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New York Post
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Stephen A. Smith opens up to The Post on 'crazy' role in 'Law & Order'
Stephen A. Smith is a 'different animal' when it comes to his acting career. That's something the ESPN personality heard many times over the years from his colleagues, and it has served as fuel for his goal of making it to primetime television, Smith said in an interview with The Post on Monday. Smith, who's known for his loud, theatrical personality as a sports analyst across multiple shows at ESPN, will have a guest star role on 'Law & Order,' airing Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. 'I've always been told and all my colleagues always say, 'When the lights come on, he's a different animal. He's ready,'' Smith, 57, said. 'So, I take pride in that. And the lights come on, it's showtime and it's time to step up and produce, and that's what I pride myself on being able to do.' 3 Stephen A. Smith as Ted Hunter and Dushaun Thompson as Jackson Dean on the 'Law & Order' episode, 'Tough Love' on May 8, 2025. Virginia Sherwood/NBC It might be difficult to grasp another version of Smith, who became a household name by being himself in front of the camera. In the episode entitled 'Tough Love,' Smith plays Ted Hunter, an outspoken sports agent who is stabbed to death, leaving a trail of suspects who wanted him gone. 'It was crazy to say the least,' Smith said of playing the character. 'I mean, from the standpoint of knowing who [sports agents] are and how they can be as professionals, I get that because I've been in sports journalism for over 30 years, so in that regard, that's fine. 'But it's still a challenge when you have to go in front of the cameras on a set and act the role and step out of character and be something that you're not.' The most fascinating part of all is that Smith has never taken a single acting class or sought any type of formal training. Smith explained that he was approached by Pam Wexler, a writer for 'Law & Order,' about a guest star role on the show — just as he was for his role on 'General Hospital,' which is ABC's longest-running soap opera. 'We were both in LA, said she was a fan and that many of her colleagues were fans and they wanted to know if I would be interested in appearing on 'Law & Order,'' Smith recalled of his conversation with Wexler. 'And I said, 'The 'Law & Order'? Are you kidding me? Prime time? Are you kidding me? Absolutely!' So, I jumped at it and that's how it happened. I was ecstatic.' 3 ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith on the air before a Knicks-Lakers game at Madison Square Garden on February 3, 2024. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post Smith made his acting debut on 'General Hospital,' with a short cameo appearance as a television reporter on Feb. 2, 2007. Later in 2007, he was in the Chris Rock motion picture, 'I Think I Love My Wife.' Smith returned to 'General Hospital' in April 2016 as Brick, a surveillance expert for the Mob, and has continued to make regular appearances on the soap opera since then — and most recently April 28. This is just the beginning for Smith's acting career, and he said he won't stop until he lands more roles on primetime television and in movies. However, giving up his job with ESPN to become a full-time actor is where he draws the line. 'It would have to be the right opportunity, of course,' Smith said of future acting roles. 'I mean, I have a day job that pays me pretty well, so I don't really need the work.' Smith signed a five-year, $100 million contract extension with ESPN in March, according to The Athletic. 'If I'm gonna do it, it has to be the kind of [role] that I want,' Smith said. 'I want to be in the movies. I want to be on primetime television. I want to be on epic shows like 'Law & Order,' I want to work with great actors and great directors and stuff like that. It's certainly something that I aspire to do. There's no doubt about that.' 3 Stephen A. Smith before Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on June 12, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. Getty Images 'If the right opportunity presents itself, of course I'd be willing to do it and sacrifice the time necessary in order to do it well because I'm not interested in doing anything half-ass. That would basically be my approach, but it's not going to be something that's going to compel me to give up my day job — that I'm not going to do. 'I wouldn't do that to become a full-time actor. That's not what I would do, not after what I've been blessed to accomplish and I'm on throughout my career over the last 30 years. I'll continue doing this for as long as I can.' Smith credited 'General Hospital' star Maurice Bernard, who's played Sonny Corinthos on the soap since 1993, along with producer Frank Valentini, for taking him under their wing in Hollywood. He also attributed longtime 'General Hospital' stars, Laura Wright, who plays Carly Corinthos, and Steve Burton, who plays Jason Morgan, for 'teaching me about the profession.' 'I remember when Maurice Bernard told me one time [on set], 'This is who I need you to be at this moment.' And when I went and taped the scene for 'Law & Order,' I was like, 'This is who I need to be in this moment right here. This is what it calls for,'' Smith said. 'And I knew it instinctually because of the things that they taught me over the years, and I'm incredibly grateful to them, and they're all my friends and we communicate all the time.'
Daily Mail
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Stephen A. Smith shocks fans with bizarre cameo in iconic TV show
Stephen A. Smith stunned fans on Wednesday as they reacted to the ESPN star's bizarre new cameo on 'General Hospital.' Smith, better known for his sports analysis of course, has actually appeared on the iconic soap opera a total of 49 times according to IMDb, playing the character of surveillance expert 'Brick.' The show appears on ABC, which like ESPN is owned by The Walt Disney Company. And Smith's latest cameo from the April 28 episode of the show spread like wildfire on social media, as he was seen shooting a nurse in a surreal scene. The nurse was seemingly about to inject her patient with something when Smith barged in. 'Sorry to interrupt,' he said dramatically. 'I'm gonna need to see some ID, now.' The nurse then pretended to reach into her pocket to grab identification but instead pulled out a gun, with Smith's character able to pull out his gun and fire a bullet first. And fans were left in awe by Smith's acting. 'stephen a pulling up to general hospital like it's first take is still the funniest career subplot on earth,' one wrote on X. 'No notes. Emmy,' another said. 'I've seen it all now……' a third chimed in And a fourth added: 'Masterclass of acting.' Smith has played the recurring role of Brick since 2016 and even appeared in 2007 as a reporter. While 'General Hospital' is the show he has been involved with the most, the 57-year-old has numerous other acting credits. He's also appeared in 'Creed III' and 'Black-ish' as himself, and also played the role of Allan in the 2007 film 'I Think I Love My Wife.' Of course, Smith has also been linked with a career in politics as the Democratic party searches for its 2028 nomination. He said earlier this month that he has 'no desire to be a politician' but conceded that he was 'no longer going to close that door' after talks with politicians.
