Brian Michael Smith
Biography
Brian Michael Smith is an American actor born on January 29, 1983, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Known for groundbreaking television performances and advocacy for trans representation in media, he gained recognition for his role as transgender police officer Toine Wilkins in Ava DuVernays Queen Sugar on OWN. He subsequently played political strategist Pierce Williams in Showtimes The L Word: Generation Q. Smith made history as the first out Black trans man in a series regular role on network television when he was cast as firefighter Paul Strickland in the FOX series 9-1-1: Lone Star in 2020. His television appearances also include roles in NBCs Chicago P.D., HBOs Girls, and Showtimes Homeland.
Career overview
Brian Michael Smith is an American actor born on January 29, 1983, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is known for television performances and his advocacy for trans representation in media. His career gained momentum when he was cast as Toine Wilkins, a transgender police officer, in Ava DuVernay's Queen Sugar on OWN. This role led to further high-profile television appearances, including playing political strategist Pierce Williams as part of the cast of Showtime's The L Word: Generation Q in 2019.
Smith achieved a historic milestone when he was cast as firefighter Paul Strickland in the FOX series 9-1-1: Lone Star in 2020, becoming the first out black trans man in a series regular role on network television. In addition to these prominent parts, his television credits include appearances on NBC's Chicago P.D., HBO's Girls, and Showtime's thriller Homeland.
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Career timeline
Full Filmography
16 titles- King of Drag (2025) as Guest Judge
- I Wish You All the Best (2025) as Chris
- The Unburdened (2025) Executive Producer
- Deep Dish Dimples (2025)
- The Villains Code (2023) Executive Producer
- After (2021) as Jeremy Washington
- 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020) as Paul Strickland
- Disclosure (2020) as Self - Actor
- Together in Pride: You Are Not Alone (2020) as Self
- The L Word: Generation Q (2019) as Pierce Williams
- Tell-By Date (2019) as Ryan
- Tracers (2015) as Security Guard #1
- White Privilege Frankenstein (2015) as Darrell
- Homeland (2011) as EMT Nate
- Person of Interest (2011) as Patrolman
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) as Conelectric Worker
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Brian Michael Smith best known for?
Brian Michael Smith is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including I Wish You All the Best (2025), 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020), Disclosure (2020), The L Word: Generation Q (2019).
When and where was Brian Michael Smith born?
Brian Michael Smith was born on January 29, 1983 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
How many credits does Brian Michael Smith have?
Brian Michael Smith has accumulated over 16 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1999 to 2025.
What is Brian Michael Smith's background in cinema and television?
Brian Michael Smith is an American actor born on January 29, 1983, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Known for groundbreaking television performances and advocacy for trans representation in media, he gained recognition for his role as transgender police officer Toine Wilkins in Ava DuVernays Queen Sugar on OWN. He subsequently ...