Jharrel Jerome's Parents: The Actor Is Grateful to Have Grown up with a 'Lot of Love'

Jharrel Jerome's parents have been by their son's side since he shot to fame as an actor with roles in multiple critically-acclaimed films and TV shows. The "Moonlight" star grew up in a tight-knit family and still shares a close bond with his mom and dad.

Jharrel Jerome's parents raised him and his sister in the Bronx, New York, and while their lives weren't always easy, there was never a short supply of love. According to the actor, his family — including his grandparents, cousins, and aunt — shared everything.

Following his rise to prominence, Jharrel Jerome has counted on his parents to keep him grounded. The "When They See Us" star revealed that his mom and dad never allowed him to go astray and encouraged him to pursue his creative ambitions.

Jharrel Jerome Shares a Close Relationship with His Parents

Jerome grew up in a small family of his parents, sister, two cousins, aunts, and grandparents. However, the actor recalled always being surrounded by love. "It was very intimate. But I grew up with a lot of love [...]," Jerome said. He added:

"All I knew was my life in the Bronx. I come from a small, tight-knit family. I'm very family-oriented, and I had only a few solid friends growing up."

Sadly, in 2015, the "Moonlight" — co-starring Ashton Sanders, Trevante Rhodes, Mahershala Ali, and Janelle Monáe — star's circle of loved ones grew smaller as he took to Instagram to mourn the loss of his grandfather.

Jerome was born to traditional Latin and African-American parents who were "appropriately strict."

"Yesterday, a beautiful soul went to God. My heart is broken, and I can't imagine a life without my grandfather. But I do know that he is watching me. He is up there whispering his inside jokes into my ear. He is up there giving me the advice I need," Jerome shared.

Jharrel Jerome's Mother Encouraged Him to Try His Hand at Performing

Despite his success as an actor, Jerome revealed that he had only caught the acting bug just before he was in high school. "It came down to my mom saying, 'Why don't you try out for some performing arts schools in the city?'" Jerome shared.

The actor added that his mom not only catalyzed his budding acting career but also used to run around town with him, looking for plays at different drama books shops and working on scripts with him at night. In honor of his mother's birthday in 2015, Jerome shared:

"The most inspiring woman in my life. Happy birthday mommy. Being in college makes me realize how much I truly need you sometimes. But I'll be back soon. I love you so much."

The actor also celebrated his mother in honor of Mother's Day in 2020. In 2021, Jerome's mom shared, "Jharrel, no matter how many years go by, no matter how far you are away from me, nothing can change the bond between us. You will forever be in my heart."

Jharrel Jerome's Parents Have Supported Their Son's Career

Jerome was born to traditional Latin and African-American parents who were "appropriately strict" enough to ensure their son did not get caught up in the bad influences around him. "[...] It's not hard to grow up in a life of crime coming from the Bronx," Jerome said.

The actor's parents have since supported their son's career every step of the way. His mother was in the crowd when her son won an Emmy at the annual award show, and in 2019, Jharrel Jerome's mom and dad looked proud as they sat in on their son's interview with Jimmy Kimmel on "Jimmy Kimmel Live."