Carolyn Michelle Smith, a first-generation Trinidadian-American, was born in the nation's capital, Washington, DC, and spent her childhood attending international private elementary schools in the Washington, DC area, where she was exposed to diverse cultures and experiences from a young age. Her mother, Carol Angela Smith, was a dedicated legal secretary, and her father, Mervyn Thompson, was a hardworking factory worker who also had a passion for music, serving as a talented flutist.
Carolyn's academic pursuits led her to Fordham University at Lincoln Center in New York, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre. Following her graduation, she further honed her craft by completing the esteemed Acting Apprenticeship at Actors Theater of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky.
After her apprenticeship, Carolyn returned to New York and applied to the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City, where she was awarded a full scholarship. Following her graduation from Juilliard, she went on to perform with several renowned companies, including the Williamstown Theatre Festival, The Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, Barrow Street Theatre Off-Broadway, and on Broadway in the 2013 production of "Romeo and Juliet" starring Orlando Bloom and Condola Rashad.
In addition to her stage work, Carolyn made her on-screen debut opposite Robin Wright in the popular Netflix series "House of Cards" as Willa, Claire's Chief of Staff. She currently resides in both Los Angeles and New York, pursuing her passion for the arts in both film and theatre.
