Born on January 29, 1983, Brian Michael Smith is an accomplished American actor who has left an indelible mark on the television industry with his exceptional acting prowess and unwavering commitment to promoting trans representation in the media landscape.
Smith's professional trajectory underwent a significant acceleration with his captivating on-screen depiction of Toine Wilkins, a transgender police officer, in the widely acclaimed television series Queen Sugar, which was masterfully crafted by the visionary director Ava DuVernay and premiered on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).
Notably, his subsequent high-profile roles in the entertainment industry prominently featured him as Pierce Williams, a shrewd and influential political strategist, in the critically acclaimed television series The L Word: Generation Q, which aired on the prestigious Showtime network in the year 2019.
In the year 2020, a groundbreaking achievement was accomplished by Smith, as he became the pioneering individual to assume a series regular role on network television, making history by virtue of being the first out black trans man to do so.
In this notable milestone, Smith took on the character of Paul Strickland, a firefighter, in the FOX television series 9-1-1: Lone Star, thereby bringing his distinctive perspective and personal experience to the role, thereby enriching the character and the show.
Noted thespian, Smith, has woven a rich tapestry of performances throughout his storied career, boasting an impressive array of credits that include, but are by no means limited to, NBC's critically acclaimed Chicago P.D., HBO's groundbreaking Girls, and Showtime's gripping and suspenseful thriller, Homeland.
This multifaceted actor's unwavering dedication to his craft, coupled with his tireless efforts to champion greater diversity and representation within the entertainment industry, has not only solidified his reputation as a master of his art, but also earned him a trailblazing status as a true pioneer in the world of acting.
