Jodie Turner Smith is pregnant with her first child, with husband Joshua Jackson

AFI FEST 2019 - Opening Night Gala - Premiere Of Universal Pictures' 'Queen And Slim'

At the Queen & Slim premiere several weeks back, Jodie Turner-Smith seemed to be wearing a billowy maternity-looking gown. She walked the carpet with Joshua Jackson, who was (at the time) described vaguely as her boyfriend or partner. It was their red-carpet debut as a couple, but they’ve been together for a year or longer. It was interesting because over the summer, there was a lot of low-key gossip about how they had gotten quietly married. Turns out, all of it was true – they’re married and expecting their first child:

Joshua Jackson and Jodie Turner-Smith have secretly tied the knot, Us Weekly can exclusively confirm. A source tells Us that not only are the duo married, but that Jackson is “so supportive of Jodie and loves to cheer her on.” Us Weekly can also confirm that Jodie Turner-Smith is pregnant and expecting her first child with her husband, Joshua Jackson.

The news comes just one month after the couple made their red carpet debut at the premiere of Turner-Smith’s new film, Queen & Slim, the 2019 AFI Fest in Los Angeles. At the event, an eyewitness told Us, “Joshua looked so thrilled to be there to support [Jodie]. He was all smiles and doting on her and her family all night. A total gentleman.” They both showed up in Gucci attire, with the Cruel Intentions star wearing a three-piece hunter green suit and the model, 33, rocking a lilac gown with a matching sheer cape.

Rumors swirled, however, when fans took note of how Turner-Smith accessorized her look — with a massive diamond ring on her left hand.

[From Us Weekly]

So, it was as we expected. Congrats to them! I also wanted to talk about this Variety podcast interview Jodie did to promote Queen & Slim several weeks ago, because it relates! Jodie was born in Britain and is a British citizen, but she’s been living in America for a while. I’m pretty sure she does a flawless American accent, which is how she got cast as an American woman in Queen & Slim, which is her film debut. So now that she’s living and working in America and married to a… Canadian citizen (?), and presumably about to give birth to an American citizen (which will happen if she gives birth here), what’s happening with her citizenship? She spoke about that on the Variety podcast:

On Queen & Slim: “In the middle of all of this, while this group of people in this country, black people are being oppressed, are being killed, are being murdered, there is still this beauty that cannot be killed and that is also what this movie is about…This is a movie about black survival at all costs.”

She says she’ll eventually apply for U.S. citizenship. Turner-Smith, who grew up in the U.K., moved to Los Angeles about 10 years ago after being introduced to Pharrell Williams while she was living in Pittsburgh. The musician persuaded her to head west to pursue a modeling career. Turner-Smith, 33, who has been in a relationship with Joshua Jackson for more than a year, thinks she’ll eventually apply for U.S. citizenship. But she’s torn. “I’ve been in this country now for so long, so it’s like I should, but I’m not certain that I want to live here and raise my family…. It’s a very complicated relationship that I have with America. I love it so much. And I also see the places where it’s flawed.”

[From Variety]

This reminds me a little bit about the kerfuffle around Emily Blunt becoming an American citizen for “tax purposes” and how there was a backlash to her general sadness towards becoming a citizen. But… where Emily came into that conversation as a rich white woman who probably had a team of citizenship lawyers handle everything for her in a short amount of time, Jodie’s situation is a bit different. The truth is, she will have a much longer and more intense process of becoming a citizen because of her race alone, especially in Trump’s ‘Murica. I respect Jodie’s qualms about becoming an American citizen, honestly. And frankly, she’ll probably want American citizenship more if and when she gives birth here.

AFI FEST 2019 - Opening Night Gala - Premiere Of Universal Pictures' 'Queen And Slim'

Photos courtesy of Avalon Red.

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69 Responses to “Jodie Turner Smith is pregnant with her first child, with husband Joshua Jackson”

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  1. Sojaschnitzel says:

    That’s going to be one beautiful child. Congrats to them

  2. smcollins says:

    Congrats to them! They make a beautiful couple and that child is going to be gorgeous!

  3. Michael says:

    Congratulations to both of them. Maybe she should consider Canadian citizenship or dual citizenship. I would not give up her British citizenship if I were her.

    • maisie says:

      Well, as a UK citizen she can live in Canada with no problems because it’s a member of the Commonwealth, which allows for any Commonwealth citizen (from the UK, Northern Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Gibraltar, Granada, the British Caribbean islands) to reside and work freely in any other Commonwealth country. There’s no reason for her to become a US citizen (I wouldn’t) – Jackson isn’t an American. They probably both have green cards, which means they can work here.

      • hogtowngooner says:

        That is not correct. Commonwealth citizens may have a different visa route to work in Canada, but it’s not free movement of people like the EU or anything. You still have to apply for a visa to work and live in Canada.

