Jussie Smollett

Smollett in 2016, photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com

Birth Name: Justin Smollett

Place of Birth: Santa Rosa, Sonoma, California, United States

Date of Birth: June 21, 1982

Ethnicity:
*father – Ashkenazi Jewish
*mother – African-American, possibly other

Jussie Smollett is an American actor, singer, director, and photographer. He is the son of Janet (Harris) and Joel Smollett. His siblings include Jojo Smollett, Jazz Smollett, Jurnee Smollett, Jake Smollett, and Jocqui Smollett, all of whom have been involved in the entertainment business.

Jussie’s father, who was white, was Ashkenazi Jewish (from a family from Romania, Russia, and Poland). The family surname was Smolovitz several generations back.

Jussie’s mother is black.

Jussie’s sister Jurnee stated in an interview that, aside from African-American, their mother has Native American, Louisiana Creole, and Irish ancestry. It is not clear if this is accurate.

Jussie’s paternal grandfather was Peter Smollett (the son of David Lewis Smolovitz/Smollett and Dawley/Dawlly Levy). Peter was born in New York. David was a Romanian Jewish emigrant, born in Iași, Iași County, the son of Jacob Smolovitz/Smilowitz/Smollett and Rebecca Moscowitz. Dawley was born in New York, to Polish Jewish parents, Charles D. Levy and Esty/Betsy Cohen.

Jussie’s paternal grandmother is Molly/Mollie Hirschenson (the son of Irving I. Hirschenson and Gertrude Horowitz). Molly was born in New York. Irving was the son of Jeremiah Hirschenson and Sarah Heller. Gertrude was the daughter of Louis Horowitz and Anna Lupin.

Jussie’s maternal grandfather was named John Harris.

Jussie’s maternal grandmother was named Grace/Raphel Smith.

Sources: Interview where Jussie’s sister Jurnee mentions her background – http://www.tsdmemphis.com

Genealogies of Jussie Smollet – https://www.geni.com
https://1.bp.blogspot.com

Jussie’s paternal grandfather, Peter Smollett, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Obituary of Jussie’s paternal grandfather, Peter Smollett – https://www.genealogiequebec.com

Marriage record of Jussie’s paternal great-grandparents, David Smolovitz/Smollett and Dawley/Dawlly Levy – https://www.familysearch.org

Jussie’s paternal great-grandfather, David Smolovitz/Smollett, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org