LL Cool J.

James Todd Smith

LL Cool J — Actor

Born 14 Jan 1968 Bay Shore, United States

Citizenship United States

Age 58 yr Today

12 min read

Reading time

2,290

Words

Jun 2, 2026

Published

121

Film credits

7

Books

11

Awards

TL;DR

At 16, LL Cool J recorded the single ‘I Need a Beat’ with Rick Rubin, leading to the founding of Def Jam Recordings in 1985. His debut album ‘Radio’ was Def Jam’s first LP, and he later won two Grammys for Best Rap Solo Performance. He transitioned to acting, starring in films like ‘Deep Blue Sea’ and the TV series ‘NCIS: Los Angeles. In 2017, he received the Kennedy Center Honors.

Identity & family.

KIN · 5

Names, aliases, and relatives of LL Cool J — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name James Todd Smith

Nicknames Uncle L, The Future of the Funk, Nickelhead, G.O.A.T., Jack the Ripper, Mr. Smith

Aliases James Todd Smith aka LL Cool J, L.L. Cool J

SPOUSES: Simone Smith
CHILDREN: Samaria Leah Wisdom Smith Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith Italia Anita Maria Smith Nina Simone Smith

At a glance.

STATS

LL Cool J by the numbers — life, work, and family.

58 Age

121 Film credits

7 Books

11 Awards

1 Marriage

4 Children

Who is LL Cool J?

BIOGRAPHY

LL Cool J — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

At age four, LL Cool J witnessed his mother and grandfather being shot by his father in Bay Shore, Long Island. After they recovered, his mother began dating a physical therapist who physically and verbally abused Todd for years, causing him to become a bully. He started wearing hats constantly, a trademark that persisted. At nine, he discovered hip-hop music as an escape, and by eleven he was writing lyrics and making songs with DJ equipment his grandfather gave him. At fifteen, he and a friend created his stage name, meaning Ladies Love Cool James.

Career

In 1985, LL Cool J’s debut album Radio became the first full-length release on Def Jam Recordings, co-founded that year by Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons. The album established him as a major hip-hop force. He continued releasing platinum-selling albums, including B.A.D. 1987, which featured the hit I Need Love, the first rap love song. In 1995, he made his starring film debut in Out-of-Sync and joined the sitcom In the House 1995–1999. His role in Halloween H20: 20 Years Later 1998 and Deep Blue Sea 1999 led to larger film roles, acting alongside stars like Al Pacino and Jamie Lee Curtis. In 2009, he began playing Sam Hanna on NCIS: Los Angeles, a role he has reprised in multiple series within the JAGverse.

Personal life

LL Cool J married Simone Smith in 1995. They have four children: Najee born 1989, Italia born 1991, Samaria born 1995, and Nina Simone born 2000. He briefly separated from Smith after the birth of their second child but they reconciled. In his personal life, he goes by the name Todd. He has been friends with Queen Latifah and the late Kobe Bryant. He has stated he is an Independent politically.

Legacy

VH1 ranked LL Cool J #5 on its 50 Greatest Hip Hop Artists list. He has been with Def Jam Records longer than any other artist. In 2016, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2017 the Kennedy Center Honors. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted him. His career has bridged hip-hop and mainstream entertainment, underscored by his role on NCIS: Los Angeles since 2009.

Filmography.

FILMS · 121

Browse the complete filmography of LL Cool J — every film, TV show, and documentary credit, ranked by popularity.

TV

NCIS

2003
TV

House

2004
TV

American Dad!

2005
TV

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

2014
TV

The Daily Show

1996
TV

Late Night with Seth Meyers

2014
TV

Hawaii Five-0

2010
TV

Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen

2009
TV

Conan

2010
TV

The Jennifer Hudson Show

2022
TV

The Kelly Clarkson Show

2019
TV

Saturday Night Live

1975
TV

The Late Late Show with James Corden

2015
TV

Hot Ones

2015

Could not load more credits.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 10

Every award, honor, and recognition received by LL Cool J — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Kennedy Center Honors
star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
W. E. B. Du Bois Medal
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance
MTV Video Music Award for Best Rap Video
Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award
Soul Train Music Award for Best Rap Album
Soul Train Music Award for Best Rap – Single
NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series

Bibliography.

BOOKS · 7

LL Cool J's bibliography — every authored, edited, and co-written book, ranked by edition count.

Amazon Goodreads

I Make My Own Rules

by L. L. Cool J
Amazon Goodreads

LL Cool J's Platinum Workout

by L. L. Cool J et al.
Amazon

LL Cool J's Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle

by L. L. Cool J
Amazon Goodreads

And the Winner Is?

by L. L. Cool J
Amazon

LL Cool J Presents the Streets Win

by L. L. Cool J et al.
Amazon

Ll Cool Js Platinum Workout

by L. L. Cool J
Amazon Goodreads

Blender

by Pamela Lee Anderson et al.

