Jojo Smollett Actor: The Unsung Talent of a Hollywood Dynasty
While the Smollett name is practically synonymous with Hollywood, the story of the eldest brother, Jojo Smollett, remains largely untold. He is the quiet force, the steady hand that has often guided the family from behind the scenes. This is not another story about the Smollett family; this is the story of the man who helped build the dynasty.
Jojo Smollett is an actor, a producer, and the anchor of one of America’s most famous entertainment families. He has navigated a career that has seen him in front of the camera and behind it, always with a focus on family and creativity. His journey is a fascinating study in how to carve out a unique identity within a collective of stars.
This article will provide a comprehensive look into Jojo Smollett’s life, career, and unique role within his family. We will go beyond the surface-level information available elsewhere to paint a complete picture of the man, the artist, and the brother. We will explore his early years, his breakout role in a beloved 90s sitcom, his transition to behind-the-scenes work, and his unwavering commitment to his family.
The Early Years: Forging a Path in a Famous Family
The Smollett family’s story is one of talent, resilience, and a whole lot of moving. With parents who met during a civil rights campaign, the six Smollett children were raised in a home that valued creativity and activism. Their nomadic upbringing, which saw them move 13 times between the East and West Coasts, was a testament to their parents’ determination to provide for their large family. Janet, the matriarch, even built the family’s furniture, including cribs and beds, to save money. This environment of resourcefulness and creativity undoubtedly shaped the children’s futures.
Jojo, as the eldest, was the first to step into the spotlight. His acting career began in 1991 with a guest role on the popular sitcom Roseanne, where he played Chuck Jr. That same year, he made his film debut in the critically acclaimed drama City of Hope, directed by John Sayles. These early roles showcased his natural talent and set the stage for a long and varied career in the entertainment industry.
Jojo Smollett’s Early Filmography (1991-1994)
| Project | Year | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roseanne | 1991 | Chuck Jr. | Television debut in the episode “The Bowling Show” |
| City of Hope | 1991 | Desmond | Film debut in a drama about urban life |
| Last Breeze of Summer | 1991 | Elijah | A short film |
| On Our Own | 1994-1995 | Jimi Jerrico | Lead role in the ABC sitcom with his siblings |
“On Our Own”: The Sitcom That Defined a Generation of Smolletts
In 1994, the Smollett family became a household name with the premiere of the ABC sitcom On Our Own. The show, which featured all six real-life siblings, was a unique and heartwarming addition to the 90s television landscape. It told the story of the seven Jerrico siblings, who are left to fend for themselves after their parents die in a car accident. The eldest brother, Josh, played by Ralph Louis Harris, even disguises himself as their “Aunt Jelcinda” to keep social services at bay. Jojo Smollett played Jimi Jerrico, the second-oldest sibling, a role that cemented his place in the hearts of a generation of television viewers.
The show was more than just a job for the Smollett siblings; it was an extension of their real-life family dynamic. The set was described as a “heaven” by Jurnee, where the siblings would eat breakfast together and work in harmony. This was a direct reflection of their upbringing, where their parents instilled in them a “no-conflict” rule. In a 1994 interview with the Los Angeles Times, a young Jojo explained, “We get along really well. People say it’s amazing. We’ve been brought up to reject conflict. We think it’s a waste of time to fight and argue.” This philosophy was the secret ingredient to their on-screen chemistry.
On Our Own was significant not just for the Smollett family, but for television as a whole. In an era with few representations of large Black families on screen, the show was a trailblazer. It offered a positive and loving portrayal of siblinghood and resilience in the face of adversity. Though it only lasted for one season, its impact was undeniable, launching the careers of the Smollett siblings and leaving a lasting impression on its audience.
Beyond the Spotlight: A Career in Production and Design
While many actors chase the spotlight for their entire careers, Jojo Smollett has shown a remarkable versatility and a willingness to step behind the camera. His career is not just defined by the roles he has played, but also by the projects he has helped create. This shift in focus reveals a deeper passion for the creative process, from concept to execution.
