Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
Date of Birth: July 29, 1989
Ethnicity:
*Ashkenazi Jewish (father)
*African-American, Native American, Louisiana Creole, Irish (mother)
Jake Smollett is an American actor.
He is the son of Janet (Harris) and Joel Smollett. His siblings include Jojo Smollett, Jazz Smollett, Jussie Smollett, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, and Jocqui Smollett, all of whom have been involved in the entertainment business.
Jake’s father, who was white, was Ashkenazi Jewish (from a family from Romania, Russia, and Poland). Jake’s mother is black.
Jake’s sister Jurnee stated in an interview that her mother has African-American, Native American, Louisiana Creole, and Irish ancestry.
Jake’s paternal grandfather was Peter Smollett (the son of David Smollett and Dawley/Dawlly Levy). Peter was born in New York. David was a Romanian Jewish emigrant, born in Iași, the son of Jacob Smollett and Rebecca. Dawley was born in New York, to Polish Jewish parents, Charles Levy and Esty Cohen.
Jake’s paternal grandmother’s is named Molly Hirschenson.
Jake’s maternal grandparents are John Harris and Grace Smith.
Sources: Interview where Jake’s sister Jurnee mentions her background – http://www.tsdmemphis.com
Jake’s paternal grandfather, Peter Smollett, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org
Obituary of Jake’s paternal grandfather, Peter Smollett – http://www.legacy.com
Marriage record of Jake’s paternal great-grandparents, David Smollett and Dawley/Dawlly Levy – https://www.familysearch.org