Meet Rayshawn Smith | Actor, comic, playwright

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rayshawn Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rayshawn, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve always had a knack for being the “center of attention,” even when I didn’t want it. I’ve always had a fondness for tv/film, and as a child I would constantly create story scenarios with my toys, as if I was directing a film. I remember when I told a coworker of mines that I wanted to pursue acting, her response was “so you basically don’t want to grow up?”, and in a sense, she was correct. Acting allows me to continue to tap into that creative childhood entity, never fully letting go of that innocence.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been acting professionally since 2013. Ive always had a strong pension & passion for comedy. I consider it a God given talent & ability to find the funny in any and everything. I have natural timing, something you can’t quite teach, you either have it or you don’t. I also have a kind of fearlessness when it comes to comedy in a sense that not everybody is going to find you or your brand/humor funny, but the object is to stay strong in your convictions in order to find your niche/audience. I tend to go for that forbidden/dark humor, that comedy that nobody wants to touch, but chuckle to it when nobody is around. I’ve gotten thus far on my authenticity and my ability to adapt, without compromising my integrity or comedic values. I want people to know that whether you love or hate my comedy, you gotta respect it, because I keep the same energy always.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m really a homebody type person, but there is one bar/grill that I’ve adopted as my go-to spot called Hudson’s Grille. I got hip to this place back in 2016 after a rehearsal for a stage play I was apart of. We all went out as a cast to this spot and I fell in love with place, well at least their Sweet Potato fries & Red Velvet cake. Unfortunately, they stopped serving the Red Velvet cake, but the Sweet Potato fries are still on the menu. Other than that, I enjoy outings with fellow actors, but if it’s with my bruhs, we definitely hitting up one of the many strip clubs ATL has to offer.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To Pharaoh, my son, my first born, my pride & joy, everything I do from this point on I life is dedicated to making sure you live the life you want & deserve.

Website: Actorsaccess.com/rayshawnlsmithjr

Instagram: @rlsjr_the_actor

Facebook: Rayshawn L. Smith Jr.

Image Credits
Wes Stanfield @wesshots Kurt Maule @nextupphotography