Biography for
Riley Smith (I) More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

12 April 1978, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA

Birth Name

Riley Bryant Smith

Height

6' (1.83 m)

Mini Biography

Riley Smith was discovered in 1997 at a mall in his hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, by a local talent scout who invited him to compete at the International Modeling and Talent Association (IMTA) Convention in New York City. At IMTA, he was signed to appear in a Tommy Hilfiger modeling campaign, and then used the money he earned to pay for acting classes. Just three months later, Smith was in Los Angeles at a screen test for the 1998 WB pilot "Minor Threat". He landed that first audition and, although the pilot was not picked up, Smith's acting career was established. Since his start, he has gone on to do eight prime-time network pilots, more than a dozen guest-starring roles and five series. He has appeared in over 15 movies, including Eight Legged Freaks (2002), Not Another Teen Movie (2001), Radio (2003) (alongside Oscar winners Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ed Harris), Warner Bros.' New York Minute (2004/I) with 'Mary Kate Olsen' and Ashley Olsen (aka "The Olsen Twins") and the 2007 Sundance Grand Jury nominee Weapons (2007). He has had recurring roles in the Emmy-nominated CBS series "Joan of Arcadia" (2003), the highly acclaimed Emmy-winning FOX show "24" (2001) and the cult favorite Judd Apatow creation for NBC, "Freaks and Geeks" (1999), and co-starred in the short-lived FOX show "Drive" (2007). Smith stars in two new films scheduled for release in 2010: the action thriller Gallowwalker (2010) with Wesley Snipes and the military thriller Universal Squadrons (2011). Riley resides in Los Angeles.

IMDb Mini Biography By: A. Nonymous

Trivia

Was the President of the AQHYA (American Quarter Horse Youth Association) in 1996 - 1997. It is the largest single breed horse youth association in the world, with over 25,000 members.

Had to learn how to ride a dirtbike for Motocrossed (2001) (TV).

He was Ashton Kutcher's roommate in 1997 in New York City at the IMTA convention after knowing each other in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, their hometown. Josh Duhamel also attended the same year.

He was offered the role in Spring Break Shark Attack (2005) (TV), after screen-testing and almost landing the title role of Elvis (2005) (TV) for CBS.

Roommates with Ashton Kutcher (1997).

Is the lead singer/guitarist for the band "The Life of Riley", which he started with musician Henri O'Connor.

Was in a relationship with Danneel Ackles for 4 years before they broke up.

Personal Quotes

I've always been a blue collar guy, and I think it shows in my body of work and the way my career has developed.

Acting is perception, and as long as I'm honest with myself in my work, someone will appreciate it.

"I like romantic comedies, New York Minute (2004/I) is not as romantic of a movie as I would like to be in someday, but it's a step in the right direction".

When he gets stressed out by the business: "I go home to Iowa. I call it defrosting my heart. Everyone in Iowa is so simple a genuine. In this business, sometimes you can get cold-hearted. When I go, even if it's 20 below and snowing, I come back with a warm heart."

When he's not working: "I have way too many hobbies. I play guitar, and my buddies and I record music in a studio in my house. I have a couple of vintage Jeeps I'm always working on, fixing up. And I ride horses-I grew up on a horse ranch-and play basketball. I need to cut back on my hobbies so I can work more."