I Am: Donnell E. Smith

BORN and raised in Baltimore, MD, Donnell was seemingly destined to live the Artistic life he presently leads. Drawing inspiration from his mother, the primary source of his creativity, his journey began with music and dance. From his gifted vocal and keen handle of language, to his innate dancing abilities, Art has always been the undercurrent of his being, even when he was too shy to show it. It is a wonder why acting never crossed his mind. Until it did take precedence, in his early adulthood, his love of movies and making people laugh with character impersonations more than contributed to its inevitability.
Music was the ultimate love, at first; having left Baltimore and moved to Atlanta, to pursue a career as a Songwriter and Solo Recording Artist, Donnell dove head first into the circuit, meeting other Artists, doing open mics and collaborating with up and coming Music Producers. Two years in, a turn of events led him to starting his training as an Actor at The Company Acting Studio, where he fell all-in with a depth of passion that changed his life. He began auditioning and, eventually, booking work in Theatre, realizing the power and effect that it had on him and the audiences he would perform for. Ultimately, the decision to move to New York was imminent.
In 2011, Donnell relocated to NYC, where he pretty much hit the ground running. taking classes at HB Studio, and later training with Anthony Abeson and on-camera coach, Mel Mack. The rest is history. Residing in Harlem, has been fortunate to showcase his prowess in Theatre, Television and Film with some of the Industry's most iconic and dynamic Artists, passionately doing the king of work that gives voice to the unsung and marginalized. His work can be seen in a number of places, but this is one place you will begin to know him, more personally. Take the journey...
Welcome to SmithDonnellE…
Music was the ultimate love, at first; having left Baltimore and moved to Atlanta, to pursue a career as a Songwriter and Solo Recording Artist, Donnell dove head first into the circuit, meeting other Artists, doing open mics and collaborating with up and coming Music Producers. Two years in, a turn of events led him to starting his training as an Actor at The Company Acting Studio, where he fell all-in with a depth of passion that changed his life. He began auditioning and, eventually, booking work in Theatre, realizing the power and effect that it had on him and the audiences he would perform for. Ultimately, the decision to move to New York was imminent.
In 2011, Donnell relocated to NYC, where he pretty much hit the ground running. taking classes at HB Studio, and later training with Anthony Abeson and on-camera coach, Mel Mack. The rest is history. Residing in Harlem, has been fortunate to showcase his prowess in Theatre, Television and Film with some of the Industry's most iconic and dynamic Artists, passionately doing the king of work that gives voice to the unsung and marginalized. His work can be seen in a number of places, but this is one place you will begin to know him, more personally. Take the journey...
Welcome to SmithDonnellE…