Brian Thomas Smith

Brian Thomas Smith (born May 13, 1977) is an American actor and comedian known for playing the dim-witted but kind-hearted Zack Johnson in The Big Bang Theory for nine seasons. He has also made other TV appearances on Fear Factor, Two and a Half Men, Happy Endings, The Neighborhood, 9-1-1: Lone Star, and United States of Al. On the big screen, Smith starred opposite Al Pacino and Annette Bening in Dan Fogelman's directoral debut film, Danny Collins. Other films Smith has starred in include Lethal Seduction, Babysplitters, The Wedding Party, and Concrete Blondes.

Brian Thomas Smith
Smith in 2016
Born (1977-05-13) May 13, 1977
St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Occupations
  • Actor
  • comedian
  • producer
SpouseMaggie Gonzales-Smith

Early life

Smith has a younger brother, Greg, who participated with him on The Amazing Race 7.[1]

Smith graduated from Central Missouri State University (he was also a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity) before moving to Los Angeles. He was a member of the sketch comedy troupe, The Exploding Pajamas.

Smith is of English, Welsh, Irish, German, Cherokee, and Ashkenazi-Jewish descent.

Career

Smith has appeared in over 100 commercials including Miller Lite, Pizza Hut, Burger King, State Farm, Lopez Tonight, Chevrolet, Carl's Jr., Coors Light, Budweiser, Taco Bell, DirecTV, Pop Chips, Buffalo Wild Wings, Honda, Corona, Applebee's, DairyQueen, Audi, and Progressive Insurance.

In 2005, in markets outside of the United States, he starred in a Heineken beer commercial with Jennifer Aniston.[2][3]

In 2005, Smith appeared on the reality television competition series The Amazing Race 7 with his brother, Greg. The two were involved in a car accident during the sixth leg that injured their cameraman. They were then eliminated on the subsequent leg during the sixth episode and placed sixth overall.

In 2006, Smith was cast as the lead in Dan Fogelman's half-hour comedy pilot The 12th Man.

In 2010, Smith joined the cast of comedy series The Big Bang Theory in a recurring role, portraying Penny's ingenuous ex-boyfriend, Zack Johnson. He continued to recur on the show until its 12th and final season in 2019 (S12E12 and S12E25).

In 2021, Smith was cast in a recurring role of the comedy series United States of Al, as Freddy, the new boyfriend of Vanessa, Riley's ex-wife.[4]

Filmography

Film
Year Title Role Notes
2006 The 12th Man Adam Rump TV movie
2008 No Place Like Home Matt Short
2009 The Moonlighters Bob Short
Perry's Fairies Short
The Indies Sean Short
2010 All American Zombie Drugs Bobby
2012 Lucy in the Sky with Diamond Brian Short
Surprise Matthew Short
Hot Neighbours Judd Short
Concrete Blondes Karl Short
2013 Casual Guy
2015 Lethal Seduction Randy TV movie
Danny Collins Judd/Busy Work
2018 Big Muddy Bo
2020 Babysplitters Dr Palmer
2023 Holiday Twist Boogie

Television
Year Title Role Notes
2001 Friends Strip club patron Season 8, Episode 11 (uncredited, no lines)
2005 The Amazing Race 7 Contestant Eliminated, 6th place (with Greg Smith)
2006 Two and a Half Men Emmett 1 episode
2010 A Good Knight's Quest Agent One 8 episodes
The Indies Sean 2 episodes
2010–19 The Big Bang Theory Zack Johnson Recurring role, 11 episodes
2010–11 Casual: The Series Guy Season 1–3 (series regular; 17 episodes)
2012 Happy Endings Nick "Party of Six"
Wolfpack of Reseda Vance Season 1 (series regular; 5 episodes)
Suit Up Bjorn Hansen Recurring role, 4 episodes
2019 The Neighborhood Ed Episode: "Welcome to the Bully"
2020 9-1-1: Lone Star Andrew Reynolds Episode: "Awakening"
2021–22 United States of Al Freddy Recurring Role
2022 NCIS Fantasy Football Dad Episode S20E2: "Daddy Issues"
The Really Loud House Mr. Bolhofner 2 episodes

References
  1. "CBS reveals the identities of 'The Amazing Race 7' contestants". Reality TV World. February 9, 2005. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
  2. "Lunch Break: "Banned" Jennifer Aniston Heineken ad". June 9, 2010. Archived from the original on December 2, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  3. "Doug's Brush With Fame: Brian Thomas Smith". July 25, 2012. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  4. "Brian Thomas Smith To Recur In 'United States Of Al'". May 5, 2021. Retrieved May 29, 2021.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.