Cleive Ester Adams is best known as the grandfather of American actress and producer Jada Pinkett Smith. While not a public figure in the traditional sense, his name is associated with the family lineage behind one of Hollywood’s most recognized families.
Quick Facts:
- Residence: Historically associated with Baltimore, Maryland
- Notable descendant: Jada Pinkett Smith (daughter of Adrienne Banfield-Norris)
- Relationship: Maternal grandfather
- Profession: Limited public details; most likely maintained a private, civilian life
Despite his limited public profile, the name “Cleive Ester Adams” carries significant ancestral and cultural weight, especially in tracing Jada Pinkett Smith’s maternal roots.
Here’s how the family tree breaks down:
- Adrienne Banfield-Norris is a former nurse and co-host of Red Table Talk, a popular Facebook Watch series.
- Jada Pinkett Smith is a globally known actress and producer married to actor Will Smith.
Although Cleive preferred a private life, his familial ties link him directly to three generations of public figures.
Cleive Ester Adams and Jada Pinkett Smith
While Cleive never appeared in the limelight during his lifetime, he is sometimes referenced in conversations about family heritage, especially when Jada Pinkett Smith opens up about her upbringing.
In rare interviews, Jada has mentioned being raised in a strong matriarchal family—with her mother, Adrienne, and grandmother playing major roles in shaping her values.
This implies that while Cleive wasn’t often discussed publicly, he was still part of the background fabric of a family rooted in resilience and strong values.
Public Appearances and Online Mentions
Although Cleive Ester Adams does not have:
- A personal Wikipedia page
- IMDb profile
- Verified social media accounts
…his name occasionally surfaces in the following ways:
- Family ancestry blogs
- Public records or obituaries
- Celebrity ancestry forums
- SEO-driven YouTube comment speculation
Example:
“Anyone know more about Jada’s grandfather Cleive Ester Adams? Not much is online but curious if he was a musician or educator.”
– Reddit user on r/AskHistorians
Is Cleive Ester Adams Still Alive?
As of the most recent data in 2025, all indications suggest that Cleive Ester Adams has passed away, although:
- An exact date of death is not currently public
- There is no official obituary in mainstream outlets
- Family members, including Adrienne Banfield-Norris, rarely make references to him in the present tense
Lack of public data suggests Cleive lived a normal life away from media, which aligns with the family’s early emphasis on privacy and personal boundaries.
Why the Internet Is Suddenly Curious About Cleive Ester Adams
3 Key Reasons:
1. Jada Pinkett Smith’s Memoirs & Interviews (2023–2025)
Jada’s recent memoir, Worthy (published 2023), reignited interest in her multi-generational family story, prompting Google searches like:
- “Who was Jada’s grandfather?”
- “Cleive Ester Adams biography”
- “Cleive Ester Adams family tree”
2. Viral TikToks Featuring Family Trees of Celebrities
Social influencers and genealogy TikTokers like @GenZGenealogist have posted speculative content featuring Cleive Ester Adams, boosting visibility.
3. Red Table Talk Archives + Family Healing Topics
Old episodes covering generational trauma, relationships, and legacy have led viewers to dig into ancestors behind these dialogues.
FAQs About Cleive Ester Adams
Q1. Is Cleive Ester Adams alive in 2025?
Currently, no public evidence confirms he is alive. Most sources imply he has passed, but without published obituaries, exact details remain private.
Q2. Is Cleive Ester Adams related to Will Smith?
Not directly. He is Will Smith’s grandfather-in-law through marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith.
Q3. What did Cleive Ester Adams do for a living?
Details about his profession remain unverified. Available records suggest a civilian life out of the media spotlight.
Q4. Was Cleive married, and to whom?
He fathered Adrienne Banfield-Norris, who later became a well-known TV personality, but the name of Cleive’s spouse is not widely publicized.
Q5. Why is there no Wikipedia page for him?
Due to the lack of public achievements or media coverage, public figures like Cleive Ester Adams often remain unlisted on sites like Wikipedia unless posthumously recognized.
Conclusion: Celebrating Quiet Impact
Though not a public icon, Cleive Ester Adams represents the strength behind the scenes. In a family full of high achievers, his role—as a father, grandfather, and quiet patriarch—remains honored by lineage.
He is a symbol of every supportive, lesser-known figure who helped build multi-generational families in America’s cities through dignity, hard work, and compassion.
