A native New Yorker, born and raised, with a rich cultural heritage, graduated from Long Island University Brooklyn with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, earning a prestigious Athletic Scholarship for his outstanding skills on the basketball court. This talented individual is a veteran of the entertainment industry, boasting an impressive array of credits as an actor, director, writer, and producer across stage, screen, and television.
On the stage, he has had the privilege of bringing iconic characters to life, including Walter Lee in Lorraine Hansberry's poignant drama "A Raisin in the Sun", Oscar Madison in Neil Simon's hilarious comedy "The Odd Couple", and Solly Two Kings in August Wilson's powerful play "Gem of the Ocean".
In film, he has shared the screen with some of the most talented actors of our time, including Sebastian Stan in "A Different Man", Robin Williams and Forest Whitaker in the comedy classic "Good Morning Vietnam", Mel Gibson and Danny Glover in the action-packed "Lethal Weapon 2", and Karen Allen in "Colewell". His impressive filmography also includes roles in "Friends and Romans" and "Chief".
As a television veteran, he has appeared in a wide range of popular shows, including "FBI", "Law & Order SVU", "Blue Bloods", "The Breaks", and some of his earliest credits, such as "ER", "M*A*S*H", "Growing Pains", "Hill Street Blues", "Highway to Heaven", "Matlock", and "The White Shadow".
Beyond his impressive on-screen credits, Mr. Smith has also made a lasting impact as a director, leading four theatre companies from 1979 to 1998. During his tenure, he directed over 100 plays, including powerful productions such as "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf", "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest", "Ceremonies in Dark Old Men", "Livin Fat", and "Twelve Angry Men".
