Actor of the Month: Jeff Smith

Actor on the Rise

Interview by The Heat Seekers

First off, I would like to thank Teresa B Howell for giving me an opportunity to write a little bit for HeatSeekers magazine. Seeing how far I have come in my personal and professional life has had its ups and downs. Growing up in a broken family wasn’t easy. My mother was a strong woman putting up with my father’s alcoholic behaviors. See, my father was a cheater and a drinker. I never knew him as much as I would have liked to. I never knew the abuse that was taking place around until I got older. Finally, seeing how my father beat my mother when he had drank to much alcohol wasn’t pretty. My mother did everything to shelter me from seeing this take place. As years pass and I had gotten older, I still to this day can see the images in my head as my mother was bruised and bloodied. Growing up in a small town, you never heard anything about domestic violence.As I grew older as a child, I was finally understanding how it wasn’t good living with an abuser and alcoholic. I found myself at a young age, listening to a lot of music and watching TV to escape. I watched movies and looked at the different characters in the shows. As the years passed by, I had gotten married and had children of my own. I always promised I would not ever hit or abuse my family the way I grew up. I’m still finding myself escaping in my own way, watching movies, and listening to music. I always wanted to try acting or singing and never had the courage. At the age of 34 I had gotten a chance to be a background actor on a TV show. Nervous I was, not knowing what to expect from the experience I was about to embark on. I didn’t realize that I was about to go places I never dreamed of, all because of that first time on a TV set. My acting career started going crazy as I put hard work and dedication into my craft. My life experiences growing up helped me bring out the different characters I was portraying in front of the camera. As I grew in the film industry I have met some amazing people along the way. Getting to be on film posters and seeing your name in the credits. At 52, I’m thankful I took the leap into acting. Acting has helped me in so many ways in my adult life. Don’t be afraid to take that leap, whether it’s music, art , playing an instrument or acting.

Before I go, if you know of anyone who may need help that’s going through a difficult situation, try and help. Believe it or not, my acting career has helped me bring my story out as a child of domestic violence.

Always remember that there’s someone else going through a lot more than you. I pray each day, hoping someone out there gets the right help they need. I hope just a little piece of my story has helped you as a reader. Also, my story has turned into films that have been in numerous film festivals throughout the country. Remember to always encourage others, never judge a book by its cover. I am blessed to have had amazing opportunities doing what I do and sharing my life experiences. Hopefully my story will inspire you and see your future change for the better.

The Heat Seekers: Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Jeff Smith: My name is Jeff Smith and I’m from Spartanburg SC. I’m 53 years old, a proud father of 2 daughters and grandfather of 4 grandchildren. I’m twice divorced.

THS: What prompted you to get into the acting field?

JS: How I got into acting was by chance, submitted for my first time as a background actor on the TV shows Under The Doom and Sleepy Hollow. After that I’ve been blessed to work with so many extraordinary people.

THS: Do you have any influencers that kept you motivated?

JS: I would say my mother has always been the one that has been there for me. Pushed me to do better, influenced me to pursue my career as an actor.

THS: Do you enjoy acting on the big screen or on the stage?

JS: I do enjoy acting on the big screen as well as the small screen. I have my very first stage play coming up in August. I try to always push myself to be better and take on new challenges.

THS: Give us two memorable moments in front of the camera?

JS: One moment, I was working with Clint Eastwood on the movie the Mule. He would stand around telling jokes about life experiences. Second one, would be with Jim Belushi on the Netflix movie Evolution of Nate Gibson. He was always talking about himself and his brother John growing up. Funny stuff.

THS: Who would you like to partner with in the entertainment field?

JS: If I had my choice to partner with, it would Keanu Reeves or Denzel Washington. I worked with Denzel’s daughter, be awesome to work with her father.

THS: Tell us about some of your projects?

JS: As of now, my projects are a stage play, a TV series, and working on getting my 2 screenplays on film.

THS: Who have you work with?

JS: Some people I’ve had the pleasure to work with have been Clint Eastwood, Olivia Washington, Steve Buscemi, Jim Belushi, Daniel Radcliffe, Eric Roberts, MC Gainey, just to name a few.

THS: Do you use an agent to obtain acting jobs?

JS: No, I do not have an agent, I’m independent. Many years of networking and making connections have helped me.

THS: Please list your website and/or your social media platforms.

JS: Instagram JeffSmith2741 Twitter @smithj201369

THS: Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

JS: I have been in the film industry for 15+yrs. Being an actor has helped me open up about life experiences. Such as domestic violence, alcoholism etc. Helping others overcome their fear of being afraid. Sharing my stories through my screenplays or magazines. Sometimes on radio. Knowing people are out there finally getting help and leaving the bad situations. Thank you and God Bless.