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Key Information

Rex Smith (born September 19, 1955) is an American actor and singer. Smith made his acting debut in the Broadway musical Grease in 1978. He is noted for his role as Jesse Mach in the 1985 television series Street Hawk and for being the first actor to play the Marvel Comics superhero Daredevil in live action. During the late 1970s, Smith was popular as a teen idol. He was featured regularly in 16 Magazine and Tiger Beat. He also had a gold top 10 single, "You Take My Breath Away", in 1979.

Career

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Music

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In the early 1970s, Smith was the lead singer for a band from Atlanta called Tricks and later a band named Phaedra. Smith next sang vocals in a hard rock band called Rex.[1]

In 1979, he had a hit single from the television film Sooner or Later, entitled "You Take My Breath Away", which reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is on the platinum-selling album Sooner or Later, which is also named after the film. The music for this song was written by Stephen J. Lawrence and the lyrics were written by Bruce Hart. For many years, it was a staple on the play lists of FM radio stations with a soft rock or "lite" format.

In 1981, Smith hit the top 40 again with a remake of "Everlasting Love", in a duet with singer Rachel Sweet. Peaking at No. 32, the song is Smith's last charting hit to date. The song also became Smith's only hit on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at No. 35.[2]

Smith performed live at the 1982 Miss Universe pageant main event night, held in Lima, Peru.[3]

His latest album was released in 2000 and entitled Simply...Rex. It was re-released in 2006 and re-titled You Take My Breath Away.[4]

In 2016, Rex performed in the Philippines at the Kia Theatre, Araneta Center.[5]

Television

[edit]

Smith is best known for his role as motorcycle police officer Jesse Mach in the short-running 1985 television series Street Hawk, but he has also made guest appearances on a variety of television shows, such as The Love Boat, Baywatch, Caroline in the City and JAG. Smith has been a celebrity spokesperson for a number of corporate entities.[6]

Also in 1982, Smith replaced Andy Gibb as a host on the music variety show Solid Gold.[7]

In 1989, Smith played Daredevil in the television movie The Trial of the Incredible Hulk.[8] This was intended as a backdoor pilot for an ongoing Daredevil television series (which did not materialize).[9]

From 1990 through 1992, Smith was a contract player on the CBS daytime drama As the World Turns in the role of Darryl Crawford.[10]

Stage

[edit]

In 1979, Smith made his Broadway debut in the musical Grease in the lead role of Danny Zuko.[11]

Smith starred as Frederic in the New York Shakespeare Festival's Central Park production of The Pirates of Penzance.[12] In 1981, Smith won the Theatre World Award for his role in Pirates.[13] Smith reprised the role of Frederic in the 1983 film adaptation, along with fellow Broadway cast members Kevin Kline as the Pirate King, Linda Ronstadt as Mabel and Tony Azito as the Police Sergeant.[14]

Smith has appeared in other Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, including The Scarlet Pimpernel, Grand Hotel, The Human Comedy, and Annie Get Your Gun. He played Joe Gillis opposite Diahann Carroll as Norma Desmond in the 1995 Canadian production of Sunset Boulevard.[15]

In 1995, Smith reprised his role as Danny Zuko throughout the touring production of Grease.[16]

Smith also starred as Fred Graham/Petruchio in the 2001–02 national tour of Kiss Me, Kate.[17]

In 2005, Smith again starred in The Pirates of Penzance, this time playing the role of the Pirate King.[18]

Smith appeared as the Captain in The Sound of Music at the Ogunquit Playhouse, in 2010.[19]

Smith has appeared in non-singing roles in two Neil Simon plays: Plaza Suite opposite Eve Plumb at Judson Theatre Company in 2015[20] and Barefoot in the Park at Sharon Playhouse in 2018.[21]

Most recently, Smith played the role of Billy Mack in the multi-media production Love Actually Live at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in both 2018 and 2019.[22]

Personal life

[edit]

Smith has been married four times:

  • Lois Smith, a Playboy bunny; married from 1978-1983 [23]
  • Jamie Buell, married on February 28, 1987, and divorced in 1995. The couple have two daughters, Meagan Elizabeth (born 1987) and Madison Marie (born 1990).[24]
  • Courtney Schrage, married in 1998 and divorced a few years later. She later became her husband's manager. The couple have a son, Gatsby Richard (born 1999), and a daughter, Savannah.[24]
  • Dr. Tracy Lin, born and raised in Los Angeles. They were married in September, 2009.

