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The Untold Story Of Jojo Smollett: 5 Surprising Facts About The Actor And Producer’s Current Life In 2025

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Jojo Smollett, a name often intertwined with one of Hollywood's most talented yet controversial families, has maintained a career in the entertainment industry that spans over three decades. As of late 2025, his life remains a fascinating blend of early child stardom, behind-the-scenes production work, and, most recently, a very public role as a staunch defender of his younger brother, Jussie Smollett.

This article dives deep into the current life and career trajectory of the eldest Smollett sibling, exploring his professional work, his personal convictions, and the surprising ways he has navigated the intense media spotlight that has followed his family for years. His story is far more complex than a simple footnote in a family saga, revealing a dedicated actor and producer with a clear public voice.

Jojo Smollett: Full Biography and Profile

Jojo Smollett, born JoJo Smollett Jr., is an American actor and producer who began his career as a child star in the early 1990s. He is the eldest of the six talented Smollett siblings, all of whom have worked in the entertainment industry.

  • Full Name: JoJo Smollett Jr.
  • Date of Birth: August 28, 1977
  • Age (as of late 2025): 48 years old
  • Place of Birth: New York City, New York, USA
  • Nationality: American
  • Parents: Joel Smollett (father) and Janet Smollett (mother)
  • Siblings: Jazz Smollett, Jussie Smollett, Jurnee Smollett, Jake Smollett, and Jocqui Smollett.
  • Known For: His role as Jimi Jerrico on the ABC sitcom On Our Own (1994–1995).
  • Career Span: 1988–Present (as an actor and producer)
  • Other Ventures: Film producer, writer, and co-star of the Food Network show Smollett Eats.

The Smollett family is known for its collective talent, with all six children starring together in the short-lived but memorable 1990s sitcom On Our Own. Jojo’s career, however, started even earlier, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to acting and production work.

The Versatile Filmography: From Child Star to Producer

Jojo Smollett's career is marked by a steady presence in television and film, primarily during the 1990s and 2000s. Unlike his younger siblings, Jurnee Smollett (known for Lovecraft Country and Birds of Prey) and Jussie Smollett (of Empire fame), Jojo's work often focused on episodic television and smaller, impactful roles.

A Look at Jojo Smollett’s Notable Acting Roles

Jojo's acting debut is often traced back to the hit sitcom Roseanne in 1991. This debut quickly led to more prominent roles, solidifying his status as a recognizable face in the child actor scene of the era.

  • Roseanne (1991): He made his initial television debut on the popular sitcom.
  • City of Hope (1991): Jojo appeared in the drama film as the character Desmond, showcasing his early dramatic range.
  • On Our Own (1994–1995): This is arguably his most famous role, where he starred alongside all his siblings as Jimi Jerrico, one of the six orphaned children living together in a family sitcom.
  • Moesha (1996): He appeared in the UPN sitcom, a staple of 90s Black television, as the character Frasier Norris.
  • The Practice (1997): Jojo took on the role of Stephan Furnald in the acclaimed legal drama, demonstrating his versatility across genres.

While his on-screen appearances became less frequent in the 2000s, his pivot to behind-the-scenes work and other family projects kept him deeply involved in the entertainment industry.

The Pivot to Production and Culinary Ventures

The Smollett family has always been a unit, and their collective projects highlight Jojo’s transition into a producer role. This shift allowed him to leverage his industry experience in a new capacity.

One of the most successful collaborative efforts was the Food Network show, Smollett Eats. The series featured all six siblings sharing family recipes and cooking together. Jojo’s involvement in this show, alongside his siblings Jake and Jazz, showcased a different facet of his professional life—one focused on lifestyle and culinary arts.

He is also credited as a film producer, suggesting an ongoing commitment to developing projects from behind the camera. This producer credit is a key indicator of his continued work in Hollywood, even when not actively seeking acting roles.

Jojo Smollett in 2025: Public Stance and Family Support

In late 2024 and continuing into 2025, Jojo Smollett has stepped back into the public eye, not for a new acting role, but for his powerful and unwavering defense of his brother, Jussie Smollett, who has faced significant legal and public scrutiny.

This public positioning represents the most current and significant development in Jojo’s public life, moving him from a background industry professional to a notable family spokesperson and activist.

The Impactful Op-Ed and Public Statements

In a major development in late 2024, Jojo Smollett penned a highly publicized op-ed article, speaking out forcefully in defense of his brother, Jussie. This piece was a direct response to the ongoing controversy and legal battles surrounding Jussie, who was convicted of staging a hate crime attack in 2019.

Jojo's writing was not merely a personal defense; it was a broader commentary on the American judicial system, media bias, and the difficulty of navigating public opinion when a family member is at the center of a high-profile scandal. This action cemented Jojo's role as the family's most vocal advocate in the court of public opinion.

He has consistently maintained his brother’s innocence and has highlighted what he perceives as systemic issues within the legal process.

The Smollett Family's Unbreakable Bond

The Smollett siblings—Jojo, Jazz, Jussie, Jurnee, Jake, and Jocqui—are known for their tight-knit relationship. This bond has been tested by the intense media scrutiny, but Jojo’s recent actions underscore the family’s commitment to standing by one another.

While Jussie Smollett moves forward with new projects, such as his announced participation in the 2025 season of Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, Jojo continues to offer support.

This collective resilience is a defining characteristic of the Smollett family. Jojo’s willingness to risk his own privacy and professional standing to speak out for his brother is a powerful statement about the importance of family loyalty in the face of adversity.

5 Surprising Facts About Jojo Smollett’s Career and Life

Beyond the headlines and family drama, Jojo Smollett has a unique career path that holds several surprising details for even the most dedicated fans of the Smollett family.

  1. He Was an Early Pioneer of the Family’s Collective Career: Jojo’s early roles in Roseanne and City of Hope predate the collective family sitcom On Our Own, making him one of the first Smollett children to establish a professional acting career.
  2. His Career Span is Over 25 Years: While his most famous role was in the mid-90s, records show Jojo has been professionally active in the industry—whether acting or producing—for over 25 years, a testament to his longevity.
  3. He Is a Published Writer and Activist: His late 2024 op-ed demonstrated a talent for persuasive writing and a willingness to engage in public discourse on social and legal issues, a significant shift from his previous low-profile career.
  4. The Family’s Culinary Show Was a Major Hit: Smollett Eats, the Food Network cooking show he co-starred in, was a successful venture that proved the siblings' collective appeal extends far beyond acting, encompassing a passion for food and family culture.
  5. He and His Siblings Share a Rare Acting Debut Trajectory: It is highly unusual for all six siblings in a single family to co-star in a television series, as they did in On Our Own. This collective debut is a unique and defining feature of Jojo’s career and the family's legacy.

In 2025, Jojo Smollett remains a multi-faceted figure: a former child star, a dedicated producer, and a vocal family advocate. His story is a powerful reminder that behind the headlines of Hollywood controversies, there are individuals with deep personal convictions and a complex professional history.

jojo smollett actor
jojo smollett actor

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