Stanley Smith, a talented individual, was born in the vibrant city of Kansas City, Missouri, on January 6, 1903, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey.
Initially, Smith faced strong family opposition to pursuing a career in the performing arts, as his father's family was rooted in the banking industry, while his mother's family was involved in the lumber trade. However, Smith's passion for the stage ultimately prevailed.
During his teenage years, Smith attended Hollywood High School and made his debut at the iconic Hollywood Bowl, taking on the role of Robin Hood. This early exposure caught the attention of renowned actress Lenore Ulric, who offered him his first professional opportunity in the play "Kiki." Smith then spent six years honing his craft in regional theater, also known as stock theater.
After refining his skills, Smith returned to the West Coast to star in the production "The Royal Family." His striking physical appearance, including his 5 feet 11 inches tall and 160 pounds lean physique, blonde hair, and piercing blue eyes, soon made him a sought-after leading man.
Pathe studios took notice of Smith's talent and signed the local boy, catapulting him to stardom. He went on to share the screen with notable actresses of the time, including Nancy Carroll, Clara Bow, and Ginger Rogers, during the early days of talkies.
