Stephen A. Smith, the well-known sportscaster and host, is set to make his primetime acting debut on the upcoming May 8th episode of the popular legal drama, ‘Law & Order’. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Smith shared his excitement about this new opportunity and described it as “an incredible honor.” This will not be his first foray into acting, as he currently appears as a recurring character on the soap opera ‘General Hospital’ and hosts a sports commentary show called ‘First Take’ on ESPN.
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Smith expressed his enthusiasm for joining the cast of ‘Law & Order’, a show he has been a fan of for many years. He mentioned his long-standing admiration for the series, citing actor Sam Waterston as his favorite from seasons 3 through 21. When the opportunity arose for him to guest star on the show, he jumped at the chance, describing it as a dream come true. The 57-year-old TV personality revealed that he never thought he would receive a call from ‘Law & Order’ and was thrilled to have the experience.
In the upcoming episode titled “Tough Love”, Smith plays the role of a “tough-love sports agent” who meets a tragic end, leading to a list of suspects with potential motives. Drawing from his experience interacting with sports agents throughout his career, Smith found the role enjoyable and sought to bring authenticity to his performance. Despite initial discussions about portraying a lawyer on the show, scheduling conflicts due to his sports commitments led to the casting of his current character.
While acting remains a side pursuit for Smith, he acknowledges that his primary focus will always be on sports. Having ventured into the world of acting in 2016 with his role on ‘General Hospital’, he appreciates the support and guidance he has received from his colleagues on the show. Reflecting on his progress in the field, he credits the opportunity to work with friends on the soap opera for honing his acting skills and leaving the door open for potential future projects.
Smith’s appearance on ‘Law & Order’ marks a significant milestone in his career, blending his passion for sports commentary with a newfound interest in acting. As he awaits the audience’s reaction to his performance, he expresses gratitude for the opportunity and looks forward to exploring more opportunities in the entertainment industry. Fans can catch Stephen A. Smith in action on the upcoming episode of ‘Law & Order’ airing on May 8th on NBC.
The versatile sportscaster continues to captivate audiences with his talents across different platforms, showcasing his versatility and dedication to his craft. With his engaging personality and commitment to excellence, Stephen A. Smith’s transition into primetime television is a testament to his versatility and willingness to embrace new challenges within the industry. As he embarks on this exciting chapter in his career, fans eagerly anticipate seeing his portrayal on ‘Law & Order’ and what the future holds for this multi-talented individual.