Arjay Smith, The Hollywood Reporter 2000 YoungStar Awards nominee for Best Young Actor-Performance in a Comedy TV Series, can be seen in the films “First Sunday” and “Be Kind Rewind”. In 2004 Arjay starred opposite Dennis Quaid and Jake Gyllenhaal in the 20th Century FOX Summer Blockbuster film “The Day After Tomorrow” directed by Roland Emmerich. Prior to his adventures on the big screen, he took his turn with FOX’s Emmy Award winning show “Malcolm in the Middle”, recurring for two seasons as “Cadet Finley”.
History was made when Arjay’s Nickelodeon hit show, “The Journey of Allen Strange”, was picked up for forty (40) additional episodes after less than half of the first season’s twenty (20) episodes had aired. “Alien Vacation”, which aired 12-4-99, was Nickelodeon’s first (1st) 90 minute TV movie that was an extension of a regular series!
Arjay started his career working with Oscar nominated Director John Singleton on the movie “Higher Learning”. His guest star roles include appearances on “Saving Grace”, “24”, “MEDIUM”, “my name is Earl”, “without a trace”, “7th Heaven”, “Charmed”, “Cold Case”, “NYPD Blue”, “Boston Public”, Disney Channel’s “That’s So Raven”, “The Bernie Mac Show”, “The West Wing”, “strong MEDICINE”, “ER”, “MAD tv”, “Step by Step”, and a battling scene with Drew Carey on the hit ABC sitcom, “the Drew Carey Show”. As Arjay grew in his craft so did his roles. Yet, he is still remembered for his first series’ regular role of ‘Jared’, a sixth grader who spouted clever and often rhyming phrases, on the hit WB television show, “Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher” (1st season). He is also remembered for “Toothless”, a Disney/ABC movie of the week starring Kirstie Alley that is available on video, and Disney’s original “Movie Surfers”. His additional acting projects can be viewed at imdb.com.
Arjay’s career also includes music videos, commercials, voice-overs, print ads, and performances with the hip-hop dance troupe “Culture Shock Los Angeles”.
If music is your thing, you may have checked out Michael Jackson’s “Childhood”, Steve Wonder’s “For Your Love”, Michael Bolton’s “Completely” or Soul Asylum’s “Runaway Train” video and caught the talented Arjay doing what he does best, entertaining. One of the many highlights so far in his career was appearing opposite basketball great Shaquille O’Neal in the popular Pepsi “All Sport” Grandpa Shaq commercial directed by Joe Pytka along with his national appearances for McDonald’s, Dr. Pepper, KFC, Sony, Best Buy, Kodak, Good Humor Ice Cream, Taco Bell, General Electric, Blockbuster Entertainment and Burger King just to name a few. He has also appeared regionally for Mead, Ross Department Stores and Kohl’s.
This has been a busy time in Arjay’s life: over the past years he has participated as a “coach” at the Braille Institute-Optimist Clubs Track and Field Olympics; collected donations and walked 5K (3 miles) in the Revlon Run/Walk for Women; visited pediatric cancer patients at the Jonathan Jacques Children’s Cancer Center at the hospital located on the campus of Long Beach Memorial Medical Center; served Thanksgiving meals to the homeless; assisted Shaquille O’Neal in distributing toys to underprivileged kids; visited abused children at a resident treatment facility and decorated a Tournament of Roses Float for the city of Burbank, California. He served twice as Jr. Grand Marshal in the Winter Wonderland Parade where he was acknowledged by the city of Los Angeles, California. While making personal appearances, speaking with kids across the United States through the “Philips Let’s Connect” program and helping other celebrities with charitable events, Arjay still found time to successfully host, in conjunction with Childhelp USA, five annual Kids 4 Kids Toy Drives for neglected and abused children.
Growing up watching television occasionally, participating in pageants, and playing sports was the start of his interest in show business. He enjoys meeting new people and being in front of the camera. Being focused and remembering that this is a business, Arjay walks by faith and not by sight. He stays away from the negative things, believes in himself, and believes that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him.
In January 2009 Arjay reached 16 years as an actor in the entertainment industry.
In October 2008, Arjay released an album entitled "Ch.1-LEGACY" with his group "Black O.C."! The album is available digitally on itunes, rhapsody, cdbaby and various other emusic stores. Currently he runs his own independent music label called, "Jeigh B. Records". Check out his myspace page to keep updated regarding his music. Go to
myspace.com/blackoc.