Smith also has a son by Karen Lakey, a record-company representative with whom he had a weekend affair. Their son, Brandon, was born in 1980. Father and son met for the first time in 1997, during Smith's appearance in the musical Sunset Boulevard when he was signing autographs.[24]

Smith is the brother of Michael Lee Smith, the singer of rock band Starz.[25]

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
Year Title Label
1976 Rex Columbia
1977 Where Do We Go from Here Columbia
1979 Sooner or Later Columbia
1979 Forever Columbia
1980 The Pirates of Penzance (Broadway Cast Album) Elektra
1981 Everlasting Love Columbia
1983 Camouflage Columbia
1995 Sunset Boulevard (Original Canadian Cast Recording) Polydor
1997 The Human Comedy (Original Broadway Cast Recording) Kilmarnock Records
1999 The Scarlet Pimpernel: Encore! (1998 Broadway Revival Cast) Atlantic
2000 Simply…Rex (re-titled You Take My Breath Away, 2006) MCA/Universal

Singles

[edit]
Year Single Peak chart positions Album
US[26] US AC AUS[27] CAN UK
1978 "You Take My Breath Away" 10 11 54 3 – Sooner or Later
"Simply Jessie" – 31 – – –
"Never Gonna Give You Up" – – – – –
1979 "Forever" – – – – – Forever
"Let's Make a Memory" – – – – –
1981 "Everlasting Love" (with Rachel Sweet) 32 – 41 – 35 Everlasting Love
"Love Will Always Make You Cry" – – – – –

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1979 Sooner or Later Michael Skye TV movie
1980 Headin' for Broadway Fast Eddie
1983 The Pirates of Penzance Frederic
1987 Shades of Love: The Ballerina and the Blues Rick Peterson TV movie
1988 Transformations Wolfgang Shadduck Alternate title: Alien Transformations
1989 The Trial of the Incredible Hulk Matt Murdock / Daredevil TV movie
1990 Perry Mason: The Case of the Silenced Singer Andy Sacks TV movie
1994 Once in a Lifetime Jeffrey Fields TV movie
1994 A Passion to Kill Ted Alternate title: Rules of Obsession (UK)
1998 Richie Rich's Christmas Wish Rudy Direct-to-video
2006 Pope Dreams Don Alternate title: Music for My Mother
2006 Collier & Co. Uncle Billy Alternate title: John Schneider's Collier & Co.: Hot Pursuit!
2015 Cats Dancing on Jupiter Rex Katz
2016 Surge of Power: Revenge of the Sequel Cube

