Josiah Bell’s request for a portion of Jurnee Smollett’s retirement funds has sparked a legal and public debate
While California’s community property laws may support his claim, the final decision will depend on court rulings and any private agreements between the former couple.
As updates unfold, this case highlights the importance of financial planning in marriages, particularly for individuals in high-earning professions like acting. Whether Bell succeeds in his claim or not, this situation serves as a reminder that divorce settlements can continue to impact finances years later.
Jurnee Smollett has built a remarkable career in Hollywood, earning recognition for her talent and dedication. With a successful acting career spanning decades, she has accumulated a considerable net worth through television, film, and endorsement deals.
Despite personal challenges, including her divorce from Josiah Bell, she continues to thrive professionally. As she embarks on new projects, fans can expect to see more of her work on both the big and small screens.
Jurnee Smollett remains a prominent figure in Hollywood, not only for her acting prowess but also for her advocacy and contributions to the industry.
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Josiah Bell Seeks Share of Jurnee Smollett’s Retirement Funds Post-Divorce
Divorces among celebrities often lead to financial disputes, and the latest case involving Josiah Bell and Jurnee Smollett is no different.1
Nearly four years after their separation, Bell is now reportedly seeking a portion of Smollett’s retirement funds, including those earned from her time as a child actress and her pension from the Screen Actors Guild (SAG).
The legal battle over financial assets has now gained public attention, especially given California’s strict property division laws regarding marital assets. Below, we explore the different aspects of this case, from their marriage and divorce to the legal implications of Bell’s request.
The Marriage of Jurnee Smollett and Josiah Bell
Jurnee Smollett and Josiah Bell were married in 2010, forming what appeared to be a strong and supportive relationship. The actress, known for her roles in True Blood and Underground, had frequently spoken about her deep connection with Bell.
In a 2013 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she emphasized the importance of vulnerability in a marriage, stating:
“I think as human beings we try to hide our flaws and try to present this perfect person, this person we wish we were to our spouse when that causes so many troubles.”
Their marriage lasted a decade, and they welcomed their son, Hunter, in 2016. However, things took a turn in 2020, when Smollett filed for divorce.
Someone please help a sister out… are we tweeting…?are we x’ing? I’m hella confused…and yes, I’m late af with these questions but clearly I haven’t been on this platform formerly known as twitter in awhile so ….I just found my password so ya know
— jurnee smollett (@jurneesmollett) October 18, 2024
The Divorce and Legal Battle Over Assets
Jurnee Smollett and Josiah Bell’s divorce was finalized in 2021, but financial disputes have continued between them.
The latest reports suggest that Bell is now claiming a portion of Smollett’s pension and retirement funds, including those accumulated from 2010 to 2019—the years they were married.
According to California law, all earnings and financial assets accumulated during a marriage are considered community property and are subject to equal division upon divorce. This means that Bell could be legally entitled to part of Smollett’s pension and acting earnings.
Understanding California’s Property Division Laws
California is a community property state, meaning that any income, property, or assets acquired during a marriage are equally shared between spouses.
This includes:
- Salaries and wages
- Pensions and retirement accounts
- Business profits
- Real estate purchased during the marriage
Since Jurnee Smollett’s SAG pension and acting earnings from 2010 to 2019 were earned while she was married to Bell, they fall under the scope of marital property. This gives Bell legal grounds to claim a share of those funds.
It’s not uncommon for high-profile divorces to involve disputes over retirement funds and pensions. In Hollywood, where actors and entertainers accumulate wealth over time, splitting these assets can be complicated.
In Smollett’s case, Bell is reportedly demanding a transfer of a portion of her retirement funds, as per a court order mentioned in reports. If the court sides with Bell, Smollett may have to transfer a percentage of her pension to him.
This situation mirrors other celebrity divorces where one spouse sought financial support or a division of assets long after the divorce was finalized.
Jurnee Smollett’s Estimated Net Worth
Jurnee Smollett has had a successful acting career spanning decades.2
She started as a child actress and gained recognition for roles in:
- Full House (as Denise Frazer)
- Underground (as Rosalee)
- True Blood (as Nicole Wright)
- Lovecraft Country (as Letitia Lewis)
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Smollett’s fortune is estimated to be $2 million. While this amount may not seem as high compared to other Hollywood celebrities, her earnings are significant—especially when considering pension and retirement savings.
Unlike Smollett, Josiah Bell is less known in mainstream entertainment but has built a career as a musician, songwriter, and producer.
While financial details about his earnings are limited, his claim on Smollett’s retirement funds suggests that he may be seeking additional financial security post-divorce.
If Bell does not have comparable earnings or retirement savings, his legal strategy may be focused on securing a portion of Smollett’s pension as spousal support.
Jurnee Smollett’s Net Worth and Financial Success
Jurnee Smollett’s wealth is primarily derived from her successful career in the entertainment industry.
