Harley Quinn Smith, the daughter of filmmaker Kevin Smith and journalist Jennifer Schwalbach, has carved a path for herself in both Hollywood and the world of music. Born on June 26, 1999, Harley was destined to be part of the entertainment industry, influenced by her father’s career from a very young age. She has grown to become an actress and musician with a distinct identity, though she acknowledges her father’s legacy has played a significant role in her early opportunities. From starring in Kevin Smith’s films to fronting a punk band, Harley has continued to evolve, balancing her passion for acting with her love for music.
Kevin Smith, a lifelong comic book fan, named his daughter after the iconic Batman villain, Harley Quinn. This unique name has followed her throughout her life, often leading people to assume it is a stage name, especially after the rise in popularity of the Harley Quinn character due to the 2016 DC film Suicide Squad. Harley met Margot Robbie, who portrayed Harley Quinn in the movie, during the film’s premiere, and Robbie even remembered her when they worked together again on Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Naming her after a comic book character perfectly aligns with the world Harley was born into — one of pop culture, creativity, and fandom. Kevin has always been a staunch advocate of comics, and his daughter’s name is just one reflection of the cultural world they share.
Harley began her acting career quite early, appearing in Kevin Smith’s films as a toddler. Her first role was as the baby version of Silent Bob in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001), and she continued to appear in other small roles in her father’s films, including Clerks II (2006) and Tusk (2014). Although acting in her father’s movies was initially more of a family affair, she soon developed a real passion for acting.
It wasn’t until Tusk that Harley realized she wanted to pursue acting as a career. In an interview, she mentioned that acting was never a major focus growing up, but after her small role in Tusk, she began to take it seriously. This passion led to her first major role in Jay and Silent Bob Reboot (2019), where she played Milly, a character she reprised in Clerks III (2022).
Harley has acknowledged that her father’s influence helped open doors for her in the industry, but she’s also worked hard to prove her own worth as an actress. She’s determined to be seen as more than just “Kevin Smith’s daughter,” striving to establish her own identity as an artist.
Though Harley started her career in her father’s projects, she made a significant step forward by securing a role in Freeform’s Cruel Summer. In the hit series, which aired from 2021 to 2023, Harley played Mallory Higgins, a quirky and rebellious teenager who quickly became a fan favorite. This role marked a turning point for Harley, showcasing her ability to hold her own in a major production outside her father’s films.
Kevin Smith expressed his pride in his daughter’s success, especially when he saw how emotionally invested she became in her work on Cruel Summer. Watching Harley forge her own path, while still staying true to her creative roots, has been a fulfilling experience for the filmmaker, who is also deeply immersed in the arts.
In addition to acting, Harley is also the singer and bass player for the punk band The Tenth. Formed alongside her close friend Taylor Blackwell, the band blends elements of punk, bubblegum pop, and raw energy. The Tenth released their debut EP Boys We Don’t Know in 2018, followed by their full-length album DUNES in 2019.
Harley’s punk band showcases another side of her creative persona. The music industry has always fascinated her, and playing in a band allows her to express herself in a different way than acting does. Through her music, Harley channels her youthful energy and rebellious spirit, drawing inspiration from a variety of musical genres and personal experiences.
In 2018, after Kevin Smith suffered a massive heart attack, Harley was instrumental in helping her father transition to a vegan lifestyle. Having already adopted the vegan lifestyle herself, Harley led her father through the transition, ensuring that he stayed committed to the diet for his health.
Harley’s passion for veganism goes beyond just dietary choices — it’s a reflection of her commitment to health, wellness, and environmental sustainability. Together with her father, she co-hosts the podcast Vegan Abattoir, where they discuss plant-based living and offer advice to those considering making the switch. For Harley, going vegan wasn’t just about food; it was about changing her lifestyle and encouraging others, including her family, to do the same.
While Harley Quinn Smith’s career has certainly been influenced by her father’s legacy, she’s proven that she has the talent and determination to make a name for herself. From her early acting roles in Kevin Smith’s films to starring in Cruel Summer and fronting a punk band, Harley has developed into a multi-talented artist. She’s embraced her creative passions while staying grounded in her family values, continuing to collaborate with her father while also pursuing projects on her own terms.
At only 25 years old, Harley Quinn Smith’s future in both acting and music is incredibly bright. She’s already shown that she’s capable of forging her own path, and her determination to push boundaries in both industries suggests that she’ll continue to be a force in Hollywood for years to come.