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 8

A wall of memorable lines from LL Cool J — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

Keeping It Real Ain’t About Carrying a Gun or Smoking Blunts. It’s About Being True to Yourself and Those Around You.
Rollerball Sucked! Discussing One of His Movies on Late Night with Conan O’Brien.
Am I James Todd Smith Now or LL Cool J? Pick a Name Baby. Pick a Name and Ride with It. I Don’t Wanna Abandon My Identity as LL Cool J, but at the Same Time, I Had to Figure Out How to Let People Know That I’m Really Serious About Making These Movies. You Know When You Do 25 or 30 Movies and People Are Still Asking You ‘How Does It Feel Making the Transition?’ You Know You’re Not Communicating Correctly. so I Just Put the James Todd Smith Thing There to Let People Know I Was Serious. It’s Not Like I Made It Lawrence Cool J or Something!.
Hip Hop Can Be Limiting and I Refuse to Accept Limits. I’ve Been Training as an Actor for Six Years. Nobody Goes to Acting School for Six Years. I Mean, the College Course Is Only Four Years! I Absolutely Trained. My Acting Coach Is from the Stanislavsky School. It’s Real I Act.
I’m Happy to Be Black. I Am What I Am, I’m Doing Very Well in My Life, and I’m Thankful to God for That. I Am a Real Person That Cares About His Art and Cares About What He’s Doing I Have a Heart and a Soul and Want to Touch People and Give. as a Black Man, My Hope Is That I Can Touch More and More People All Over the World of Different Races and Different Colours. and I Think Eventually, If I Just Stay on This Path, We’ll Get There.
One Thing I’m Not Gonna Do, Because I’m Black, Is Suddenly Say ‘You Know What, I Can’t Play a Villain!’ You Don’t Need to Be the Good Guy to Get a Good Message Out. I’m Not Going to Limit Myself Like That. I Just Want to Play Good Roles and Be Able to Touch a Lot of People.
I Think When You Move Past Your Fear and You Go After Your Dreams Wholeheartedly, You Become Free. Know What I’m Saying? Move Past the Fear.
I Don’t Think You Should Go Around Talking Trash About People Because I Think That’s How You Get Your Hat Handed to You. I’m Good at What I Do, but I Wouldn’t Be so Bold and Arrogant as to Say Something Disrespectful About, Say, Eminem. He’s Talented and He’s Good at What He Does.

Did you know?

FACTS · 24

Little-known facts about LL Cool J — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

He goes by the name Todd in his personal life.
He has been on Def Jam Records longer than any other artists from its start in 1985 to the present.
He has played the same character Sam Hanna in four different series within the JAGverse: NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, Hawaii Five-0 and NCIS: Hawai’i.
LL Cool J stands for Ladies Love Cool James.
He has four children one boy and three girls: Najee b. 1989, Italia b. 1991, Samaria b. 1995, and Nina Simone b. 2000.
He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 6901 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on January 21, 2016.
He is one of the most successful rap artists of all time.
The only job he had besides being an entertainer was that he was briefly a paper boy.
On his second album B.A.D. Bigger And Deffer, his single I’m Bad sampled the main theme of the 70’s TV show S.W.A.T. and, years later, he co-starred in the movie adaptation of that show.
He appeared with Rollerball co-star Chris Klein on World Wrestling Federation programming in early 2002 to promote the film.
He ranked #5 on VH1’s 50 Greatest Hip Hop Artists.
He wrote and performed the first rap love song I Need Love in 1985.
In 2012, he stated that no one should assume he is a Democrat or Republican; he is an Independent.
He separated from girlfriend Simone Smith sometime after the birth of their second child.
He hosted The 28th Annual American Music Awards 2001 with Britney Spears.
He was homaged/satirized in Sonic Youth’s song Kool Thing from the 1990 album Goo.
He almost always wears a hat, and wears one of his pant legs rolled up.
He ranked #32 on VH1’s 100 Sexiest Artists.
He is friends with Queen Latifah and Kobe Bryant.
The 2017 Kennedy Center Honors honorees included LL Cool J, Gloria Estefan, Carmen De Lavallade, Lionel Richie, and Norman Lear.
He was the first choice for the title role in Blade.
When Anne Hathaway was a guest on Lip Sync Battle, she said she wanted to hug Cool J.
He is a hip-hop icon.
He claims Kidada Jones, whom he was in a relationship with from 1992-1994, made his album 14 Shots to the Dome flop crazily because she threw some kind of stick into the eternal fire.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 35

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about LL Cool J.

When was LL Cool J born?

LL Cool J was born on January 14, 1968. He is 58 years old as of 2026.
Where was LL Cool J born?

He was born in Bay Shore, Long Island, New York, USA.
How old is LL Cool J?

He was born on January 14, 1968, making him 58 years old.
What is LL Cool J's real name?

His real name is James Todd Smith. His family called him Todd, and he uses that name in his personal life.
What does LL Cool J do for a living?

