Handsome, dark-haired Kerr Smith got his first taste of show business as an extra in the film "12 Monkeys" (1995). A business major at the University of Vermont, he and his father started a marketing firm after the younger Smith completed his studies. The aspiring businessman learned that he was more cut out for the performance part of his sales presentations than the actual selling, so he decided to pursue a career as a professional performer. Smith moved to NYC from his home in Exton, Pennsylvania to try his hand at acting and soon landed a one-year stint (1996-97) in the role of teen heartthrob Ryder Hughes on the CBS soap "As the World Turns". In 1998, the actor headed to Los Angeles and was cast in a guest role as a mischief-making college student on the syndicated series "Baywatch". Not long after, Smith joined the cast of The WB's popular "Dawson's Creek", playing newcomer Jack McPhee, a sensitive loner, ostensibly with his sights set on Joey Potter (Katie Holmes), Dawson Leery's best friend-turned-girlfriend. In a plot twist, however, the character "came out" as a homosexual creating new and varied storylines.
- Born:
March 9, 1972 in Exton, Pennsylvania
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Job Titles:
Actor, Bartender, Salesman, Tire warehouse worker
Family
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Sister: Allison Smith. younger
Significant Others
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Companion: Ali Hillis. began relationship c. 1988; no longer together
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Companion: Harmoni Everett. Canadian; became engaged over the holidays in 2001-2002; announced engagement in February 2002
Education
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University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, business administration, BS, 1994
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Henderson High School, Exton, Pennsylvania
Milestones
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1995 Was an extra in the film "12 Monkeys" alongside his mother
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1996 Played Ryder Hughes on the CBS daytime drama "As the World Turns"
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1998 Played the brooding Jack (who eventually 'came out') on The WB's popular "Dawson's Creek"
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1998 Appeared as a drunken fraternity brother on an episode of "Baywatch" (syndicated)
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1998 Moved to Los Angeles
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1999 Played a gay waiter with a thing for Jewish men in the comedy "Hit and Runway"
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2000 Co-starred in the teen thriller "Final Destination" as a bullying jock
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2000 Made cameo appearance in the gay-themed indie "The Broken Hearts Club: A Romantic Comedy"
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2004 Guest-starred on The WB's Sunday-night hit "Charmed," as FBI Agent Kyle Brody
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Moved to New York City
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Raised in Exton, Pennsylvania