LL Cool J Biography: Age, Movies, Net Worth, Parents, Wife, Children, Height, TV Shows

Biography

LL Cool J, born James Todd Smith on January 14, 1968, in Bay Shore, New York, is celebrated American rapper, actor, and entrepreneur.

Rising to fame in the 1980s as one of hip-hop’s first superstars, he released his debut album, Radio (1985), at age 16, featuring hits like “I Can’t Live Without My Radio.” Known for his charismatic delivery, pioneering role in blending rap with pop, and hits such as “Mama Said Knock You Out” and “Hey Lover,” he has earned two Grammy Awards.

Beyond music, LL Cool J starred in films like Any Given Sunday and TV shows like NCIS: Los Angeles. A trailblazer in hip-hop culture, he’s also a businessman and philanthropist with a career spanning over four decades.

American rapper and actor
LL Cool J
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	James Todd Smith
Stage Name:	LL Cool J
Born:	14 January 1968 (age 57 years old)
Place of Birth:	Bay Shore, New York, United States
Nationality:	American
Education:	Andrew Jackson High School,
Height:	1.87 m
Parents:	Ondrea Griffith, James Nunya
Siblings:	N/A
Spouse:	Simone Smith (m. 1995)
Girlfriend • Partner:	Kidada Jones (1992-1994), Karrine Steffans (2007), Pilar Sanders (1996), Gabrielle Union
Children:	Samaria Leah Wisdom Smith, Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith, Nina Simone Smith, Italia Anita Maria Smith
Occupation:	Actor • Rapper
Net Worth:	$120 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

LL Cool J, born James Todd Smith on January 14, 1968, in Bay Shore, New York, is of African-American descent and identifies as Christian, though he rarely discusses specific denominational ties.

He was raised primarily by his mother, Ondrea Griffith, and grandparents in Queens, New York, after his parents’ separation. His father, James Louis Smith Jr. (James Nunya), was involved in a traumatic incident when LL was four, shooting his mother and grandfather during a dispute; both survived, deeply impacting his early life.

As an only child, he grew up without siblings. In the St. Albans neighbourhood of Queens, he attended Andrew Jackson High School but dropped out to pursue music.

At 16, he signed with Def Jam Recordings, prioritizing his rap career over formal education, leading to his debut album, Radio (1985). His early exposure to hip-hop culture and family support fueled his rise as a music icon.

Career

LL Cool J, born James Todd Smith, stands as a trailblazer in hip-hop with a dynamic career that spans music, acting, and entrepreneurship. He first made waves at just 16 years old with his debut album Radio (1985), released under Def Jam Recordings—a label he played a key role in building into a hip-hop powerhouse.

Packed with iconic tracks like “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” and “Rock the Bells,” the album highlighted his confident style and sharp lyricism, establishing him as one of rap’s earliest solo superstars.

His follow-up work, including Bigger and Deffer (1987), which featured the hit “I Need Love,” helped pioneer the fusion of rap and R&B, shaping the genre’s crossover success. The 1990 release Mama Said Knock You Out marked a pivotal comeback, earning a Grammy for its title track and reaffirming his place in hip-hop after a brief slump.

Over the course of 14 studio albums, including Mr. Smith (1995) with the Grammy-winning “Hey Lover” and G.O.A.T. (2000), LL Cool J consistently delivered hits like “Doin’ It” and “Loungin’,” maintaining his relevance across four decades and selling millions of records.

Beyond music, LL Cool J successfully transitioned into acting, appearing in films such as Any Given Sunday (1999), Deep Blue Sea (1999), and S.W.A.T. (2003). His most notable TV role was as Special Agent Sam Hanna on NCIS: Los Angeles (2009–2023), where he starred for 14 seasons, demonstrating an impressive range. He also brought his charm to hosting Lip Sync Battle (2015–2019), connecting with a broader entertainment audience.

As an entrepreneur, LL Cool J co-founded the music-sharing platform P.O.G. in the ’90s and launched the Todd Smith clothing line. He’s authored books, including fitness guides, and actively supports philanthropic efforts focused on youth and music education.

His impact has been recognized with high-profile hosting gigs, such as the Grammy Awards, and his 2023 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions to music.

Social Media

• Wikipedia: LL Cool J
• IMDb LL Cool J
• Instagram: LL COOL J (@llcoolj)
• Facebook: LL COOL J
• Twitter: LLCOOLJ (@llcoolj)

Personal Life

LL Cool J, born James Todd Smith on January 14, 1968, is 57 years old. He has been married to Simone Smith since August 7, 1995, and their nearly three-decade marriage is a cornerstone of his personal life.

They met when LL was 19, introduced by a mutual friend, and have remained together through his rise to fame and beyond. They have four children: one son, Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith (born 1989), and three daughters, Italia Anita Maria Smith (born 1990), Samaria Leah Wisdom Smith (born 1995), and Nina Simone Smith (born 2000).

Simone, a jewelry designer, survived a rare bone cancer diagnosis in 2004, with LL’s public support highlighting their strong bond. No other marriages have been reported for either.

LL Cool J stands at 6 feet 2 inches tall, a stature that enhances his commanding presence in music and acting.