He is an actor and producer, known for his music career and his role as Sam Hanna on NCIS: Los Angeles.
What nationality is LL Cool J?

He is American. He holds United States citizenship and was born in New York.
What language does LL Cool J speak?

He speaks English as his native language. He has also used some Spanish phrases in his work.
Who is LL Cool J married to?

He is married to Simone Smith. They have been together since 1995 and have four children.
Does LL Cool J have children?

Yes, he has four children: Najee Laurent Todd Eugene Smith born 1989, Italia Anita Maria Smith born 1991, Samaria Leah Wisdom Smith born 1995, and Nina Simone Smith born 2000.
Where did LL Cool J go to school?

He attended Andrew Jackson High School in Queens, New York. He graduated before his music career took off.
What awards has LL Cool J won?

He has won many awards including Kennedy Center Honors, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the W. E. B. Du Bois Medal, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, two Grammy Awards for Best Rap Solo Performance, and an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series.
How many awards has LL Cool J won?

He has won 11 major awards, including multiple Grammys and a Kennedy Center Honor.
What is LL Cool J best known for?

He is known for his music career as a rapper and for acting as Sam Hanna on NCIS: Los Angeles. He also appeared in films like Deep Blue Sea and Halloween H20.
What is LL Cool J's Instagram?

His Instagram handle is @llcoolj. He posts about his career, family, and personal interests.
What is LL Cool J's height?

He is 6 feet 2 inches tall, or 1.87 meters.
What does the nickname 'Uncle L' mean?

The nickname Uncle L is a term of endearment from fans and younger rappers, reflecting his elder statesman status in hip-hop. It is one of his many nicknames.
Why is LL Cool J also known as L.L. Cool J?

He originally used the spelling L.L. Cool J early in his career. The name stands for Ladies Love Cool James. The period after each L was part of the branding.
How old was LL Cool J when he started making music?

He started writing lyrics at age 11 and made his own songs using DJ equipment his grandfather gave him. By 16 he recorded his first single.
What was LL Cool J's first album?

His debut album was Radio, released in 1985 on Def Jam Recordings. It was the label’s first full-length LP and included hits like ‘I Can’t Live Without My Radio.
How many Grammys has LL Cool J won?

He has won two Grammy Awards, both for Best Rap Solo Performance. He won for Mama Said Knock You Out in 1991 and for Hey Lover in 1996.
What was LL Cool J's first film role?

His first film appearance was a cameo in Krush Groove 1985, a semi-biographical film about Def Jam. He later had a cameo in Wildcats 1986 and wrote its theme song.
What TV show does LL Cool J star in?

He stars as Sam Hanna on NCIS: Los Angeles, a role he has played since 2009. He also appeared as the same character in NCIS, Hawaii Five-0, and NCIS: Hawai’i.
Is LL Cool J a rapper or an actor first?

He started as a rapper, releasing his first album in 1985, and later built a successful acting career.
Who are LL Cool J's parents?

His parents are Ondrea Griffith and James Louis Smith, Jr. His mother raised him after a difficult childhood.
How many awards has LL Cool J been nominated for?

He has received 65 award nominations across music and acting, winning many.
What is the meaning of LL Cool J's stage name?

The name stands for Ladies Love Cool James. He and a friend created it when he was 15.
Has LL Cool J ever won an Emmy?

He has not won an Emmy. He has received numerous music and film awards, including a Kennedy Center Honor.
What is LL Cool J's real first name?

His given first name is James, but he goes by his middle name Todd in his personal life.
Does LL Cool J have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?

Yes, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 21, 2016, located at 6901 Hollywood Boulevard.
What was LL Cool J's breakthrough acting role?

His breakthrough acting role was in Halloween H20: 20 Years Later 1998, which led to bigger film and TV roles.
How many children does LL Cool J have?

He has four children: three daughters and one son. Their names are Najee, Italia, Samaria, and Nina Simone.
What is LL Cool J's relationship with Kidada Jones?

He was in a relationship with Kidada Jones from 1992 to 1994. He later claimed she negatively affected his album 14 Shots to the Dome.
Did LL Cool J ever retire from music?

He considered retiring in 1998 to focus on acting but decided to keep dividing his time between music and film.
What is the name of LL Cool J's first single?

His first single was I Need a Beat, released in 1984 on Def Jam. It was produced by Rick Rubin.
What network airs NCIS: Los Angeles?

NCIS: Los Angeles airs on CBS. It is a spin-off of NCIS and features LL Cool J as a main cast member.

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Audited & updated by

Emma has 8 years of editorial experience and a very clear idea of what a good biography looks like. At Famousy, she runs the editorial operation and decides what meets the bar and what doesn't. She's the kind of editor who remembers the profiles she pushed back on more clearly than the ones she approved. That's not a complaint. That's exactly why the site reads the way it does.

Published on June 2, 2026

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