Brian J. Smith
A stage-trained actor who broke through as a sensitive heartthrob in the groundbreaking, globe-spanning Netflix series Sense8.
Born 1981 (age 45)·American film, television, and stage actor·Birthday: October 12·Millennials
Biography
Brian J. Smith emerged from the Texas theatre scene to become a compelling presence on stage and screen, known for his emotional depth and physicality. His Broadway debut in the 2013 revival of 'The Glass Menagerie' earned him a Tony Award nomination, signaling the arrival of a major dramatic talent. But it was his casting as Chicago police officer Will Gorski in the Wachowskis' Netflix series 'Sense8' that transformed his career. The role required a vulnerable, connective performance as part of a psychically linked ensemble, and Smith delivered a grounded humanity that anchored the show's fantastical premise. Earlier, he had cut his teeth in genre television with a leading role in 'Stargate Universe'. Whether navigating the intimate confines of a Tennessee Williams play or the sprawling, international production of 'Sense8', Smith consistently projects a thoughtful intensity, making him a standout actor of his generation.
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.
Brian was born in 1981, 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 Brian Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Brian's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
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
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Received a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his role as Jim O'Connor in 'The Glass Menagerie' (2013).
- Played one of the eight lead roles, Will Gorski, in the globally filmed Netflix series 'Sense8'.
- Starred as Lieutenant Matthew Scott in the Syfy series 'Stargate Universe'.
Did You Know?
He is a trained dancer and studied ballet, which contributed to his movement work in 'Sense8'.
He graduated from the Juilliard School's Drama Division as part of Group 38.
Before his Broadway debut, he performed in Shakespeare in the Park productions in New York.
“Theatre demands a truth you can't hide from.”
