Douglas Smith

Biography

Douglas Smith, born Douglas Alexander Smith on June 22, 1985, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is a prolific actor known for his ability to inhabit a wide range of characters across both television and film. From breakout roles in acclaimed HBO series to significant parts in major blockbusters and indie features, Smith has built a reputation for his nuanced performances and dedication to his craft.

Early Life and Introduction to Acting

Smith was born into a family with ties to the film industry. His father, Maurice Smith, is a UK-born producer of low-budget films, and his American-born mother, Terrea Oster, a teacher, appeared in several of his father's 1980s productions. He is also the younger brother of actor Gregory Smith.

Douglas began acting at a young age, with his first film role playing an 11-year-old version of Brendan Fraser's character in Blast from the Past (1999). As a teenager, he took on a lead role in the Australian series Out There, playing an American boy adapting to life in Australia. Early in his career, he made numerous appearances in television procedurals, including CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Miami, The X-Files, and Cold Case.

Career Breakthrough and Prominent Roles

Smith's career gained significant momentum with his role as Ben Henrickson on the critically acclaimed HBO series Big Love (2006-2011). He played the son of the central polygamist family for five seasons, showcasing his ability to portray an awkward adolescent navigating complex family dynamics. He considers Big Love a "turning point" in his career.

Following Big Love, Smith continued to expand his film and television credits:

• Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (2013): He played Tyson, the cyclops half-brother of the titular hero.
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• Terminator Genisys (2015): He had a brief but memorable role as Eric Thompson.
• Vinyl (2016): Smith appeared as a naive keyboardist, Gary, in Martin Scorsese's rock and roll drama.
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• Miss Sloane (2016): He played Alex, a young lobbyist, in the political thriller.
• The Bye Bye Man (2017): Smith starred in this supernatural horror film.
• When We Rise (2017): He had a role in this docudrama about LGBT rights.
• The Alienist (2018-2020): Smith earned praise for his portrayal of Detective Sergeant Marcus Isaacson, one half of the "darkly comedic Isaacson duo," in this 19th-century crime drama. He reprised the role in the second season.
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• Big Little Lies (2019): He played Corey Brockfield, a co-worker and love interest of Jane Chapman, in the second season of the popular HBO series. He and the cast were nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.
• Don't Worry Darling (2022): Smith played the supporting role of Bill Johnson in Olivia Wilde's film.
• Horizon: An American Saga (2024): He is set to appear in Kevin Costner's epic Western film series.

Beyond Acting

In addition to his acting, Douglas Smith has also ventured into other aspects of the entertainment industry. He released a solo LP under the name The Julias in 2020 and has credits as a composer for the TV series Roommates (2009). He has also taken on producer roles, including an executive producer credit for Exposure (2023). Smith's brother, Gregory Smith, has also been an inspiration for his producing and directing aspirations.

Douglas Smith's career showcases a consistent evolution, demonstrating his range and commitment to diverse and engaging storytelling across various genres.