STEPHEN A. SMITH is considering two “dream” $6 million film offers, sources close to the ESPN star have told The U.S. Sun.
The First Take host has always harbored hopes of becoming a Hollywood actor and has made a couple of TV appearances in recent years.
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He has appeared in the popular soap opera General Hospital in small parts over the years and is featured in Law & Order this week.
There was also a 2007 role in the Chris Rock film I Think I Love My Wife.
Two sources close to the sports presenter, who have spoken to The U.S. Sun on the condition of anonymity, say there are two deals currently on the table.
One is a drama about a young athlete from the Bronx, while the other is a New York-based comedy with an $80 million budget.
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The first insider says Stephen A. has been taking acting classes recently and is “dreaming about the spotlight of being on the big screen.”
“All the cameos have been great,” said the source. “He is desperate to make it in the movie industry.”
The former Philadelphia sportswriter turned TV star, who is now earning $100 million over five years, is reportedly well aware of producers and directors who are keen to give him a shot in the film industry.
A friend of the 57-year-old at ESPN says he is very “serious” about the proposals but won’t be rushed into any decision.
He wants to make sure it’s the right fit for everyone.
“Stephen A. knows if you have a role in a couple of bad movies, you could fall out of the industry for a while, if not forever,” said the insider, who revealed his friend is a huge movie aficionado.
“He’s had many constructive conversations with actors over the years. He talks to every actor he sees at public events, NBA games, and is in contact with many of them.
“They speak on the phone, have dinners, meetings, and FaceTime or Zoom calls with him to help him learn. He is learning like a student. He is very, very ambitious and wants to make it work.”
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In his most recent Law & Order appearance, which airs this Thursday, Stephen A. plays a loudmouth sports agent who is stabbed to death.
He told the New York Post that the role was “crazy” and said he was approached by one of the writers about a guest slot.
He admitted to the outlet that if the “right opportunity” came along, he would be up for the challenge.
“Of course I’d be willing to do it and sacrifice the time necessary in order to do it well because I’m not interested in doing anything half-ass,” he said.
“That would basically be my approach, but it’s not going to be something that’s going to compel me to give up my day job — that I’m not going to do.
“I wouldn’t do that to become a full-time actor. That’s not what I would do, not after what I’ve been blessed to accomplish throughout my career over the last 30 years. I’ll continue doing this for as long as I can.”
Stephen A. Smith’s journey through media
STEPHEN A. Smith is now the face of ESPN and an executive producer on First Take having initially started working for the company back in 2003.
Smith has held various roles with the network, including hosting radio shows, SportsCenter contributions, and appearing on NBA Countdown.
He was a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer from 1994 to 2010.
His began as an NBA writer before becoming a general sports columnist.
Before that, Smith worked as a reporter with Winston-Salem Journal, the Greensboro News, and the New York Daily News.
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