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1979 California Fever Rex Smith Episode: "Underground Jock"
1980 The Love Boat Mark Redding Episode: "Vicki's First Love"
1980 Saturday Night Live Frederic / Musical Guest The cast of The Pirates of Penzance
1982–83 Solid Gold Himself Co-host (45 episodes)
1984 Faerie Tale Theatre The Prince Episode: "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs"
1985 Street Hawk Jesse Mach Lead role (13 episodes)
1986 New Love, American Style Rookie Episode: "Love and Dear Penelope"
1986 Murder, She Wrote Stew Bennett Episode: "If a Body Meet a Body"
1986 Dear Penelope and Peter Ben Berlin Pilot
1987 Houston Knights Jake Bodine Episode: "Desperado"
1987 Christmas with Flicka Himself TV special
1988 Cagney & Lacey Jerry Wickes Episode: "Old Flames"
1990–92 As the World Turns Darryl Crawford Daytime serial (40 episodes)
1993 Silk Stalkings Bob Johnson Episode: "Night Games"
1994 Cobra Mark Dante Episode: "Blast from the Past"
1997 The Sentinel Galileo / Frank Rachins Episode: "Dead Drop"
1997 JAG Sgt. Max Frankl Episode: "The Court-Martial of Sandra Gilbert"
1997 Caroline in the City Dr. David Engel Episode: "Caroline and the Free Cable"
1998 Pacific Blue Hudson Miller Episode: "Caretakers"
1998 Baywatch Gavin Episode: "Friends Forever"
1999 Malibu, CA Jesse Mercer Episode: "Jason's Song"
2000 The Norm Show Pirate #1 Episode: "Norm vs. Jenny"
2002 Just Cause Keith Temple Episode: "Fading Star"
2007 City Girls Ben Morgan Pilot

Stage

[edit]
Title Role Production dates Theatre
Grease Danny Zuko April 13 - June 3, 1979 US Tour
u/s Danny Zuko (replacement) July 1979 - April 13, 1980 Broadway: Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre / Majestic Theatre
The Pirates of Penzance Frederic August 5, 1980 - November 28, 1982 Off-Broadway: Delacorte Theatre

Broadway: Uris Theatre / Minskoff Theatre, New York City

The Human Comedy Spangler April 5–15, 1984 Broadway: Royale Theatre, New York City
West Side Story Tony September 3–21, 1985 Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, Washington, D.C.
Brownstone Stuart October 8 – December 6, 1986 Off-Broadway: Union Square Theatre, New York City
Carousel Billy Bigelow August 15 – September 11, 1988 US Tour
Anything Goes Billy Crocker October 18, 1988 – January 15, 1989 US National Tour
Grand Hotel Felix Von Gaigern (replacement) April – May 1990 Broadway: Martin Beck Theatre, New York City
Grease Danny Zuko September 24, 1994 – 1995 US National Tour
Sunset Boulevard Joe Gillis October 15, 1995 – August 18, 1996 Canadian Tour: Toronto
December 1, 1996 – April 9, 1997 Canadian Tour: Vancouver
The Scarlet Pimpernel Chauvelin (replacement) October 10, 1998 – May 30, 1999 Broadway: Minskoff Theatre, New York City
Annie Get Your Gun Frank Butler July 11 – October 29, 2000 US National Tour
Frank Butler (replacement) April 17 – May 6, 2001 US National Tour
Kiss Me, Kate Fred Graham / Petruchio June 19, 2001 – June 16, 2002 US National Tour
The Pirates of Penzance The Pirate King June 30 – July 15, 2007 Carpenter Performing Arts Center
The Sound of Music Captain Georg von Trapp June 30 – July 24, 2010 Ogunquit Playhouse
Heathers: The Musical Coach Ripper / Big Bud Dean / Ram's Dad September 21 – October 6, 2013 Hudson Backstage Theatre
Grease Vince Fontaine May 2 – July 27, 2014 Welk Resorts Theatre
Love Actually Live Billy Mack November 27 – December 29, 2019 Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
November 27 – December 31, 2021
Aida Zoser September 30 – October 1, 2022 James K. Polk Theater

