7 Surprising Facts About Jazz Smollett: From Child Star To Design Mogul And Culinary Expert
Few names in Hollywood carry the same weight and complexity as "Smollett," but among the six talented siblings, Jazz Smollett has carved out a unique and successful niche for herself that extends far beyond the family’s acting roots. As of the current date in late 2025, her career is focused on a compelling blend of home design, culinary arts, and production, making her one of the most versatile personalities on television today.
Her latest and most prominent venture, the hit CLEO TV series Living by Design with Jake and Jazz Smollett, continues to draw a significant audience, proving her transition from a child actress to a lifestyle guru was a masterstroke. This article dives into her complete profile and the most up-to-date details of her life and career.
Jazz Smollett: Complete Biography and Professional Profile
Jazz Smollett is an American multi-hyphenate known for her work as a television host, producer, cookbook author, and former actress. She is a member of the renowned Smollett family, which includes her five siblings, all of whom have established careers in the entertainment industry.
- Full Name: Jazz Smollett-Warwell
- Date of Birth: April 11, 1980
- Place of Birth: California, USA
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: TV Host, Producer, Cookbook Author, Lifestyle Expert, Former Actress
- Years Active: 1990s–Present
- Known For: On Our Own (ABC sitcom), Living by Design with Jake and Jazz Smollett (CLEO TV), and co-authoring The Family Table cookbook.
- Spouse: Troy Warwell (married)
- Siblings: Jojo Smollett, Jussie Smollett, Jurnee Smollett, Jake Smollett, and Jocqui Smollett.
- Parents: Janet Harris and Joel Smollett (father, deceased)
The Evolution of a Career: From Child Star to Lifestyle Guru
Jazz Smollett’s journey in the entertainment world began at a young age, alongside her siblings. Her early career established her as a recognizable face, but her later professional pivot is what truly defined her path as a successful entrepreneur and lifestyle figure.
The Breakthrough Role in *On Our Own*
Much like her younger siblings, Jazz’s acting debut was on the ABC sitcom On Our Own, which aired from 1994 to 1995. She played the role of Jai Jerrico, one of the six orphaned siblings taken in by a distant uncle. This show provided the initial platform for the entire Smollett family to showcase their collective talent to a national audience.
While the sitcom was short-lived, it served as a crucial launchpad for the siblings' subsequent individual careers. Jazz, however, began to shift her focus away from acting and toward the behind-the-scenes and lifestyle aspects of media production.
Mastering the Art of Production and Design
In the years following her acting career, Jazz quietly built a substantial resume as a producer and production manager. This transition demonstrated her business acumen and her desire to shape content from the ground up, rather than just performing in it. Her credits in production are a testament to her versatility in the entertainment landscape.
This experience proved invaluable for her current, highly successful venture. Jazz’s keen eye for aesthetics and her organizational skills are the backbone of her design career.
*Living by Design*: The CLEO TV Hit and Current Focus
The most significant and up-to-date chapter in Jazz Smollett’s career is her role as the co-host and co-creator of Living by Design with Jake and Jazz Smollett. This CLEO TV hit series, which continues to air new episodes, has cemented her status as a top-tier lifestyle expert.
The Show’s Unique Concept
The series pairs Jazz with her brother, Jake Smollett, a talented chef. The show’s format is a perfect marriage of their skills: Jazz handles the interior design and décor, while Jake focuses on the culinary aspects. Together, they transform the living, work, and play spaces of millennial families.
The core intention of the show is not just renovation, but to help young families bring their dream homes to life, often within small or challenging spaces. Jazz’s design philosophy emphasizes creating functional, beautiful, and personalized environments, making her a relatable and aspirational figure for the show's target audience.
A Powerful Partnership: Jazz and Jake Smollett
The dynamic between the siblings is a key component of the show's appeal. While Jake brings the delicious, inventive recipes and a focus on the kitchen, Jazz brings the vision for the overall aesthetic and organization of the home. Their synergy on screen highlights the show’s central theme of collaboration and family support.
The success of the series on CLEO TV, a network dedicated to content for millennial women of color, underscores Jazz’s relevance and connection with a modern, diverse viewership.
Beyond the Screen: Culinary Arts and Family Life
Jazz’s professional life is not limited to television production and design; she is also a celebrated culinary figure, a role deeply rooted in her family's history.
The Family Table Cookbook
In 2018, Jazz, along with her siblings Jake, Jurnee, and Jussie, co-authored the cookbook The Family Table: Recipes and Moments from a Nomadic Life. The book is a heartfelt collection of recipes and stories that chronicle the Smollett family’s nomadic childhood, traveling across the United States.
The cookbook serves as a beautiful tribute to her mother, Janet Harris, who instilled in all her children a deep appreciation for food, family, and gathering around the table. This project further established Jazz as an authority in the culinary and lifestyle space, complementing her work on Living by Design.
Personal Life and Family Entity
Jazz Smollett is married to Troy Warwell, and the couple has built a life outside of the constant media spotlight that often follows the Smollett family. While she maintains a degree of privacy, her dedication to her family, both her immediate and her famous siblings (Jojo, Jussie, Jurnee, Jake, Jocqui), remains a consistent theme in her public narrative.
The Smollett siblings are often cited as a prime example of a close-knit, talented family that has navigated the complexities of Hollywood together, with Jazz often playing a supportive and steadying role, particularly in her professional capacity as a producer and manager. Her focus on creating beautiful, functional homes and delicious food reflects a desire to build and maintain a strong foundation, both professionally and personally.
Detail Author:
- Name : Ms. Trycia Goldner
- Username : keira.bradtke
- Email : pkoepp@hickle.com
- Birthdate : 1974-11-05
- Address : 37167 Swaniawski Locks North Noreneberg, MS 76074
- Phone : +1 (843) 412-1408
- Company : Runolfsdottir-Wehner
- Job : Trainer
- Bio : Minus quas dolores et. Magnam est facilis ea repudiandae aut. Ea eaque doloribus qui molestias. Id placeat sed ad officia.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/llewellyn3419
- username : llewellyn3419
- bio : Rem aut rerum dignissimos asperiores.
- followers : 6634
- following : 2310
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/lcrona
- username : lcrona
- bio : Et et qui ut. Maiores dolorem maxime dolorum in vero velit. Et ut sunt quam quas nihil ad.
- followers : 5222
- following : 1195
