Stephen A. Smith acting timeline: Every TV and movie role for ESPN analyst, from General Hospital to Law & Order

Stephen A. Smith: Sports columnist, TV host, potential presidential candidate...actor?

Acting might not beat screaming about the Knicks on TV each morning, but it's clearly something Smith has become more interested in over time, even beyond his appearances on "General Hospital."

While Smith weighs a potential presidential run, he has indicated that he is open to becoming even more prominent in movies and television.

Here's a complete look at Smith's acting roles and why he decided to take up acting.

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Stephen A. Smith acting roles

Smith has made appearances in a handful of television shows and films.

I Think I Love My Wife (Allan), 2007

Smith made a guest appearance as a character named Allen in Chris Rock's 2007 romantic comedy "I Think I Love My Wife." The brief cameo marked Smith's first film role. 

General Hospital (Brick), 2016-present

After a brief cameo appearance in 2007, Smith returned to a recurring role as Brick on ABC soap opera "General Hospital."

Smith plays a security consultant for a crime family on the show, making more than 40 appearances in the role. In April 2025, he returned to the screen for the first time in a year in the same role with a new title: assassin. 

Stephen A. Smith shooting a psychotic nurse on general hospital was the last thing I thought I’d see this week 🤣👀 pic.twitter.com/EkQHP6AzJ3

With a silencer and everything, Smith takes down an imposter nurse to save the life of Sonny Corinthos. 

Luke Cage (himself), 2018

Smith made a cameo appearance as a commentator in Marvel series "Luke Cage," which was released on Netflix in 2018. 

"Hate to see such a positive brother like Luke Cage go down like that, but as they say, the game is the game. Everyone hits the canvas eventually. Ali, Tyson, Frazier, Rousey, De La Hoya. There's always another predator. Someone faster. Someone better," Smith says in his appearance, referencing great fighters who have lost. 

Rumble (Marc Remy), 2021

Smith voices fictional wrestling commentator Marc Remy in 2021 animated comedy "Rumble." While it wasn't an on-screen appearance outside of his voice, "Rumble" found a role that allowed him to do much of what he does on the air for ESPN.

Black-ish (himself), 2022

Smith makes an appearance as himself in a 2022 episode of TV comedy series "Black-ish." Anthony Anderson's character, Andre, calls in to Smith's show to call out the ESPN host, but his on-screen daughter instead tears into Smith. 

The Best Man: The Final Chapters (himself), 2022

Smith made a cameo appearance as himself in Peacock miniseries "The Best Man: The Final Chapters," which was released in late 2022.

The series, which focuses on a friend group reuniting for a vacation, features a scene in which a former football player makes an attempt at broadcasting and gets into an on-air argument with Smith — about as perfect of a role as possible for the ESPN personality.

Creed III (himself), 2023

Smith made a cameo appearance as himself in 2023 boxing film "Creed III," the third installment of the series that spun off from the original Sylvester Stallone "Rocky" movies. Boxers Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez also make cameo appearances in the movie.

Law & Order (Ted Hunter), 2025

Smith is making his "Law & Order" debut as fictional sports agent Ted Hunter, who is found stabbed to death, on May 8, 2025. 

While that may sound grim, the crime is at the center of the long-running show's episode. Smith said before his debut in the show that he would have liked to play a more prominent role as a lawyer but didn't have the time in his schedule to film for so long.

"I’m not ruling out the possibility that you’ll see me in a courtroom for 'Law & Order' somewhere in the future," Smith said.

MORE: Why Stephen A. Smith is making 'Law & Order' appearance

Stephen A. Smith acting reviews

Most on social media were surprised to find out Smith was even on "General Hospital" when he made his appearance as an assassin in 2025 despite it being one of dozens of appearances by the ESPN host.

Smith's colleagues at ESPN got a good laugh out of the scene, as well. Asked to give his take on Smith's skills, Chris Russo said his co-worker was "not exactly Sidney Poitier, but effective."

Many social media users were amazed by Smith's smooth no-look shot to take out the imposter nurse. Smith, meanwhile, told his ESPN colleagues that he didn't have to rehearse his line because he has so much experience on "First Take."

The no look shot was crazyy 😂 https://t.co/khgzODNqxa

How Stephen A. Smith's ESPN fame led to acting

Smith is one of countless sports talking heads, but he's separated himself from the pack because he has such an infectious — and, of course, meme-worthy — personality. His analysis can lean more toward entertaining than insightful, but the way he can deliver lines on the air has made Smith a prominent figure in American media. It's no surprise, then, that he's pretty great at delivering scripted lines, as well.  

Smith's earliest roles were just cameo appearances, but he did well enough in them that he's picked up some additional work as characters. It also helps to have the right connections, and Smith's ESPN fame has helped him develop those. 

Still, Smith said ahead of his "Law & Order" debut that acting is distinctly challenging compared to his role as a TV analyst.

"It’s still a challenge when you have to go in front of the cameras on a set and act the role and step out of character and be something that you’re not," Smith told the New York Post.

Could Smith use his experience to step aside from broadcasting and commit to acting full time?

"It would have to be the right opportunity, of course,” Smith said “I mean, I have a day job that pays me pretty well, so I don’t really need the work.”