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Rex Smith

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Rex Smith (born September 19, 1955) is an American actor and singer best known as a teen idol of the late and early , with a career spanning Broadway, television, and music recordings. Smith began his professional career in theater, making his Broadway debut as Danny Zuko in the musical Grease in 1978, which launched him into the spotlight as a heartthrob for young audiences. Transitioning to music, he signed with and released his debut album Sooner or Later in 1979, which featured the Top 10 hit single "You Take My Breath Away," certified gold by the RIAA, solidifying his status as a pop sensation. His subsequent albums, including Rex (1980) and Camouflage (1983), continued to showcase his vocal talents in the and pop genres, often accompanied by appearances on shows like Solid Gold. On television, Smith starred as Jesse Mach, a motorcycle-riding undercover cop, in the action series (1985), which highlighted his athleticism through daring stunts and contributed to his diverse on-screen persona. He also appeared in guest roles on popular programs such as and The Trial of the Incredible Hulk (1989), and later took on the recurring role of Darryl Crawford on the As the World Turns from 1990 to 1992. In recent years, Smith has focused on live performances, producing and starring in his one-man show Confessions of a Teen Idol, which reflects on his rise to fame and industry challenges, with engagements at venues like in . As of 2025, he remains active in entertainment, sharing updates on his and endeavors through official social channels while occasionally performing from his catalog.

Early life

Childhood and family

Rex Smith was born Gregory Siniard Smith on September 19, 1955, in Jacksonville, Florida. He was the youngest of four brothers in a family immersed in the music industry; his father, Paul Smith, worked as an advertising executive, while his mother was Joyce Smith. His siblings included Michael Lee Smith, lead singer of the 1970s rock band Starz; Paul Evan Smith, a road manager; and Webster Smith, a pianist. Smith's early childhood involved frequent moves within the , primarily between , and , Georgia, due to his father's career. These relocations exposed him to diverse environments in the region during his formative years. His initial interest in music and performance stemmed from strong family influences, particularly his brothers' professional pursuits in the industry, which surrounded him with live music and touring experiences from a young age.

Education and early interests

Rex Smith attended high school in , Georgia, where he graduated in 1973 from a school in the neighborhood. Growing up between , and , he developed a strong interest in music during his teenage years, joining his first band at age 14 and performing with various groups throughout high school. By his junior year, Smith was the lead singer in one of Atlanta's most prominent local bands, securing gigs in nightclubs using a fake ID despite being underage. These experiences immersed him in the vibrant rock scene, fueling his aspirations to become a professional musician amid the era's culture. His early musical pursuits laid the foundation for his later interests in , including acting, though his teenage focus remained primarily on live band performances and songwriting.

Career

Music career

Smith's emergence as a teen idol began in the mid-1970s when, at age 20, he signed with Columbia Records under the management of Steve Leber and David Krebs, the team behind Aerosmith. This deal capitalized on his youthful appeal and rock background, positioning him as a heartthrob in teen magazines like 16 Magazine and Tiger Beat. His debut album, Rex (1976), leaned into and AOR styles, produced by Leber and Krebs, with tracks including "Trouble," "Ten Seconds of Love," "Feeling Better," "Stay with Me," and "Call Her Easy." The album highlighted Smith's raw energy and guitar-driven sound, reflecting his early club performances in . The follow-up, Where Do We Go from Here? (1977), maintained this rock edge under the same production team, featuring songs such as "Where Do We Go from Here?," "Do Me," "Burn Your Bridges," "7 Come 11," "You're Never Too Old to Rock & Roll," and "Chains on My Heart." Throughout the late 1970s, Smith toured as an for prominent rock acts, including five nights at Detroit's Cobo Hall for , dates with , and early shows where supported him during their initial U.S. push with . These gigs solidified his live presence and exposure to larger audiences. Smith's music gained wider traction in 1979 with Sooner or Later, his , which blended pop-rock with ballads and included the hit single "You Take My Breath Away," peaking at No. 10 on the after 16 weeks on the chart. Another key track, "Simply Jessie," showcased his in a romantic with . The album's tie-in with a television project amplified its promotional reach, marking a pivot toward more accessible pop arrangements. That same year, Forever followed as his fourth release, produced by Leber and Krebs, emphasizing melodic pop with tracks like "Forever," "Tonight," "Everytime I See You," "Without You," "To You, to You! (Say Goodbye to You)," "Saturday Night," "Let's Make a ," "I Don't Want to Lose You," and "One More Night." Into the , Smith's style evolved further toward ballads and across his remaining Columbia albums: (1981), featuring a cover of the title track as a duet with alongside originals like "Rock Me Slowly" and "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted," and (1983), with songs such as "Camouflage," "," and "What Would It Take." These five studio albums traced his transition from gritty rock to heartfelt, radio-friendly pop, totaling over 50 original tracks centered on themes of romance and youth.