His dating history includes a confirmed relationship with actress and model Kidada Jones from 1992 to 1994 before his marriage to Simone.

Additionally, LL Cool J is rumoured to have had brief romantic connections with author Karrine Steffans in 2007, Pilar Sanders in 1996, and actress Gabrielle Union; however, these remain unconfirmed and are based on speculation.

Net Worth

LL Cool J’s net worth is estimated at approximately $120 million. His wealth stems from a prolific music career, with over 14 studio albums, including hits like Mama Said Knock You Out, and his pioneering role in hip-hop.

Additional income comes from his acting career, notably as Sam Hanna in NCIS: Los Angeles (2009–2023), and hosting Lip Sync Battle. Entrepreneurial ventures, such as his Todd Smith clothing line and past involvement in music platforms, along with endorsements and philanthropy, further bolster his financial success.

Discography

Studio Albums

1. Radio (1985) – Hits: “I Can’t Live Without My Radio,” “Rock the Bells”
2. Bigger and Deffer (1987) – Hits: “I Need Love,” “I’m Bad”
3. Walking with a Panther (1989) – Hits: “Going Back to Cali,” “I’m That Type of Guy”
4. Mama Said Knock You Out (1990) – Hits: “Mama Said Knock You Out,” “Around the Way Girl”
5. 14 Shots to the Dome (1993) – Hits: “How I’m Comin’,” “Back Seat”
6. Mr. Smith (1995) – Hits: “Hey Lover,” “Doin’ It,” “Loungin’”
7. Phenomenon (1997) – Hits: “Phenomenon,” “4, 3, 2, 1”
8. G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) (2000) – Hits: “Imagine That,” “You and Me”
9. 10 (2002) – Hits: “Luv U Better,” “Paradise”
10. The DEFinition (2004) – Hits: “Headsprung,” “Hush”
11. Todd Smith (2006) – Hits: “Control Myself”
12. Exit 13 (2008) – Hits: “Baby,” “Feel My Heart Beat”
13. Authentic (2013) – Hits: “Whaddup,” “We Came to Party”
14. The FORCE (2024) – Hits: “Saturday Night Special,” “Proclivities”

Notable Singles and Collaborations

• Collaborated with artists like Jennifer Lopez, Boyz II Men, Redman, Method Man, and Q-Tip.
• Contributed to soundtracks, including “Deepest Bluest” for Deep Blue Sea (1999) and “Ain’t Nobody” for Beavis and Butt-Head Do America (1996).

Filmography

Film Roles

1. Krush Groove (1985) – Himself (cameo)
2. Wildcats (1986) – Rapper
3. The Hard Way (1991) – Detective Billy
4. Toys (1992) – Captain Patrick Zevo
5. Out-of-Sync (1995) – Jason St. Julian
6. B.A.P.S. (1997) – Himself (cameo)
7. Caught Up (1998) – Roger
8. Woo (1998) – Himself (cameo)
9. Deep Blue Sea (1999) – Sherman “Preacher” Dudley
10. In Too Deep (1999) – Dwayne Gittens / God
11. Any Given Sunday (1999) – Julian Washington
12. Rollerball (2002) – Marcus Ridley
13. Deliver Us from Eva (2003) – Raymond
14. S.W.A.T. (2003) – Deacon “Deke” Kaye
15. Mindhunters (2004) – Gabe Jensen
16. Edison (2005) – Officer Rafe Deed
17. Slow Burn (2005) – Luther Pinks
18. Last Holiday (2006) – Sean Williams
19. Grudge Match (2013) – Frankie Brite

Television Roles

1. In the House (1995–1998) – Marion Hill (main role, sitcom)
2. Oz (1997) – Jiggy Walker (guest role)
3. 30 Rock (2007) – Ridikolus (guest role)
4. NCIS (2009) – Sam Hanna (guest role, crossover)
5. NCIS: Los Angeles (2009–2023) – Special Agent Sam Hanna (main role, 323 episodes)
6. Lip Sync Battle (2015–2019) – Host
7. Hawaii Five-0 (2011–2019) – Sam Hanna (recurring crossover role)

Television – Other Appearances

• Hosted the Grammy Awards (2012, 2013, 2015, 2016).
• Guest appearances on shows like House M.D., The Man, and American Dad!
• Competed on Dancing with the Stars (2023, Season 32).

Books

1. I Make My Own Rules (1997) – Autobiography with Karen Hunter.
2. LL Cool J’s Platinum Workout (2006) – Fitness guide with Dave Honig and Jeff O’Connell.

Business Ventures

• Co-founded P.O.G. (Power of God), a music-sharing platform in the 1990s.
• Launched Todd Smith clothing line.
• Endorsement deals with brands like FUBU, Gap, and Kangol.

Awards and Honors

• Two Grammy Awards: Best Rap Solo Performance for “Mama Said Knock You Out” (1991) and “Hey Lover” (1996).
• Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2023) for Musical Excellence.
• Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2016).
• NAACP Image Awards and MTV Video Music Awards for music and acting contributions.

Other Contributions

• Produced tracks and albums for himself and others.
• Philanthropy: Supports youth programs, music education, and cancer research (inspired by his wife’s battle with bone cancer).
• Co-hosted iHeartRadio Music Festival and other music events.