Brian Michael Smith
Brian Michael Smith
Brian Michael Smith (born January 29, 1983 in Ann Arbor, Michigan) is an acclaimed American actor and LGBTQ+ advocate, best known for his groundbreaking role as firefighter Paul Strickland on 9‑1‑1: Lone Star. He grew up raised by his mother and extended family, and in high school played football on the boys team and track for girls—becoming the first person assigned female at birth to score a varsity touchdown in Michigan history YouTube+15+15BrainyQuote+15. A transgender man who navigated identity and performance from a young age, he later studied drama and film production at Kent State University, eventually teaching drama before pursuing acting full-time in New York City Famous Birthdays+4+4+4.
On television, Smith made history as the first Black trans man to hold a series-regular role on network TV. After recurring roles in Queen Sugar (as Officer Toine Wilkins) and The L Word: Generation Q, he earned a starring role on 9‑1‑1: Lone Star (2020), using that visibility to expand representation for trans men on-screen YouTube+15+15+15. He has also embraced advocacy work, encouraging safe community spaces and representation through storytelling, supporting LGBTQ youth, and serving on boards like the Human Rights Campaign +2+2+2.
Brian Michael shares powerful insights about identity, visibility, and artistry:
“People who are trans don’t owe you their entire history right out the gate… You build trust.” BrainyQuote
“I wanted to play characters that were going to make me better and really challenge me to raise my skill level… I want to be the best actor… the most creative actor I can be.” BrainyQuote+1BrainyQuote+1
Reflecting on visibility: “As I reflect on my own journey, I knew it was important for me to be visible so other people wouldn't have to struggle as I did.” BrainyQuote
These statements reflect his belief in authenticity, growth through performance, and the power of visibility in transforming lives and narratives.
Let me know if you'd like additional quotes or more focus on his activism or specific roles!