Justice Smith

Justice Smith, a name now synonymous with versatile acting prowess and an earnest on-screen presence, has emerged as one of Hollywood’s most promising young actors in the past decade. His ascendancy in the entertainment industry is a testament to his undeniable talent, a blend of charisma and authenticity that separates him from his peers. Born Justice Elio Smith on August 9, 1995, in Los Angeles, California, this vibrant Gemini was thrust into a diverse world where creativity flowed abundantly. Growing up, Smith, one of nine siblings, was raised in an environment where art and expression were cherished, fostering his early interest in performance. His parents, Wayne and Duilia Setacci, instilled in him a passion for the arts that led him to the Orange County School of the Arts, where he honed his craft and graduated from the acting program in 2013. Smith’s entree into professional acting came with small roles on television, including an appearance on HBO’s hit series, "The Newsroom," in 2014. However, it was his involvement in the musical drama series "The Get Down" (2016) on Netflix that proved pivotal. Created by Baz Luhrmann, the series shed light on the nascent days of hip-hop in the Bronx during the late 1970s, and Smith’s portrayal of Ezekiel "Zeke" Figuero showcased his remarkable depth, charisma, and ability to handle complex characters—a role that required not just acting, but also singing and rapping. Following "The Get Down's" truncated conclusion after its first season, Smith's career trajectory appeared poised for significant advancement. In 2018, he starred alongside Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard in "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom," the fifth installment of the Jurassic Park series helmed by director J.A. Bayona. Assuming the role of Franklin Webb, a systems analyst and former technician for the dinosaur theme park, Smith brought a blend of humor and vulnerability, affirming his knack for embodying multifaceted characters. Smith’s ability to navigate various genres with ease captured Hollywood’s attention, and it wasn’t long before he landed a leading role in "Pokémon Detective Pikachu" (2019), where he starred opposite Ryan Reynolds. Bringing to life the character of Tim Goodman, a former Pokémon trainer turned detective, Smith carried the film with a performance that was both heartfelt and engaging, further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic performer. The film's success was both critical and commercial, charting a new course in Smith's budding career. 2020 saw Smith in a significant departure from the blockbuster fare with which he had begun to be associated. He took on a lead role in the romantic drama "All the Bright Places," based on the young adult novel by Jennifer Niven. As Theodore Finch, Smith delivered a heart-wrenching performance dealing with themes of mental illness and the cathartic power of relationships. His sensitivity brought depth to a challenging role, drawing plaudits from critics and audiences alike for his portrayal of the ebbs and flows of teenage emotion. Smith’s stage credentials were further established with his performance in the 2017 off-Broadway revival of "Yen," where he starred opposite Lucas Hedges. The play, a haunting exploration of youth and neglect, showcased Smith's theatricality and range, allowing him a space to express a raw and immediate kind of artistry that only the stage provides. Through his roles, Smith has consistently championed diverse narratives, often opting for projects that shine a light on underrepresented communities and stories. His involvement in "Generation" (2021), an HBO Max series that examines modern-day sexuality within American adolescents, highlighted his commitment not only to his craft but also to using his platform for inclusivity and representation within media. Smith's commitment to authenticity extends beyond the screen. He is candid about his own experiences and identities, often participating in public dialogues concerning race, sexuality, and mental health. This transparency has endeared him to a legion of fans who see in him not just an actor, but an advocate and ally in the fight for equality and representation. As of the early 2020s, Justice Smith continues to build on an already impressive body of work. Each role, a new layer to his expanding repertoire, sees a young actor who is not only learning and evolving but is actively shaping the narrative of what it means to be a person of color in Hollywood today. Smith’s trajectory indicates a star that continues to rise, driven by an artistic integrity that promises to see him at the forefront of a transformative era in entertainment.