Biography

Jeffrey Wayne Smith

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Overview

Born
May 18, 1959 · Jacksonville, Florida, USA
Height
6′ 1″ (1.85 m)

Mini bio

Jeffrey Wayne Smith is an American actor, known for Bunker of Blood (2011), Hell-ephone (2008), Blink (2007), Gene Simmons: Family Jewels (2007) and Secretariat (2010). During filming of these features, Jeff has been fortunate to work alongside fellow actors Diane Lane, John Malkovich, James Cromwell, Margo Martindale and Gene Simmons. Jeffrey began acting for the entertainment of others at the age of 8 when he starred as Jed Clampett in a Cub Scout play rendition of "The Beverly Hillbillies". This was followed by several years in the musical arts playing trombone and symphonic bass in school bands. Years later, when Jeffrey's daughter Allison Leslie Smith Mueller was a Theatrical Arts student at Eastern Kentucky University, she sought additional experience in drama outside of the university curriculum. In 2006, Jeff assisted her in working with Producer/Director/Writer George Bonilla. George was shooting, on location, at Fort Boonesboro in Kentucky. George was very welcoming and was instrumental in training Allison as a production assistant in film. Her career evolved into strong support roles in Bunker of Blood (2010) and Santa Claus Versus the Zombies (2008). Later in the day of shooting, it was apparent that there was an issue being nervously discussed between George Bonilla and other chief producers on the set. As it turns out, one of the key players to be filmed later that night had become ill and was unable to perform. This had the potential to cause great delay and expense to production of the film. Considering that a state park had to be closed for this filming, George's permit to film there was for a very limited time. Jeffrey noticed that the producers were frequently looking at him. Moments later, George Bonilla approached Jeffrey and asked if he had any experience in acting. He explained their predicament and asked Jeffrey if he could take over the role of General Ulysses S. Grant. Not being intimidated by the sudden attention thrown at him, Jeffrey graciously accepted George's offer. As it turns out, several hours in the makeup chair with multiple prosthesis did just the trick to make Jeffrey a great match for scenes that were "already in the can". Jeffrey went on to play roles in additional films by George Bonilla, as well as for producers and directors like Randall Wallace, Chad Hunley, Cherokee Hall, James Smith and D.W. Eversole. The heaviest load in Jeffrey's career, so far, was the lead role of United States President Ezekiel Stackhouse in Bunker of Blood (2010). A great percentage of the scenes in this film included dialog with Jeffrey's character. Jeffrey was not active for several years due to an extensive battle with cancer. He is once again healthy and searching for roles to fit his talents.
- IMDb mini biography by: Jeffrey Wayne Smith