Italia Anita Maria Smith Chose a Career Away from the Spotlight – Her Life as LL Cool J’s Daughter

Italia Anita Maria Smith is LL Cool J's daughter with Simone Smith, who did not join the entertainment industry as an actress. Still, she is successful in her line of work.

LL Cool J is a proud father to three daughters, including Italia Anita Maria Smith, who carved her path in an industry away from the spotlight. Italia also has a family of her own.

While carving her path in life, Italia remains close to her family. Her father also openly welcomed her husband, calling him a gained son.

Italia Anita Maria Smith is in Real Estate

After receiving her education at Manhasset Senior High School, Italia studied at Northeastern University to earn a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, and Marketing. During college, she joined the entertainment industry, working behind the scenes in Marketing and Social Media for CBS.

Following her college graduation, she switched industries and became a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson for Douglas Elliman Real Estate. Wanting to focus on that path, she earned a Commercial Real Estate Certificate at Cornell University and then joined Keller Williams Realty Landmark.

Although she did not become an entertainer, Italia comes with her family during events, including the Fashion Institute of Technology's 2017 commencement ceremony, the A Toast to Summer event in the same year, the opening night of Beyond the Streets in 2019, and the Gabrielle Angel Foundation's Gala in 2021.

Italia Anita Maria Smith Is Married to Lamar Cardinez

Besides her career, Italia is a family mom and loving wife to Lamar Cardinez, her husband since 2017. Italia's mom shared snippets from their wedding on social media, revealing that the ceremony took place on the eve of Father's Day.

The bride and groom looked smitten during their wedding reception, both dressed in all white while making their guests smile. Simone described the event as nothing short of "magical." Other guests also shared special moments from the evening, including the couple dancing the night away.

Her father had nothing but beautiful words to say about Italia's wedding and new life as a married woman. During an interview, LL Cool J said:

"I didn't lose a daughter; I gained a son. [...] I was very emotional, [but] I didn't let them drop though."

Italia and Lamar met as first-year students at Northeastern's D'Amore-McKim School of Business in 2009. They had the same program but chose different career paths. After college, Lamar became an investment banker and earned his MBA at Cornell University.

Despite pursuing different professions, they remained in love and supportive. Italia described her husband as a hardworking man who is also loving, caring, thoughtful, and funny.

Italia Anita Maria Smith Is a Proud Mom of Two

Italia and Lamar are parents to two children. Their youngest daughter, Faith, was born on September 23, 2020, and had a beautiful Instagram tribute from her mom for her first birthday. Their eldest, King Cardinez, was born in March 2018.

Italia sometimes shares glimpses of her family life and motherhood on Instagram, calling it a challenging yet incredible journey. "Multi-tasking, compromise, sacrifice, late nights and early mornings, mistakes, daily achievements and growth," she said of being a mom. "The most important opportunity and blessing.

In July 2023, Italia announced her third pregnancy. Fortunately, Italia's marriage is as strong as her parents, LL Cool J and Simone Smith's union.