The rumor mill has often churned out stories about possible family ties between Kamala Harris and Jussie Smollett, two prominent figures in American society.
Some have speculated that they are related, but is there any truth to this claim?
Let’s explore their backgrounds, family details, and whether they are connected.
Who Are Kamala Harris and Jussie Smollett?
Kamala Harris is the 49th Vice President of the United States, breaking historical barriers as the first woman, African American, and Asian American to hold the office.
She previously served as a U.S. Senator and California’s Attorney General, making a mark with her advocacy for social justice and criminal justice reform.
Jussie Smollett, on the other hand, is an American actor and singer, best known for his role as Jamal Lyon on the hit TV show Empire.
He’s also recognized for his role in the 1992 movie The Mighty Ducks. His career took a controversial turn after his involvement in a staged hate crime incident in 2019.
Are Kamala Harris and Jussie Smollett Related?
.@JussieSmollett is one of the kindest, most gentle human beings I know. I’m praying for his quick recovery.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) January 29, 2019
This was an attempted modern day lynching. No one should have to fear for their life because of their sexuality or color of their skin. We must confront this hate.
Contrary to popular belief, Kamala Harris and Jussie Smollett are not related.
Rumors about a familial bond surfaced when they were seen together at public events, and Vice President Harris publicly expressed support for Smollett after his alleged hate crime in 2019.
Speculation grew stronger when Judge Joe Brown claimed that Jussie had admitted to Kamala Harris about the incident involving a noose.
However, there is no solid evidence that suggests any blood or marriage ties between the two.
Their connection appears to be more political than personal.
In 2018, Harris and Smollett marched together in support of immigrant rights, and they share common social justice values. Still, no family relation has ever been confirmed.
Who Are Kamala Harris and Jussie Smollett’s Parents?
Kamala Harris was born to Shyamala Gopalan and Donald Harris.
Her mother, Shyamala, was a breast cancer researcher from India, while her father, Donald, is a Jamaican-born economist.
The couple divorced when Kamala was a child, and Shyamala raised her and her sister, Maya, in a predominantly Black community in Oakland, California.
Jussie Smollett’s parents are Joel Smollett and Janet Harris Smollett.
Joel was of Jewish-Russian descent, while Janet was of African-American heritage.
Jussie comes from a large, tight-knit family, with many of his siblings involved in the entertainment industry. The Smollett family’s diverse background has influenced Jussie’s artistic path and identity.
Kamala Harris and Jussie Smollett’s Brothers and Siblings
Kamala Harris’s siblings are Maya Harris (her younger sister), who is a lawyer and political analyst, and Kamala’s brother-in-law is Tony West, the legal chief of Uber.
Jussie Smollett’s siblings are Jurnee, Jake, Jojo, Jazz, Jocqui, and Jake Smollett.
His sister, Jurnee Smollett, is an accomplished actress known for her roles in Eve’s Bayou and Lovecraft Country. The entire Smollett family has been active in the entertainment industry, often working together on projects.
Kamala Harris and Jussie Smollett’s Ethnicity & Religion
Kamala Harris is of Indian and Jamaican descent.
Her mother’s heritage is rooted in South India, while her father hails from Jamaica.
Kamala has openly discussed the impact of both her African-American and South Asian identities on her life and career.
She identifies with Baptist Christianity, but she also honors her mother’s Hindu traditions.
Jussie Smollett is of mixed ethnicity, with African-American and Jewish roots.
His Jewish heritage comes from his father’s side, while his mother is African-American.
Smollett identifies with Judaism but has also embraced aspects of African-American culture throughout his life.
Kamala Harris and Jussie Smollett’s Weight & Age
As of 2024, Kamala Harris is 59 years old, born on October 20, 1964.
She stands around 5 feet 2 inches tall and maintains a healthy weight that is reported to be around 128 pounds.
Jussie Smollett, born on June 21, 1982, is 42 years old in 2024.
He is approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 175 pounds. His physical fitness has been evident through his various roles in TV and film.
Kamala Harris and Jussie Smollett’s Net Worth
Kamala Harris:
Kamala Harris’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million.
Much of her wealth comes from her time as a California Senator, Vice President, and her various book deals.
Kamala earns $284,600 annually as Vice President, and she and her husband, Douglas Emhoff, have substantial real estate holdings.
- Book Deals: Kamala has published several books, including The Truths We Hold and Superheroes Are Everywhere, contributing to her wealth.
- Properties: Harris and Emhoff own a $5 million home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, as well as other investments.
- Douglas Emhoff’s Contributions: Kamala’s husband is a highly successful lawyer, further adding to their household income.
Jussie Smollett:
Jussie Smollett’s net worth is significantly lower, estimated at around $300,000 due to legal issues. Smollett enjoyed substantial earnings during his time on Empire, where he reportedly made around $125,000 per episode at his peak.
However, his career took a major hit after his involvement in the 2019 hate crime hoax, where he was sentenced to 150 days in jail and ordered to pay significant fines. The scandal impacted his ability to land acting roles and endorsements, leading to a financial downturn.
- Early Earnings: Smollett earned most of his wealth from Empire and his work as a singer and actor.
- Legal Troubles: The court fines, legal fees, and damage to his reputation have diminished his wealth over the years.
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Conclusion
While the rumors of Kamala Harris and Jussie Smollett being related have captivated some, they remain just that—rumors.
The two share no familial ties but have crossed paths in social and political arenas. Both Kamala and Jussie have made significant marks in their fields, though in different ways.
Their family backgrounds, career trajectories, and fortunes tell distinct stories, showing the unique paths they have followed.