Television career

Smith's breakthrough in television came with the lead role of Michael in the 1979 NBC made-for-TV movie Sooner or Later, where he portrayed a 17-year-old guitar instructor navigating a romance with a younger student, which propelled him to status and inspired a hit single from the soundtrack. The film, directed by Bruce Hart, highlighted Smith's charisma in youth-oriented programming and marked his transition from stage to screen. Following this success, Smith appeared in guest roles on series such as California Fever in 1979, playing a rock star on the teen drama about youth culture. He continued with episodic work, including an appearance on in 1980 as Mark Redding. His first starring series role arrived in 1985 as Jesse Mach, an undercover police officer who rides a high-tech experimental motorcycle in the action-adventure , a short-lived ABC program that emphasized thrilling chases and gadgetry. In the late 1980s and early , Smith took on a recurring role as Darryl Crawford on the CBS daytime soap opera from 1990 to 1992, portraying a complex character involved in romantic entanglements and dramatic storylines. He followed this with guest spots on crime dramas, including Bob Johnson in the 1993 episode "Night Games" of . Throughout the and , Smith made recurring and guest appearances on shows like , , , JAG, and The Sentinel, often in supporting roles that showcased his versatility in procedural and action formats. By the , his television presence shifted toward interviews and specials, with no major scripted roles reported as of 2025.

Film career

Rex Smith's entry into feature films came with his prominent role as Frederic in the 1983 musical adaptation The Pirates of Penzance, directed by Wilford Leach, where he portrayed the young pirate apprentice who discovers his true birthday and must serve the Pirates of Penzance longer than expected. This screen version of the hit Broadway production, co-starring Kevin Kline, Angela Lansbury, and Linda Ronstadt, showcased Smith's vocal talents and stage-honed charisma, earning positive reviews for its faithful yet vibrant translation to cinema, with the film holding a 7.1 rating on IMDb from over 4,000 user votes. The production grossed approximately $694,000 in limited release, reflecting its cult appeal among musical theater enthusiasts. Smith took on more mature dramatic roles in the , appearing as Ted, the abusive husband of Diana (), in the 1994 erotic thriller A Passion to Kill, directed by Rick King. In the film, Diana stabs Ted, leading to entanglements involving Bakula) and themes of obsession and in a setting. Despite the ensemble cast's efforts, the movie received scathing critical reception, earning a 0% score on based on limited reviews that criticized its clichéd plot and uneven pacing. Smith's film output remained sparse in the late and beyond, with supporting roles in independent projects that highlighted his versatility across genres like drama and . Post-2000, his work shifted to low-budget indies such as the 2006 family drama Pope Dreams, where he played a supportive , and the 2011 sci-fi ensemble Cats Dancing on Jupiter, involving interstellar family dynamics amid cosmic threats. These later films, including voice work in animated shorts, totaled around eight feature credits overall, emphasizing thrillers, musicals, and intimate dramas rather than blockbusters, marking his evolution into character-driven indie cinema.