  4. Erinn says:

    OUUU YAY! Congrats to them!

    Josh is Canadian, and still has citizenship, right? I wonder if they’ll make a move to Canada at some point. BC isn’t drastically far from California or anything.

  5. Léna says:

    It’s interesting though, I understand having American citizenship has lots of advantages, but I was always told that even without living in the US, citizens have to pay taxes to the country…. Which is odd for me. Why not give birth in Canada or in Britain?

    • Who ARE These People says:

      This came up on the discussion for Emily Blunt, too. The US and Eritrea are the only countries to tax on citizenship and not residence. However, with Canada at the least there is a tax treaty that includes a Foreign Tax Credit. You still have to file returns and foreign bank account reports.

    • Bookworm says:

      It’s the British taxes they want to give up, not the US taxes.

      • Who ARE These People? says:

        Depends if she maintains dual citizenship, but Britain won’t tax her if she is not resident there (she would probably have to forego having a property, not have “significant ties” etc.). She wouldn’t have to file a return there either.

        US citizenship would necessitate her filing US returns no matter where she lives in the world, but she wouldn’t be paying double due to tax treaties.

  6. Lucy says:

    They’re so lovely together! She seems to worship her. Congrats to them!!!

    • Nev says:

      Word.
      Yes he’s beaming. Congrats

    • Royalwatcher says:

      The photos of them at the airport are even better! They look SMITTEN with each other. Both have these adorable grins while they stare into each others’ eyes. Love it!

  7. Margo Smith says:

    What a gorgeous couple! I wouldn’t be surprised if they decide to hold multiple residences. Canada, UK and US.

  8. Rando says:

    She and her husband are lovely and I wish them and their new baby every happiness.

    That being said, the sanctimonious whinging of Brits about the travesty of obtaining US citizenship is tiresome. It’s not like the U.K. is a bastion of tolerance and equality. Cough Meghan cough Brexit cough. Go emigrate to Monaco or Canada ffs.

    • Jesys says:

      I’m sorry but I dont exactly get this citizenship thing. When you apply to American citizenship, do you like, lose something as British citizen or do you get a dual citizenship?

      And just bc their country is a messy too that doesnt mean they cant criticise America. This is not at you or anyone in this site in particular but I see a trend of Americans going “yeah but your country blah blah” when someone says anything about the USA. Perharps thats just my very South American perspective lol

      • Veronica S says:

        You can choose to renounce it or maintain dual citizenship. Last I recall, America does not inherently require renunciation to obtain legal citizenship.

      • Who ARE These People? says:

        It depends on the 2 countries of citizenship. Some countries allow dual citizenship, some make you give it up if you become a citizen somewhere else.

      • Sunnee says:

        To gain American citizenship one must renounce your country. Afterwards, if your country allows dual citizenship, you can apply for a passport in your original country.

      • Rando says:

        Totally fair perspective, everyone is entitled to their opinion and should have the freedom to express it. No country should be immune from righteous criticism.

        HOWEVER.

        My snark was specifically targeted at folks who criticize the very thing they are trying to obtain. Like if I was trying to get British citizenship and gave an interview about how I didn’t really want to but it made sense economically.. I wouldn’t expect British citizens to be thrilled at my comments.

  9. Eva says:

    This makes me so happy for some reason. I don’t think Joshua ever got what he wanted out of that long relationship with Diane and now he found someone who wanted the same things and made everything happen quite fast. Yay for love.

    • LaraK says:

      This happens all the time. A couple spends a decade trying to make it work, finally breaks up. A couple of years later one or both are married with kids.
      Who knows why he and Diane didn’t have kids, but clearly it’s not because they didn’t want them.
      Either way, I’m happy for Joshua and Jodie – they seem not only happy, but stable and content. Congratulations!

      • FHMom says:

        This has happened with a few friends of mine, also. Once a friend whom I hadn’t been in close touch with was engaged to her bf of 5 years, but they never set the date. Next thing I know she’s marrying someone new with no engagement announcement at all. Their oldest child just turned 14.

      • mash says:

        This happened to me…. 2 times. Once with my college bf for 4 years never moved in together etc…. we break up …. i end up in my post college adult relationship with my last ex a couple years later in 2013. This last ex and i try to make things work and we move in together. BOY THAT WAS STRUGGLE LOVE…. had me thinking why would anyone want to get married and have kids…. broke up with him summer of 2017 met my now husband 6 months later. Married July 2019 🙂

        After me, all of my exes (3 of them including highschool) got married. Just the way it goes sometimes.

    • sunny says:

      Yes- love them together. Also I am happy that he and Diane seemed to have an amicable split and found long term partners that suit them.

