Stephen A. Smith in 'General Hospital,' explained: Why ESPN analyst is character in soap opera series

Even if you're not a sports fan, it's hard to stay away from Stephen A. Smith.

The longtime ESPN personality, who grew in fame from the network's debate shows and his unique sports takes, has appeared on everything from sports radio and social media to television. He's even made his desire to be a future politician clear. But one thing you may not know about Smith is that he occasionally appears in a long-running soap opera.

Smith first appeared on ABC's "General Hospital," a series that debuted in 1963, back in 2007, but in recent years, his cameos have become much more common, with sports fans easily identifying Smith in his acting role due to his massive presence at ESPN.

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Here's what to know about Smith's role in General Hospital, from the scenes he's done to the character he portrays.

Stephen A. Smith "General Hospital" scenes

Smith's first appearance on "General Hospital" came back in 2007 when he made a brief cameo as a television reporter. However, he took on a more recurring role in 2016, and he's made over 40 appearances on the show since.

In March 2016, an episode first aired with Smith's character featured. His first line as the character named Brick was: "You're a preferred client, I'm always happy when I get your call."

Catch your boy on @GeneralHospital today at 2p et on @ABCNetwork. My man Denzel said he'll be watching. #SASonGH pic.twitter.com/Jq9PRV2trD

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) March 31, 2016

In 2021, Smith's character was part of a slow-motion shootout where he stepped up to save the day:

Stephen A. Smith pulled up strapped on General Hospital and saved the day 😂 https://t.co/HfdqgBs5kE

— BroBible (@BroBible) May 4, 2021

In 2023, First Take gave an exclusive look at one of Smith's scenes where he has an intense conversation. 

"I don't think that was bad!" Smith said on ESPN afterward. 

Another iconic Smith scene was also in 2023, where he surprised an opposing character with a, "Gotcha now, kid."

Here's another dramatic "General Hospital" scene from Smith in 2024:

I turned on my TV which was on ABC and apparently Stephen A Smith is an actor on the soap opera General Hospital pic.twitter.com/G9xTEetXjr

— Historic Vids (@historyinmemes) March 17, 2024

Most recently, sports fans noticed Smith in a 2025 scene in the show where he approaches a crooked nurse, tells her he needs to see I.D., then very casually shoots her.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I'm gonna need to see some ID," Smith's character said as he walked into a hospital room.

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) April 30, 2025

Why is Stephen A. Smith in "General Hospital?"

Smith has said in the past that he is a longtime fan of "General Hospital." His sisters watched it growing up, inspiring him to later join the show.

“I have four older sisters and when we came home from school, all the TVs in the house were on ‘General Hospital,’” Smith told ESPN Front Row in 2016. “Since I wasn’t allowed outside until I finished my homework, I watched the soap every day.”

The ESPN personality said that Maurice Benard, who plays one of the main characters on the show, "recognized that I was a huge fan" and made an effort to get Smith on "General Hospital" after Benard made a guest appearance on First Take in 2014.

Nothing in the world can ruin my day today. My man @MauriceBenardMB from General Hospital came on @ESPN_FirstTake today. I'm in HEAVEN. Haa

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 14, 2014

"I received a call a few months later to play 'Brick,' a surveillance expert for Sonny and the Mob," Smith told ESPN Front Row in 2016. "With ‘GH,’ you memorize lines in a script, bringing other people’s words to life. The pressure is immense. I practiced and practiced to make my lines conversational. Since I have watched the show for so long, I know Sonny and his mannerisms."

When he first began appearing on "General Hospital," Smith said it was different than live sports TV and that he was nervous.

"I’m never nervous on First Take. It’s my and Skip’s domain. I’m extremely confident on ESPN. I felt like a fish out of water on the ‘GH’ set. I don’t get nervous too often, but I was incredibly nervous," he told ESPN Front Row in 2016. "Maurice made it easy for me, coaching me the entire day. He made me so comfortable that at one point I almost forgot I was on the set."

Who is Stephen A. Smith's character in "General Hospital?"

In "General Hospital," Smith plays the character "Brick," who is a surveillance and tech expert. Most of his scenes include working with one of the main characters of the show, mob boss Sonny Corinthos, to keep surveillance on others and assist him.

Fandom.com's "General Hospital" page lists Brick as a recurring character since 2016 who is a security consultant, surveillance/tech expert, a former spy, and a veteran. The Corinthos family often asks Smith to wire conversations, keep tabs on other characters, trace calls, etc.

Stephen A. Smith acting career

"General Hospital" and sports television aren't Smith's only endeavors on-camera.

In film, Smith has made four appearances. In 2007, he appeared in Chris Rock's film "I Think I Love My Wife." In the 2016 holiday movie "Almost Christmas," Smith appears as himself. In 2021, he appeared in the animated sports comedy "Rumble," and in 2023, he appeared as himself in the sports drama "Creed III."

As for television, Smith's cameos have extended beyond "General Hospital." In 2018, he made a one-episode cameo in the Marvel show "Luke Cage" as himself. And in 2022, he appeared as himself in both the ABC sitcom "Black-ish" and the miniseries "The Best Man: The Final Chapters."