10 Shocking Facts About Harley Quinn Smith: From Her Punk Rock Band 'The Tenth' To Turning Down Kevin Smith's New Movie

Harley Quinn Smith, the dynamic actress and musician, is making headlines in late 2025 not just for her acting roles but for major personal and professional life updates. As of today, December 13, 2025, the star is celebrating her recent engagement to fellow actor Austin Zajur and continues to build a career that intentionally steps outside the shadow of her famous father, director Kevin Smith. Her journey from a child actor in her father's View Askewniverse to a lead on the hit series *Cruel Summer* and a punk rock vocalist shows a fierce commitment to forging her own path in Hollywood and the music scene. The 26-year-old artist is proving that being a "nepo baby" doesn't define her, recently making a surprising move that put her independence front and center. Her dedication to her band, The Tenth, and her candid approach to discussing her identity have solidified her status as one of the most interesting young talents working today, blending the worlds of independent film, mainstream television, and genuine punk rock energy.

Harley Quinn Smith: Complete Biography & Profile

Harley Quinn Smith is an American actress, musician, and advocate, best known for her roles in films directed by her father, Kevin Smith, and her breakout performance on the Freeform series *Cruel Summer*.

• Full Name: Harley Quinn Smith
• Date of Birth: June 26, 1999
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 26 years old
• Place of Birth: Red Bank, New Jersey, U.S.
• Parents: Kevin Smith (Director/Filmmaker) and Jennifer Schwalbach Smith (Actress/Writer)
• Occupation: Actress, Musician (Vocalist & Bassist)
• Known For: *Tusk*, *Yoga Hosers*, *Clerks III*, *Jay and Silent Bob Reboot*, *Cruel Summer* (as Mallory Higgins)
• Music Career: Lead vocalist and bassist for the punk-rock band The Tenth
• Personal Life: Bisexual; recently engaged to actor Austin Zajur

The Shocking Reason She Turned Down Kevin Smith's New Film

In a move that caught the industry's attention, Harley Quinn Smith recently revealed she declined a major role in her father's upcoming film, "The 4:30 Movie." This decision highlights her commitment to carving out a career based on her own merit, a direct response to the "nepo baby" discussion that frequently follows children of famous parents.

The director, Kevin Smith, confirmed he offered his daughter the lead, but she turned him down. Harley Quinn Smith has been candid about navigating her career while being the daughter of the man who essentially launched her filmography. She explained that she felt she had "enough nepo baby roles" already and wanted to prioritize projects where her casting was based purely on her audition and suitability for the role, not on family ties.

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This act of professional independence is a powerful statement. While she has embraced her roles in the View Askewniverse—most notably as Milly in *Jay and Silent Bob Reboot* and a convenience store clerk in *Tusk* and *Clerks III*—she is determined to prove her range outside of her father's creative world. Her breakout success as the complex and unpredictable Mallory Higgins in the psychological thriller series *Cruel Summer* is a testament to this effort, showcasing her talent to a new, broader audience.

From SModcast to Stage: Harley Quinn Smith's Punk Rock Persona with The Tenth

Beyond the silver screen, Harley Quinn Smith is deeply immersed in the world of music as the co-frontwoman and bassist for the punk-rock band The Tenth.

The band, which she co-fronts with actress and musician Taylor Blackwell, is a vital creative outlet for Smith. She has openly discussed how her involvement with The Tenth "saved her life," emphasizing the therapeutic and crucial role that songwriting and performance play in her mental well-being.

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The Tenth's sound is raw, energetic punk, a stark contrast to the often-quirky, dialogue-heavy world of her father's films. This musical passion allows her to explore themes of empathy, identity, and personal struggle in a completely different artistic medium. While her acting career continues to flourish, her dedication to music is not a side project—it's a core part of her identity, with recent reports even mentioning the formation of a new band project in early 2025.

This dual career path as both a recognizable actress and a serious punk musician gives her a unique edge in the entertainment landscape, appealing to fans of independent film, mainstream TV, and the alternative music scene.

The Latest: Engagement and Future Projects in 2025

The biggest news for Harley Quinn Smith in late 2025 is her recent engagement to her long-time boyfriend, actor Austin Zajur. The couple, who have been dating for over five years, shared the exciting news, receiving an outpouring of support from fans and family, including her proud father, Kevin Smith.

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Meet Her Fiancé: Austin Zajur

Austin Zajur is an American actor known for his roles in the horror film *Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark* (as Chuck Steinberg), the comedy *Fist Fight*, and the drama *The Fallout*. Intriguingly, Zajur also appeared in *Clerks III*, meaning their professional paths have crossed in the View Askewniverse.

A Potential *Dogma* Sequel?

Adding to the excitement, Kevin Smith has expressed a desire to cast both Harley Quinn Smith and Austin Zajur in a planned sequel to his controversial film, *Dogma*. While details remain scarce on this project, the idea of the newly engaged couple starring together in a major Kevin Smith movie is a tantalizing prospect for fans.

Chronic Con 2025 and Other Appearances

Harley Quinn Smith has also maintained a strong public presence through late 2025, attending events like Chronic Con 2025 in Rosemont, Illinois, in October. Her active participation in fan conventions and interviews, such as a recent Young Hollywood chat where she discussed her various "projects in the works," keeps her connected to her fanbase and ensures her current activities remain top of mind.

Her career trajectory is an inspiring blend of family legacy and self-determination. By prioritizing her punk rock band, taking on complex roles like the bisexual Mallory Higgins in *Cruel Summer*, and making tough professional choices like turning down her father’s movie, Harley Quinn Smith is defining success entirely on her own terms.