      I actually really like Jodie- she is a solid presence on twitter. And as an older millennial and Canadian, obviously adore Joshua. I wish them all the best- especially in navigating the hate they are bound to face as an interracial couple. Some people are pressed about them.(based on Jodie’s tweets)

    • Naomi says:

      I always find it interesting when long-term couples who don’t marry break up (remember Julia Roberts and Benjamin Bratt?) and then the new person they date becomes “the one” with marriage and children.

  10. Kittycat says:

    Congrats to Jodie and Joshua.

  11. Melody calder says:

    I would imagine citizenship will be a long road as her husband is not a citizen either. Emily was at least married to an American. Also, real question, did they put an end to automatic citizenship to babies born here to non citizen parents?

    • minx says:

      No. If you are born here you’re a citizen.

    • Original T.C. says:

      Although Trump and Steven Miller (the evil twins) are doing their best to get rid of birth-right citizenship, it is still the law. They have threatened to strip citizenship from naturalized citizenships which is straight up insane to me. If I were in her shoes, I would deliver in England or Canada while Trump is President!

      Anyway congrats to them, Jodie is so gorgeous. When I watched Queen and slim, I had no idea that she has a British accent-she was so good.

      • Who ARE These People? says:

        If I were her, I’d deliver in the United States — if they want US citizenship for the baby, that’s the most secure route. If Joshua is a dual US-Canadian citizen, the baby could have it through him, but the government will be scheming to make naturalized citizens ‘lesser.’ It’s easier to be born into it than to try to get it later. Then the baby can claim Canadian and/or British citizenship through its parents.

        Also, if born in the USA, the baby could grow up and run for president!

  12. Anna says:

    I just wanted to say that Joshua Jackson has double citizenship from the moment he was born, his father is from Texas and he was born in Canada, his mother is Irish, so I suppose he could even apply for a European citizenship.

  13. minx says:

    What great happy news for a Monday! Congrats!

  14. Mabs A'Mabbin says:

    Okay, that baby? Yeah. Other worldly gorgeous.

  15. Valiantly Varnished says:

    Im so happy for them. They make a beautiful couple and Im glad that Joshua has found happiness. And I completely understand her misgivings about becoming an American citizen. Hell I have misgivings about it and I was born here.

  16. Doodle says:

    For what it’s worth, I’m Canadian and have been living in the States for almost a decade. I have the same reservations about applying for citizenship as these ladies do – so it’s not just Brits that are winging about it.

  17. girl_ninja says:

    They look so lovely together. When I found out that they were a couple I thought how hot they were. I hope that the have a long and happy life together

  18. Murphy says:

    Wow glad I’m not the only one who had never heard of this pairing before (or only recently).
    But anyway, that’s the happiest I’ve seen Joshua Jackson look since the Ducks beat Iceland in the Jr. Goodwill games.

    • Jan says:

      Yes, he does look like he’s ssooo happy. Glad for them.

    • Betsy says:

      Yeah, he’ll never not be hot to the 13 year old who still lurks in me.

      I didn’t know these two were dating or who she was, but good grief is she ever striking.

  19. The Original Mia says:

    Congratulations to them!

    Bunch of ashy hoteps came for her the other day. She didn’t care. Why they should care is beyond me.

    • DragonWise says:

      Misogynoire. That’s why.

    • Original T.C. says:

      Are you surprised though? When was the last time Black men berated the loooong lists of them saying hateful things about a Black women. But if we date or marry any White person they all of a sudden consider you as “belonging” to them! LOL. See all the “she’s so ugly…she looks like a Dude!” posts from BM about Serena Williams before she married a WM.

      It’s only like10% of famous BW dating or married to non-Black spouses. Whereas it’s like 80% of famous BW in interracial relationships. Many BM will do nothing but compliments their fellow BM when they marry someone of another race. Yet they *always* still get BW coming to their defense when needed. Tired of the hypocrisy and disrespect.

  20. KJ says:

    Ok but what about that lady he was making out with at LAX over the summer?

    • Valiantly Varnished says:

      Honestly? Who cares. Maybe they weren’t exclusive at the time maybe they were broken up. Who knows. Clearly both parties are happy with where they are now.

      • Meg says:

        Well in 5 months to go from nonexclusive to now pregnant enough to be showing is a quick turnaround i think thats the question

      • Valiantly Varnished says:

        @Meg and my comment about that question still stands. They don’t owe anyone an explanation about it. Jodie even addressed this on her Twitter and essentially told ppl to mind their business.

    • Tila says:

      That’s exactly what I was thinking….

    • JulieCarr says:

      He’s been seen with other women during all his relationships. He’s rarely caught by paps because he’s not that famous, but there’s always been loads of stories. When he was with Diane and filming Fringe in Canada there were new stories and new women every few weeks.