Stage career

Smith made his Broadway debut in 1978, taking over the role of Danny Zuko in the hit musical Grease at the Royale Theatre, a production that showcased his vocal talents and stage presence amid its rock 'n' roll energy. His background in music, including fronting the band Rex, helped him embody the leather-jacketed lead with authenticity. Building on this start, Smith earned acclaim in 1980 as Frederic in the New York Shakespeare Festival's production of The Pirates of Penzance, directed by Wilford Leach, which transferred to Broadway's Gershwin Theatre in January 1981 for a run of over 800 performances; for this role, he received a Theatre World Award recognizing his breakthrough performance. He followed with the role of Spangler in the short-lived The Human Comedy (1984) at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, adapting William Saroyan's novel into a musical narrative. Later, in 1989, he replaced as Baron Felix von Gaigern in Grand Hotel at the Martin Beck Theatre, portraying the charming but desperate aristocrat in a show that ran nearly three years and highlighted his dramatic range alongside stars like Liliane Montevecchi. In the late , Smith joined the revised Broadway production of (1997-2000) at the , assuming the antagonistic role of Chauvelin from October 1998 to May 1999, contributing to its extended run after a turbulent start. He extended his stage work to national tours, starring as Frank Butler opposite in Annie Get Your Gun (2000-2001) and as Fred Graham/ in a revival of (2001-2002), both emphasizing his baritone voice and comedic timing in classic musicals. These tours allowed him to reach broader audiences beyond New York. Shifting toward more personal projects in the and , Smith ventured into regional theater and non-musical formats, including a staging of at Studio Tenn in Nashville. He created and produced his one-man show Confessions of a Teen Idol, debuting it in at the Welk Resort Theatre in , where he recounted his career from teen pop star to Broadway veteran through songs and anecdotes; the show has since toured regionally and appeared at New York venues like as recently as 2025. This evolution reflects his versatility, amassing key credits in over ten major productions while prioritizing live, intimate performances.

Personal life

Marriages and relationships

Rex Smith has been married four times, with each union reflecting different phases of his personal and professional life as an entertainer. His first marriage occurred in 1978 to , a former , when Smith was 22 and rising as a teen idol; the couple divorced in 1983 amid the pressures of his burgeoning music and acting career. In the early 1980s, following his , Smith was involved in a short-lived but media-noted relationship with , which lasted approximately from late 1981 to 1982 and was characterized as tumultuous due to their high-profile statuses. Prior to his first , Smith's romantic life as a young performer drew dating rumors, though few were publicly documented in detail. These early relationships contributed to his image as a heartthrob but also heightened scrutiny on his during his breakthrough years. Smith's second marriage was to Jamie Buell on February 28, 1987, lasting eight years until their 1995 divorce; Buell, a manager, met Smith while he was performing in . His third marriage to Courtney Schrage, a former and corrections worker, began in 1998 and ended in 2006. Both unions occurred during periods of career transition for Smith, from television roles to stage work, and reportedly influenced his choices to seek more stable personal environments away from constant public exposure. Since September 2009, Smith has been married to Tracy Lin, a physician of Taiwanese descent born and raised in ; the couple connected through shared connections in the entertainment world. Their enduring partnership, now over 15 years, has been credited to mutual support and aligned priorities, allowing Smith greater balance between his performing career and private life while maintaining a lower media profile compared to his earlier romances.

Family and residences

Rex Smith has five grown children from previous relationships, with whom he maintains close ties in his post-career family life. His eldest son, Brandon MacDonald, was born in 1980 to Karen Lakey following a one-night stand, and the two first met in 1997 when Brandon, then 16, attended one of Smith's performances in Sunset Boulevard on Broadway; Smith has since described the reunion as a profound family milestone. From his marriage to Jamie Buell (1987–1995), he has two daughters, Meagan Elizabeth (born 1987) and Madison Marie (born 1990), who have pursued private lives away from the entertainment spotlight. With Courtney Schrage (married 1998, later divorced but remaining his manager), Smith has a son, Gatsby Richard (born 1999), and a daughter, Savannah Alexis (born circa 2001), contributing to his blended family dynamic. Smith's family residences have reflected a balance between his professional commitments and family priorities, including time in during his Broadway and stage career phases, followed by moves to for television and film opportunities in the and . Family involvement has been a cornerstone of Smith's later years, with his children providing support during his stage productions, such as joint family outings to theater events and occasional appearances together at holiday shows like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in the early . As of 2025, Smith cherishes time with his five children and two grandchildren, often highlighting their role in his personal fulfillment beyond .

