Russell Simmons II Faced Loss as a Child – Facts about Joseph Simmons’ Son

Russell Simmons II is a rapper, actor, and his parents’ youngest son. Despite being young, he had faced his fair share of challenges as he experienced loss before becoming a teenager.

Russell Simmons II was born to creative parents and was named after his uncle. His father, Joseph ‘Rev. Run’ Simmons is a producer, DJ, rapper, and television personality, while his mother, Justine Simmons, is an actress.

His parents have been married since 1994, and his mother is his father’s second wife. With creativity running in the family, Russell Simmons II has proven that he also inherited the traits as he has delved into several creative fields.

Russell Simmons II at the premiere party of “Growing Up Hip Hop” on December 10, 2015, in New York | Source: Getty Images

Russell Simmons II Faced Family Tragedy as a Child

Russell was born on August 30, 1997, three years after his parents married. His parents had named him after his father’s famous older brother hence the suffix of “II” or “Jr.” in his name.

He is not the only child of his parents, as he has an older brother, Daniel Dwayne ‘Diggy’ Simmons III, born on March 21, 1995.

When he was nine, his parents welcomed his sister, Victoria Anne Simmons, on September 21, 2006. His mother had undergone a Cesarean section to give birth, but his sister did not live for long.

Unfortunately, she was born with a congenital disability called omphalocele. Because of the disability, her abdominal organs had developed outside her belly, and she died within two hours.

Russell’s parents later adopted a child. Their adopted daughter was born in 2007, and they named her Miley Justine Simmons, but there is very little information about her life.

Justine Simmons and Russell Simmons II at the 2009 Life Project for Africa benefit on November 10, 2009, in New York | Source: Getty Images

Russell Simmons II Sought Himself in Various Creative Directions

Russell is walking in his parents’ creative footsteps. His career in TV began when he was a child as he appeared in his family’s shows before he turned ten.

He was a part of the cast of “Run’s House,” which first premiered in 2005. The series featured his entire family as they went about their daily lives. Until 2016, he had appeared in various shows related to his family.

In late 2012, Russell joined YouTube and showed off his vocal abilities by uploading covers of songs. He uploaded over a dozen videos, with his last upload dated January 2014.

In December 2015, while on the red carpet at the premiere of “Growing Up Hip Hop” in New York, he revealed that he was working towards getting his real estate license.

While there is no information on if he acquired his license, his Instagram bio shows that he has become a screenwriter in addition to being an actor.

Russell Is Close with His Siblings

Russell has a close relationship with his older brother, including his older half-siblings. His father was married to Valerie Vaughn, and they had three children.

His oldest half-sibling is Vanessa Jean Simmons, and she also worked in the entertainment industry as an actress and entrepreneur with three businesses. She is also a mother and made Joseph Simmons a first-time grandfather in 2014.

Angela Simmons, Joseph Simmons Jr., Justine Simmons, Reverend Run, Vanessa Simmons, Daniel Simmons II, and Russell Simmons II at the Nickelodeon’s 20th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards on March 31, 2007 | Source: Getty Images

Russell’s second oldest half-sibling is Angela Simmons, a businesswoman, producer, fashion designer, and reality TV star. She is also a mother from her relationship with her late fiancé Sutton Tennyson.

When she is not working, she spends time with her family. In 2011, she vacationed with Russell, and they went jet-skiing and posed for pictures on the beach.

Russell also has an older half-brother named Joseph ‘Jojo’ Simmons Jr. He is an actor, rapper, producer, reality TV personality, and father.

His oldest brother Diggy walked in their father’s footsteps as a rapper. He has released two albums and several singles. He has also ventured into acting and fashion.

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