for the arts. Absolutely, his impact on his children cannot be overlooked. So, let’s learn more about the person who laid the foundation.
Who Was Joel Smollett? A Life of Arts and Advocacy
Joel Smollett entered this world in 1956. His heritage was impressively diverse. His dad was of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. And his mom was African-American and Irish. Such a diverse background did not fail to shape the way he saw things. He and his wife, Janet Harris, were acquaintances at the civil rights campaign they were both attending. This illustrates their early engagement with social justice issues. Joel Smollett did not only dream about the arts but also actively participated in it. He was an actor and a producer. He had immense love for storytelling. Basically, he did everything that would later be possible for his kids. At the same time, he was a vocal and firm advocate for increased representation and diversity in Hollywood. This pledge to justice was a component of his personal character.
The Smollett Family Foundation
Besides Joel Smollett and Janet, there were 6 more members in the family. They are Jazz, Jussie, Jurnee, JoJo, Jake, and Jocqui. Six artist children raised by one parent? What a home full of creativity and undoubtedly chaos! Traveling and accepting various modeling and acting gigs were a common routine in the family. The children became successful early enough. They even made the 1994 sitcom On Our Own starring all the six of them. This experience, as the family pointed out, was one of the many that showed their strong bond. Family support was the foundation that Mr. Smollett built with the bricks of love. He firmly believed in the power of the support and the trust of one’s own abilities. It was this atmosphere that would later be referred to as the family’s secret weapon in such a competitive industry.
Mentorship and the Legacy of Joel Smollett
In spite of Joel Smollett acting career, Joel Smollett was the most influential figure off-camera. Together with his children, he wore the hats of manager and mentor. Being familiar with the twists and turns of the entertainment business, he offered help that was very valuable. Together with his advice, they were able to deal with difficulties such as being typecast and feeling the pressure that comes with being in the public eye. This was the neat strategy that ultimately rounded off his children’s successful careers. The impact he had on Jurnee Smollett as an actress cannot be fathomed to be less. She was able to attract the critics’ attention very early in her career. This success is the exact representation of the ideals that her father instilled in her. The help from Smollett, Sr. was mainly focused on grit and diligence.
The Enduring Influence of Joel Smollett
Joel Smollett died in 2015 after living 58 years on earth. The family of Joel Smollett really felt the loss greatly and profoundly. Nevertheless, one of the first things his children do is to talk about their father’s influence. They often talk about his support and his love for art, and on that note, they continue his legacy by endorsing diversity in their work as well. The unity and achievement of the Smollett brothers and sisters is what really keeps the memory of their father alive. Every Emmy nomination or revolutionary character can be traced back to where he laid the foundation. Joel Smollett was a great family patriarch and a father who the kids could look up to in the hard industry of show business.
FAQs
1. How many children did Joel Smollett have?
Joel Smollett was the father of six children with his wife, Janet: Jazz, Jussie, Jurnee, JoJo, Jake, and Jocqui.
2. Was Joel Smollett an actor?
Yes, Joel Smollett was an actor and a producer. He was involved in the projects of various kinds, among which was the 1994 sitcom On Our Own in which he acted alongside his children.
3. What was Joel Smollett’s ethnic background?
Joel Smollett was a mixed-race child. His father was a Jewish (Ashkenazi) and his mother was an African-American and Irish.
4. When did Joel Smollett pass away?
Joel Smollett left this world on January 7, 2015, when he was 58 years old.
5. How did Joel Smollett influence his children’s careers?
Joel Smollett was both their mentor and manager. Without a doubt, strong morals were put into the children’s heads as he fought for the representation of different groups, thus, Pauline Arts allowed his children to love the arts and follow their career callings without being scared.