She has starred in multiple television shows and films, with some of them achieving significant commercial success.
Earnings from Television and Film
Smollett’s journey in the entertainment world started at a young age, and she quickly rose to prominence. Her roles in TV series such as Full House, Friday Night Lights, and True Blood helped her build a solid fanbase.
Meanwhile, her participation in high-budget films like Birds of Prey, The Great Debaters, and The Burial added to her financial success.
While Birds of Prey underperformed at the box office, other films and TV projects ensured that she remained a sought-after actress in Hollywood.
Endorsements and Other Ventures
Apart from acting, Jurnee Smollett has secured lucrative endorsement deals and business ventures. Her collaborations with various brands have also contributed to her net worth.
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Jurnee Smollett: Divorce Agreement Explained
Jurnee Smollett, a New York City native, has gained immense popularity for her exceptional acting skills.3
Over the years, she has portrayed significant roles on television and in films, with her box office earnings contributing to her impressive net worth.
However, beyond her professional success, her personal life, including her divorce settlement, has also garnered media attention.
This article delves into Jurnee Smollett’s career, net worth, and the details surrounding her divorce agreement with Josiah Bell.
Jurnee Smollett and Josiah Bell’s Divorce Settlement
Jurnee Smollett’s personal life took a turn when she filed for divorce from Josiah Bell after nearly a decade of marriage.
Reports indicate that the couple had separated a year before she officially initiated the divorce proceedings.
According to Where is the Buzz, Jurnee Smollett agreed to pay her ex-husband, Josiah Bell, $7,000 per month in child support and alimony. This financial agreement ensures that Bell receives financial assistance following their split.
Dividing Assets and Pension Plan
In addition to monthly support payments, Smollett reportedly paid $1 million to finalize the divorce. A 2021 report by Radar Online suggested that the terms of the settlement were largely kept confidential.
However, it was revealed that she agreed to split 50% of her pension plan from the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and a similar portion of a separate 401(k).
This financial arrangement highlights the complexities involved in high-profile divorce settlements, particularly when both parties have financial assets to consider.
Jurnee Smollett’s Early Career and Rise to Fame
Jurnee Smollett started her career as a child actress, making a name for herself in the 1990s. Her early roles set the foundation for her successful career.
Breakthrough in Television
Smollett gained attention when she played Denise Frazer on Full House from 1992 to 1994. Her portrayal of the character was well received, helping her secure more roles in the entertainment industry.
Following Full House, she starred as Jordee Jerico in the ABC sitcom On Our Own. The show, which featured her real-life siblings, was a stepping stone in her journey to stardom.
Jurnee Smollett: Cooking
Jurnee Smollett trying to make a new recipe named Honey Sriracha Blue Cheese Hot Wings, moreover she shared the preparation on her instagram account.
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Success in the 2000s
In the 2000s, Smollett continued to establish herself as a talented actress. She played Jess Merriweather in the sports drama Friday Night Lights, a role that earned her critical acclaim.
She then starred as Lisa Tyler in The Defenders, a legal drama where she played a young attorney. Additionally, she appeared in True Blood, portraying Nicole Wright in the supernatural fantasy drama.
Jurnee Smollett’s Film Career
In addition to her television success, Jurnee Smollett has appeared in multiple films. Her performances in these projects have helped her expand her career beyond television.
Smollett starred as Dinah Laurel Lance (Black Canary) in Birds of Prey (2020), a film set in the DC Extended Universe. Despite receiving positive reviews for her performance, the movie failed to recoup its budget.
She has also appeared in other films such as:
- Gridiron Gang (2006)
- One Last Thing (2005)
- Spiderhead (2022)
- The Burial (2023)
- Hands of Stone (2016)
- The Great Debaters (2007)
Her diverse filmography showcases her versatility as an actress, allowing her to take on roles in different genres.
Jurnee Smollett’s Impact in Hollywood
Jurnee Smollett has made a significant impact in Hollywood, not only through her acting but also through her advocacy work.
Smollett has been vocal about representation in the entertainment industry. She has spoken out about the importance of diversity and has used her platform to advocate for inclusivity in Hollywood.
Additionally, she has been involved in various social justice movements, supporting causes related to racial equality and women’s rights.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Smollett has received numerous accolades for her performances. Her role in The Great Debaters earned her the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture.
She has also been nominated for several other awards, further solidifying her status as a talented actress.
As a well-established actress, Jurnee Smollett continues to take on new projects that keep her in the spotlight.
Upcoming Films and TV Shows
Smollett has several upcoming projects in development. While details remain under wraps, fans can expect her to return in more television series and films in the coming years.
There have also been rumors that she may reprise her role as Black Canary in a standalone DC movie, although Warner Bros. has not confirmed any official plans.
Given her experience in the industry, Smollett may explore opportunities behind the camera. Many actors transition into producing and directing, and she has expressed interest in expanding her creative work beyond acting.
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