The curiosity surrounding the family life of Algee Smith, the acclaimed actor and singer known for his roles in HBO’s *Euphoria* and the film *Detroit*, often leads fans to one central figure: his father. As of December 9, 2025, the most current information confirms that Algee Smith’s biological father is Algee Smith III, a man deeply rooted in the arts and music, whose influence is the cornerstone of the younger Algee’s own successful dual career as an actor and recording artist. This deep-dive explores the legacy of Algee Smith III and how his passion for music laid the groundwork for his son's journey in the entertainment industry.

Algee Smith IV, known professionally as Algee Smith, has consistently credited his artistic foundation to his parents, particularly his father, whose life as a musician provided an early, immersive education in performance and creativity. While Algee Smith III maintains a relatively private life outside of his son's fame, his professional background remains the most significant piece of the family puzzle, offering a clear lineage for the star's own musical pursuits.

Algee Smith IV: A Brief Biography and Profile

Algee Smith IV is a dynamic American actor and singer who has risen to prominence by tackling complex, impactful roles across film and television. His biography is a testament to the power of a creative upbringing.

• Full Name: Algee Smith IV
• Father’s Name: Algee Smith III (Musician)
• Mother’s Name: Tanesha Eley (Fashion Designer)
• Date of Birth: November 7, 1994
• Place of Birth: Saginaw, Michigan, United States
• Early Life: Moved to Atlanta, Georgia, at the age of eight, where he began his acting career.
• Notable Roles (Acting): Chris McKay in *Euphoria* (HBO), Larry Reed in *Detroit* (2017), Fred Hampton Jr. in *Judas and the Black Messiah* (2021), Ralph Tresvant in *The New Edition Story* (BET).
• Music Career: A recording artist in the Hip Hop and R&B genres, with EPs and singles released, demonstrating his own musical talent inherited from his father.
• Siblings: Has one stepbrother, Jonathan Eley, and three half-siblings.

The Musical Roots: Algee Smith III's Enduring Influence

The foundation of Algee Smith’s career—the seamless blend of acting prowess and genuine musical talent—can be traced directly back to his father, Algee Smith III. The elder Smith was a musician and was heavily involved in the arts, creating an environment where creativity was not just encouraged, but was the family's daily rhythm.

Growing up with a musician father meant Algee IV was immersed in the world of sounds, instruments, and performance from a very young age. This exposure was foundational; he started making music himself at the age of nine and began acting shortly after at fifteen. The father's support was crucial, as Algee IV has stated that his father actively supported his desire to pursue music.

The move from Saginaw, Michigan, to Atlanta, Georgia, when Algee was eight, further solidified this artistic path. Atlanta’s rich musical culture, combined with his father's background, inspired the young artist to record his first rap song, setting him on a path to becoming a dual-threat performer.

How the Father's Legacy Shaped the Son's Career Path

The influence of Algee Smith III is evident in several key aspects of Algee Smith IV's professional life:

• The Dual Threat Identity: Unlike many actors who dabble in music, Algee Smith is genuinely committed to both. His father being a musician is the clear origin story for this dual mastery. Algee IV’s roles, such as Ralph Tresvant in *The New Edition Story* and his work on the Disney Channel’s *Let It Shine*, often require him to showcase both his acting and singing capabilities, a skillset he honed from his musical upbringing.
• Authenticity in Music: Algee IV's own music, which falls into the Hip Hop and Trap genres, carries an authenticity and depth that comes from a lifetime of being around working artists. His decision to pursue music alongside major acting roles, like his breakout performance in *Detroit* and his critical role as Chris McKay in *Euphoria*, shows a commitment to the artistic path his father first walked.
• Family Support System: While Algee Smith III and Tanesha Eley are no longer together—and his mother later married musician John Eley—the biological father has remained a part of Algee's life. This continued connection is important for a young artist navigating the pressures of Hollywood, providing a stable, experienced voice from the world of music.

The Eley-Smith Family Dynamic: A Creative Powerhouse

To fully understand the environment that produced Algee Smith, one must recognize the collective creative energy of his entire family. His mother, Tanesha Eley, is a fashion designer, adding a visual and aesthetic dimension to his upbringing. Furthermore, his stepfather, John Eley, is also a musician, meaning Algee was raised with two musicians and a fashion designer as his primary parental figures.

This unique blend of influences—music from both his biological father, Algee Smith III, and his stepfather, alongside the visual artistry of his mother—created a powerhouse of creative mentorship. This diverse artistic background is a significant reason why Algee Smith IV is not just a performer, but an artist who understands the intersection of music, fashion, and visual storytelling, all of which are critical components of his work on projects like *Euphoria*.

The enduring legacy of Algee Smith III is not found in a specific public profile or recent headlines, but in the successful, multi-talented career of his son. The musician father's early involvement in the arts provided the blueprint, the passion, and the initial support that launched Algee Smith IV into the Hollywood spotlight. His story is a powerful reminder that behind every successful artist is often a family history steeped in the very art they now master.