Actor. Filmmaker. Motivator.
“Every role, every story, every moment on screen is an opportunity to redefine what’s possible.”
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Brian Michael Smith
is an ACTIVATOR.
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An Actor, Filmmaker, Speaker and Coach whose work empowers people to break limitations—on screen and in their own lives.
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A life-long barrier breaker - Brian made television history as the first Black trans man cast as a series regular on network TV in 9-1-1: Lone Star, and has brought a blend of vulnerability, strength, and subversive humor to every role, redefining what modern heroism looks like on screen.
His roots are in community spaces — classrooms, youth centers, and rallies — where he learned how to speak with intention and connect across differences. That foundation now fuels a national presence, with talks for major companies like Deloitte, Procter & Gamble, and Ares, as well as world-renowned stages including San Diego Comic-Con, SXSW, Essence Fest, Outfest, ATX Festival, and WorldPride’s Human Rights Conference.
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Brian moves fluidly between intimate conversations and high-profile panels, sharing the stage with cultural leaders such as Lena Waithe, Shonda Rhimes, Laverne Cox, Wayne Brady, and Lily Wachowski. Whether he’s hosting a rally, moderating a film talkback, delivering a keynote, or guiding a leadership session, he brings grounded emotional intelligence, sharp insight, and genuine presence — leaving audiences more aligned, more courageous, and more ready to lead.​
Brian reorients people toward their power — and invites them to use it.
Brian in the Room Changes Everything
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
PANELIST / PODCAST GUEST
EVENT HOST / MODERATOR
COACHING & MENTORING
Voice. Visibility. Transformation.
Brian Michael Smith is the kind of speaker who shifts the energy in a room the moment he begins. A truth-teller with uncommon clarity and heart, he blends lived experience, humor, and purposeful storytelling to challenge assumptions and spark real transformation.
His work is driven by a simple mission: helping people see themselves more clearly and step into who they are with courage.
As an actor, he has built a career on truthful, grounded performances that challenge outdated ideas about identity and modern masculinity, bringing depth and nuance to the roles he inhabits.
As a speaker, he uses that same clarity and lived experience to push audiences to rethink old narratives and lead with more authenticity, resilience, and purpose. Known for his grounded presence and intentional storytelling, Brian creates spaces where people feel seen, inspired, and capable of growth.
As a coach, Brian brings the skill and discipline of his acting career to help performers and leaders cut through the noise, strengthen their craft, build real systems, and develop the confidence needed to move toward their goals with intention.
Through his production company, The Renegades, Brian champions dynamic, character-driven stories that elevate overlooked heroes and expand how we see ourselves—and what we believe is possible.
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At every level, his work is about using story and truth to help people
transform how they see themselves and what they believe they can do.
NOTABLE ENGAGEMENTS
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN
OUTFEST LEGACY AWARDS 2023
ESSENCEFEST 2025
KENT STATE UNIVERSITY
THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
"There are people who step into your life and inspire you and change your outlook—for me, Brian Michael Smith is one of those people. His mentorship goes beyond technique or guidance; it’s healing, grounding, and transformative."
Josue Infante, Coaching/Mentorship
Manager
Christina Diamantes
Agent: Jonathan Howard
Appearances: Joe Flaherty