      I assume he and his significant others have some sort of arrangement, because he doesn’t even seem to try to be discreet.

      • Rachel says:

        You’ve got no idea what the status was of the relationship at the time. They could of been broken up, they could of been non exclusive, they could of been on a break for example. With Jodie it looks like they could of broken up briefly. There weren’t any stories about new women every few weeks when he was filming Fringe in Canada. After he broke up with Diane he did date a lot for the next two years.

  21. lucy2 says:

    She is stunning. Congrats to them on the marriage and baby!

    LOL at US Weekly referring to JJ as “the Cruel Intentions star”. He’s done two major TV series and was barely in Cruel Intentions, and that’s how they identify him???

  22. melo says:

    She won’t have a hard time because of her race…money and status will trump that (sorry!). Money and influence talks in the that process and she has both.
    I think she’s great but I’m not worried for her…let’s focus our concern on those who really suffer in the US immigration debaucle. And that’s not Hollywood folks!

    • Alexandria says:

      I think we can care about both. The Obamas were powerful, still got racist attacks and unfair judgement (even for simplest things like baring arms). Meghan is now royalty and even she has said she expected things to he fair but look how it turned out. Even her son was taunted.

    • Valiantly Varnished says:

      If you think wealth and fame trump race then you haven’t been paying attention

  23. Mireille says:

    OK I’m going to hate on this because Joshua Jackson was supposed to propose to me on Christmas. I’ve been planning our marriage for years now. But I will very begrudgingly congratulate them and then return to my little corner and seethe with jealousy.

  24. Charfromdarock says:

    She is so beautiful she almost doesn’t seem real.

    Congratulations to them!

  25. MellyMel says:

    Gorgeous couple! Congrats to them!!

  26. Miriam says:

    Omg they’ll make beautiful babies🥰

  27. Trish-a says:

    Can I just announce, I am not a proud American? And I moved. I live between Germany and Ireland. As a choice. I am mortified by the thing in DC. So anyone having doubts about this ‘great’ country. I’m with you. I am trying to find the country I’m most comfortable in and find work. I have. EU citizenship. I love Germany. But I miss warm.
    I WILL be voting though!!!

    • mercury says:

      Black women are 5x more likely to die from labor than white women (even wealthy BW). If you are a poor BW,that rate is 7x more likely, so I can understand her caution in giving birth in America. As a BW, I wouldnt let an American scalpel touch me wth a 10 ft pole.

  28. Carol says:

    Emily Blunt said she had to renounce the queen and the U.K. to become a citizen and it was unexpectedly hard for her to do. I never had a problem with her struggle and did not understand why so many did. 🤷‍♀️

  29. Jillybean says:

    Wow! Congrat! She is so beautiful and I have to say I’m not familiar with her work- but I have seen JJ for years with several girlfriends and wow – his smile it so genuine! He looks happier than ever!!

  30. Skittlesandkittens says:

    I dont know … She’s stunning but he gives me skeevy Gerard Butler vibes. One moment with her and the next making out with some other woman at LAX, all over her. Best of luck to her hope it works out.

  31. Dani says:

    I have a serious (uniformed) question. If you aren’t an American citizen but live and work here -do you pay taxes here? Or in your citizen country? How does this work? I think once you have an American child it is easier to become an American citizen too (at least, it used to be, not sure about today).

    They’re going to have a seriously gorgeous baby.

    • Sarah says:

      If you’re a US tax resident (i.e. spend 183 days in a year in the US), you have to file US taxes. Depending on your home country, you may have to file tax returns there as well. Because of tax treaties between the US and other countries, it’s quite rare that you will have to pay double taxes.

      Having a US citizen child doesn’t necessarily make the parents’ route to citizenship easier. Only US citizens who are over 21 can sponsor their parents for US citizenship. Btw the government has shown no restraint in deporting parents of US citizen children, so having a US citizen child under 21 doesn’t give a non-citizen parent any special benefits.

  32. CatMomNYC says:

    If you can speak that casually about getting citizenship, you will definitely have an easier route than most. Most of the people I know who became citizens had to find someone to marry them, at great personal expense. She’s not worried about getting deported, so she’s already at a great advantage over many people who would like to apply. Will it be harder than it was for Emily Blunt? Probably. But, it still won’t be anywhere near as hard as it would be for, say, a busboy from the bronx. I’ve lived the process for becoming a citizen through marriage (as the spouse). I wish it was a choice or something that could have been mulled over as she appears to be doing. In our case, it was get married and do this or else he may be sent back to a war torn country he hasn’t seen since he was 6. There are different levels to the whole citizenship thing, and she is lucky to be towards the top of the pile.