Biography

Antonique Smith is a critically acclaimed Broadway, film, and television actor; a GRAMMY-nominated recording artist and writer; and a devoted social, climate, and environmental justice champion.

She first captivated audiences on Broadway in her iconic leading role as Mimi Marquez in "RENT", becoming the international poster girl for the show. She went on to earn critical acclaim in the film "Notorious", starring opposite Angela Bassett, Anthony Mackie and Derek Luke, as Faith Evans. Her performance received rave reviews and was praised by critics, including Jeffery Lyons, who called her "one to watch". Known for her soulful, dynamic performances and remarkable versatility, Antonique continues to make her mark on screens and stages alike, captivating audiences with a powerful presence and an emotional depth that feels both personal and profound.

Antonique starred as Barbara Franklin-Aretha Franklin's mother-alongside Cynthia Erivo and Courtney B. Vance in the third season of National Geographic's critically acclaimed anthology series "Genius: Aretha". Her screen work also includes standout recurring roles in season two of the hit NETFLIX series Marvel's Luke Cage and in the Blumhouse anthology "Sacred Lies" with Juliette Lewis and Ryan Kwanten.

Some of her film credits include a starring role in the gritty, emotionally charged drama "Yelling to the Sky" opposite Zoë Kravitz, Gabourey Sidibe, and Jason Clarke, and as CIA agent Sandra Burns in "Abduction" opposite Alfred Molina and Taylor Lautner. Antonique has also appeared in numerous guest star and recurring roles on hit television series including "Law & Order", HBO's "Bored to Death", A&E's "100 Centre Street", FOX's "Shots Fired", and NBC's "Chicago PD".

Antonique made waves with her debut EP "Love Is Everything". The project featured her Grammy-nominated single 'Hold Up Wait A Minute (Woo Woo)'-an edgy, retro-soul anthem that broke into the Top 20 at radio.

An accomplished songwriter, Antonique co-wrote her Grammy-nominated hit and has written music for several television shows, including Shots Fired, where she co-wrote the theme song, contributed multiple original tracks, and even composed part of the score alongside the legendary Terence Blanchard.

Antonique is now channeling the same fire she brought to stages and screens into the fight for our future. Dubbed "the voice of the movement" by famed climate activist Bill McKibben, Antonique is mobilizing communities of faith and communities of color to address climate change as co-founder and CEO of Climate Revival, co-founded with acclaimed climate champion Rev Yearwood. Through the power of music and storytelling, she inspires action, empowering others to join the fight for climate and environmental justice and a healthier, more compassionate world.

Legendary director Sidney Lumet gave Antonique her first role and declared her "an amazing actress with a great career ahead of her" -a prophecy she continues to fulfill as she follows in the footsteps of icons like Barbra Streisand and Diana Ross, who mastered both screen and stage, and of legends like Lena Horne and Nina Simone, who used their voices as instruments of cultural change and liberation. Like them, she is building a career that transcends entertainment, uniting powerful performances with deep purpose. Continuing to pursue a legacy of excellence across film, television, music and theater, Antonique uses her gifts not just to entertain, but to awaken, heal, and bring hope to a generation in need of truth, justice, and love.
- IMDb mini biography by: Antonique