In 2016, the Smollett family returned to television in a new format with the Food Network show Smollett Eats. Jojo served as an executive producer on the series, which showcased the family’s culinary talents and their infectious love for food and each other. The show was a natural extension of their family life, and it led to the publication of their collaborative cookbook, “The Family Table: Recipes and Moments From A Nomadic Life,” in 2018.
Jojo’s creative talents extend beyond the kitchen. In 2019, he took on the role of design coordinator for the CLEO TV home improvement show Living by Design with Jake and Jazz. The series, which he co-hosted with his siblings Jake and Jazz, combined their love for design, food, and family. Jojo’s eye for design and his ability to transform spaces showcased yet another facet of his creative abilities. The family’s collaborative spirit is a recurring theme in their work, with Jurnee once telling The Hollywood Reporter, “Everyone who knows me knows that I love my brother and I believe my brother,” a sentiment that reflects the deep bond that fuels their creative endeavors.
The Anchor of the Family: Jojo’s Unique Role
In a family of stars, it can be easy for one to get lost in the glare of the spotlight. But Jojo Smollett has carved out a unique and vital role for himself as the anchor of the Smollett family. His quiet strength, his commitment to harmony, and his unwavering support for his siblings have made him the bedrock upon which the family dynasty is built. This is a role he has played both on and off the screen, and it is perhaps his most important contribution to the Smollett legacy.
The Smollett family’s “no-conflict” philosophy is not just a quaint family motto; it is a way of life. And Jojo, as the eldest, has been instrumental in upholding this value. His 1994 statement to the Los Angeles Times that the family was “brought up to reject conflict” because it is a “waste of time to fight and argue” provides a rare glimpse into the core values that have guided the Smolletts. This commitment to harmony has been the glue that has held the family together through the ups and downs of life in the public eye.
While his siblings Jurnee and Jussie have achieved international fame, Jojo has often chosen a different path, one that prioritizes collaboration and behind-the-scenes work. This is not a sign of lesser ambition, but rather a testament to his unique understanding of his own strengths and his desire to support his family in a different way. His work as a producer and design coordinator demonstrates a creative spirit that is just as vital as that of his on-screen siblings. When his brother Jussie faced legal troubles, Jojo was a constant and vocal supporter, a clear demonstration of his loyalty and his role as the family’s protector.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1. Is Jojo Smollett related to Jussie Smollett?
- Yes, Jojo Smollett is the older brother of actor Jussie Smollett. They are two of the six siblings in the talented Smollett family.
- 2. What does Jojo Smollett do for a living?
- Jojo Smollett is a versatile artist who works as an actor, producer, and designer. He has appeared in several TV shows and films, including a starring role in the 1990s sitcom “On Our Own.” He has also worked behind the scenes as an executive producer on “Smollett Eats” and a design coordinator on “Living by Design with Jake and Jazz.”
- 3. How old is Jojo Smollett?
- Born on August 28, 1977, Jojo Smollett is 48 years old as of 2026.
- 4. What was Jojo Smollett’s role in “On Our Own”?
- In the ABC sitcom “On Our Own,” Jojo Smollett played the character Jimi Jerrico, the second-oldest of the seven orphaned siblings.
- 5. What is Jojo Smollett’s net worth?
- While an exact figure is not public, Jojo Smollett’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million, accumulated from his decades-long career in acting and production.
Conclusion: The Quiet Architect of a Hollywood Dynasty
Jojo Smollett’s career is a masterclass in navigating the complexities of a life in the public eye with grace and integrity. He is an actor of considerable talent, a producer with a keen eye for compelling stories, and a designer with a flair for creating beautiful spaces. But perhaps his most significant role has been that of the quiet architect of the Smollett family dynasty, the steady hand that has guided his siblings through the turbulent waters of Hollywood.
His journey reminds us that success is not always measured by the brightness of the spotlight. It is also found in the quiet contributions, the unwavering support, and the steadfast commitment to family. Jojo Smollett may not be the most famous of his siblings, but his impact is no less profound. He is the unsung talent, the quiet force, and the true anchor of a remarkable family.
What are your favorite memories of the Smollett family’s work? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s celebrate the diverse talents of this incredible dynasty.
