Meet Robert Smith III

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Smith III.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Robert. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I got into acting when I was seven, but got more in depth with it and modeling when I was finally able to go away to school and study theatre and film in college. Coming from a single parent household, everything I’ve accomplished thus far has been because of pure ambition and sacrifice. I knew how much I wanted to accomplish in this life and knew I would do whatever it took to make my dreams a reality. People like to sometimes glamorize the world of an actor, but often forget the many years of literal blood, sweat, and tears that go into it. I worked full-time, paid my way through school, and studied hard so that the day I graduated; I was ready to take on the industry. When I wasn’t working/studying, I was out in the city working on independent projects, making connections with local artists, and building a portfolio I could use to help propel me further in my career. Something that would not have been possible without the amazing artists in Wilmington, NC. A community in college that welcomed me with open arms and taught me so much. All the struggles and hardships from childhood to adulthood taught me an important lesson. Whatever circumstances one comes from, they don’t have to confine you and dictate your destiny. It was in September 2019 that I decided to take the leap, pack my things, and leave my home state of North Carolina to hustle for the dream in Los Angeles, CA.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This road has DEFINITELY not been an easy one. I knew coming up that I would have to struggle to the top and I was okay with that. Growing up in a single parent household pushed me to go out and make things happen for myself that I knew wouldn’t be possible from home. Financials for myself and my family was always an issue, but I didn’t let that stop me. Let it be my first car, headshots, or paying for school; I didn’t let our financial standing be something that held me back. If anything, it was fuel for the fire to get things done. Even today, moving to Los Angeles, as any artist can attest, is no cakewalk. I have very little time for social things. When I’m not sleeping, I have a fulltime job to keep my bills paid, food in the fridge, and gas in the tank; so I can get to whatever gigs I have coming up. When you want something bad enough in this life, you get used to sacrificing. Even as a kid, who had to wear second hand clothes and eat from food shelters because money was that tight; even then, it is my honest belief that the universe was preparing me for this moment. Positioning me for greatness and the trials and tribulations that go along with that.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
First and foremost, I am an artist. I say that because I’ve never been one to just box myself into one category industry-wise and I think that’s something that sets me apart from others. Versatility is EVERYTHING to me. I never want to be pigeonholed in the industry no matter what I’m doing. As an artist, I never want to stop learning and elevating. Which no artist should want to do. What’s that old saying? Once you think you’ve learned it all, you should probably just quit because there are legends/masters of their craft today that are still learning new things. The knowledge well never stops flowing. Now what I’m known for is acting and modeling. Two things, I feel, you can become an expert in, but never really master because they are constantly changing and there is always new techniques to gain. At this present moment, I’m most proud of my ambition and how far it’s taken me. Pushing myself in college to become a stronger performer defiantly prepared me for the Los Angeles grind.

That is something I learned from training with my professors at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. They didn’t hold back anything and gave me all the tools I needed to transition to life out here and really just hustle for what I want. I’ll forever be grateful to them for that. Also, with that same knowledge, I was able to hustle harder as a model as well. Taking on projects from freelance to paid in college and after gave me that real-world experience I needed to take it to the next level. So much so that I walked in Paris Fashion Week for baller NYC designer Christopher Korey this past February. That experience truly opened my eyes to how much potential success is out there in the world just waiting to be claimed. I want to keep pushing and elevating my brand so that I can work in multiple markets. That’s something I always preach about on social media. No matter what industry you’re in, NEVER limit yourself. We as humans have an immense potential to be whatever we want in this life, so don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t have what it takes. Even when you fail, because we all do. Believe in your own power. That’ll be what rises you back up like a phoenix from the ashes, stronger and a little wiser.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Some of my FAVORITE memories as a kid were any of our Christmas’ ever. Even if we didn’t have a lot of money, my mother always made sure our home was a cheerful one for the holidays. One Christmas in particular was one we were super broke on and my mother put a season of one of my favorite shows “Charmed”, on layaway for me. I just remember binge-watching that season, then drinking hot chocolate, and watching “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, which I am COMPLETELY OBSESSED with. Snoopy is my road dog. Pun totally intended.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therobsmith3/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=831614427
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/therobsmith3

Image Credit:
Zamora Photography, Chris Chu, Misfit Toyz Art Studio, Photos by Magnum, Idriss M, Pretty Simple Images, Janet Adamson

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