Algee Smith
An actor and musician whose breakout roles capture the raw tension of Black youth navigating trauma and identity in America.
Born 1994 (age 32)·American actor and rapper·Birthday: November 7·Millennials
Biography
Algee Smith's artistic path began in the church choirs of Saginaw, Michigan, where he developed a soulful voice that would become a signature of his performances. His early career was a steady grind of television guest spots, but his portrayal of New Edition's Ralph Tresvant in 2017 announced a major new talent. That same year, he delivered a harrowing, critically praised performance in Kathryn Bigelow's 'Detroit,' playing a singer caught in the Algiers Motel incident during the 1967 riots. Smith brings a palpable vulnerability and musicality to his roles, whether as a aspiring singer facing historical brutality or as a high school athlete grappling with toxic masculinity in 'Euphoria.' He simultaneously pursues a music career, ensuring his creative expression is never limited to a single medium.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Algee was born in 1994, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Algee Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Algee's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Received critical acclaim for his role as Larry Reed in Kathryn Bigelow's historical drama 'Detroit.'
- Portrayed Ralph Tresvant in the BET biopic miniseries 'The New Edition Story,' which was a major ratings success.
- Played a recurring role as high school footballer Chris McKay in the first season of HBO's groundbreaking series 'Euphoria.'
- Released his debut EP, 'Listen,' in 2017, showcasing his skills as a singer and songwriter.
Did You Know?
He is a classically trained pianist and began playing at the age of six.
Smith comes from a musical family; his grandfather was a member of the Motown group The Originals.
He was a cast member on the teen drama series 'The Haves and the Have Nots' early in his career.
He performed the song 'Cry' in the film 'Detroit,' a recording that plays a pivotal role in the movie's narrative.
“My voice was built in those church pews, and I carry that with me everywhere.”
