Stephen A. Smith Reveals He's 'Never Considered Himself an Actor' Despite Stints on General Hospital and Law & Order

Stephen A. Smith is best known for his dynamic role as a sports commentator and host on ESPN's First Take. His brash opinions, razor-sharp wit, and unparalleled knowledge of sports have made him a household name. However, in recent years, Smith has ventured into the world of acting, appearing in notable roles on television shows like General Hospital and Law & Order. Despite this new chapter in his career, Smith has been clear about his identity, firmly stating that he does not consider himself an actor.

The Genesis of His Acting Journey

Stephen A. Smith's path to acting began in 2007, when he made a cameo on the long-running soap opera General Hospital. Initially, Smith appeared as himself, but his engaging presence on set caught the attention of the show’s producers. In 2016, Smith was invited to reprise his role on General Hospital as Brick, a recurring character. His portrayal of the tough-talking security expert struck a chord with fans of the show, and he became a fan-favorite.

Smith credits General Hospital’s executive producer, Frank Valentini, for giving him the opportunity to explore this new facet of his talent. While he was excited about the chance to step outside his comfort zone, he’s always maintained that acting is not his primary focus. In interviews, Smith is quick to remind people that his true passion lies in sports broadcasting.

A New Chapter on Law & Order

More recently, Smith has appeared on Law & Order, one of television’s most iconic legal dramas. On the May 8th episode, Smith played a sports agent in a storyline that featured tough love and professional ruthlessness. His performance sparked conversations, particularly for fans of the show who were not accustomed to seeing the outspoken sports commentator in such a serious, scripted role.

Despite the growing recognition, Smith once again emphasized that he does not define himself as an actor. His appearance on Law & Order was a one-off, but it marked another moment in his evolving career outside of the sports arena. Smith has been careful not to let these forays into acting overshadow his primary career, which continues to thrive at ESPN. His role in Law & Order may have showcased a different side of him, but his commitment to sports media remains steadfast.

Why He Doesn't Consider Himself an Actor

In an interview with PEOPLE, Smith made it clear that his acting roles are a fun diversion, not a career shift. He sees these opportunities as a way to stretch his skills, but he has no desire to pursue acting in a full-time capacity. For Smith, sports journalism is where his heart lies, and he has worked tirelessly to become one of the most influential voices in the industry.

While he acknowledges his enjoyment of the acting experience, particularly on General Hospital, he describes himself as a sports broadcaster first and foremost. "I’ve never considered myself an actor," Smith explained. "This is all just a great opportunity to have some fun and try something different. But I’m a sports guy through and through."

A Future in Both Worlds?

Although Stephen A. Smith does not envision a full-fledged acting career in his future, it's hard to ignore the growing interest in his acting roles. His appearances on General Hospital and Law & Order have not only been well-received but also showcased his versatility beyond the sports desk. Could this lead to more acting opportunities in the future? It's certainly possible, especially given the positive feedback from fans and industry insiders.

However, as of now, Smith remains firmly rooted in the sports world. His passion for covering the latest in sports news and his ability to spark heated debates with his bold opinions remain his top priorities. Fans will no doubt continue to enjoy his sporadic acting gigs, but they can also rest assured that First Take is where Stephen A. Smith’s true calling lies.

Stephen A. Smith’s journey from sports commentator to occasional television actor is an intriguing one, but he’s remained steadfast in his identity as a journalist. While his roles on General Hospital and Law & Order are fun and add another dimension to his public persona, he continues to prioritize his broadcasting career. The world of sports journalism is where he feels most at home, and his iconic presence on First Take remains his central focus.

Smith’s venture into acting is a testament to his multifaceted personality and his willingness to take on new challenges. It’s clear that whether he’s offering his perspective on sports or playing a character on a television show, Stephen A. Smith is never afraid to take center stage—though he’ll always be the first to remind us that acting is not his primary calling.

Stay tuned for more of Smith’s sporadic television appearances, but don’t expect him to abandon his beloved role in the world of sports anytime soon.