education | January 09, 2026

How old is Jussie Smollett’s elderly mother? How many Smollett siblings are there?

Jussie Smollett is a well-known American actor, songwriter and singer.

Jussie Smollett was born on June 21, 1982, in Santa Rosa, California, United States. He was born to his parents Joel Smollett and Janet Smollett.

Jussie Smollett was raised alongside three brothers and two sisters: Jurnee Smollett, Jake Smollett, Jojo Smollett, Jocqui Smollett, and Jazz Smollett. He is biracial as his mother is African-American while his father is Jewish.

Jussie Smollett and his family had relocated to the Elmhurst neighbourhood in the New York City, Queens when he was two years old, and later to Los Angeles when he was seven. He graduated from Paramus Catholic High School in Paramus, New Jersey.

Jussie Smollett began his acting career as a child model in New York City, Queens and has made appearances in the New York-shot movies Mo’ Better Blues (1990) and New Jack City (1991). As a child actor, he acted in films such as The Mighty Ducks and Rob Reiner’s North.

Jussie Smollett made the breakthrough as Jamal Lyon in 2014 in the Fox drama series Empire, alongside Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard.

How old is Jussie Smollett’s elderly mother?

Jussie Smollett’s elderly mother Janet Smollett is 69 years old.

How many Smollett siblings are there?

There are six Smollett siblings, four brothers and two sisters including Jurnee Smollett, Jake Smollett, Jojo Smollett, Jussie Smollett  Jocqui Smollett, and Jazz Smollett.