Stephen A. Smith may be best known for his high-decibel hot takes on ESPN, but the longtime broadcaster has his sights set on something else — primetime television.
Smith, who will appear on NBC’s “Law & Order” this Thursday as a hot-tempered sports agent who meets a dramatic end, told the New York Post that he’s eager to break further into Hollywood — but he’s not about to walk away from his day job just yet.
On pursuing acting full-time, Smith told the outlet, “It would have to be the right opportunity, of course … I mean, I have a day job that pays me pretty well, so I don’t really need the work.”
That day job, of course, is with ESPN, where he recently inked a five-year, $100 million extension, according to The Athletic. Still, Smith said he’s open to more acting roles — especially if they’re in film or on prestige television.
“I want to be in the movies. I want to be on primetime television … I want to work with great actors and great directors,” he told The Post. “It’s certainly something that I aspire to do. There’s no doubt about that.”
Smith’s latest role on Law & Order follows previous guest appearances on General Hospital and the 2007 Chris Rock film “I Think I Love My Wife.”
Despite never having formal acting training, Smith says he thrives when the spotlight is on.
“The lights come on, it’s showtime,” he said. “It’s time to step up and produce, and that’s what I pride myself on being able to do.”