Discography

Albums

Rex Smith's discography includes six studio albums released between 1976 and 1983, primarily under , followed by a in 2000. His early work emphasized and pop influences, transitioning to softer pop and romantic ballads in the late 1970s, often tied to his acting roles in teen-oriented media. Later releases were more sporadic and independent. His debut , Rex, was released in 1976 by and produced by Eddie Leonetti. Featuring tracks with teen-targeted energy, it showcased Smith's vocals alongside bandmates from the group Rex, but did not achieve significant commercial success or chart on the 200. The follow-up, Where Do We Go from Here?, arrived in 1977, also on Columbia and produced by Eddie Leonetti. This sophomore effort leaned into power pop with melodic hooks, exploring themes of youth and relationships, though it similarly failed to chart prominently. Sooner or Later, released in 1979 by Columbia and co-produced by Charlie Calello and Stephen Lawrence, served as the soundtrack to Smith's NBC TV movie of the same name, blending pop rock with soft rock ballads centered on teenage romance. It marked his commercial breakthrough, peaking at number 19 on the Billboard 200 chart. That same year, Forever came out on Columbia, produced by Charlie Calello, with arrangements focusing on love and introspection. It reached number 167 on the , reflecting a more mature sound but limited sales. In 1981, was issued by Columbia, produced by , featuring upbeat pop tracks and a notable version of the title song with , emphasizing enduring romance themes. The album peaked at number 167 on the . Camouflage, Smith's final major-label release in 1983 on Columbia, explored rock-infused pop with themes of hidden emotions and relationships, produced with a focus on synth elements, but it did not chart on the 200. After a long hiatus from new material, Smith released the compilation album Simply...Rex in 2000 on , compiling re-recorded hits and new tracks in a contemporary style, later reissued in 2006 as You . It did not chart but highlighted his enduring appeal in the market.

Singles

Rex Smith's recording career in the late 1970s and early 1980s produced several singles that capitalized on his teen idol status and television exposure, with releases primarily in 7-inch vinyl format through Columbia Records. These tracks often served as promotional tie-ins to his acting roles, emphasizing romantic pop ballads and soft rock styles. His debut major hit, "You Take My Breath Away," was released in 1979 as the lead single from the album Sooner or Later. The song, written by Stephen J. Lawrence and Bruce Hart, peaked at number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and number 7 on the Cash Box Top 100, spending 16 weeks on the Hot 100. It was backed by "Sooner or Later" on the 7-inch single and promoted alongside the CBS TV movie Sooner or Later, in which Smith starred as a musician mentoring a young student. "Simply Jessie," also from Sooner or Later and released later in 1979, reached number 31 on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, accumulating 9 weeks there. The track, another Lawrence-Hart composition, featured "Better Than It's Ever Been Before" as its B-side in some pressings and highlighted Smith's vocal range in a lighter, melodic style. In 1980, Smith released "Forever" and "Let's Make a Memory" from his album of the same name. "Forever" served as the title track single in 7-inch format, with "Saturday Night" as the B-side, though it did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100. "Let's Make a Memory" followed as a follow-up single, backed by "I Don't Want Your Love (Out of My Life)," and received radio play but similarly lacked major chart success. The 1981 duet "" with , a cover of the 1967 Robert Knight original with revised lyrics by Buzz Cason and Mac Gayden, marked Smith's last entry. Released from Smith's album (also appearing on Sweet's ...And Then He Kissed Me), it peaked at number 32 on the US and number 35 on the UK Singles Chart. The 7-inch single featured "Don't Go Believin'" as the B-side and was promoted through television performances, including on Solid Gold. From the 1983 album , singles such as "" were issued in 7-inch format with B-sides like "New Romeo," but they achieved limited commercial impact without charting on major lists. No significant standalone singles emerged from Smith's post-1990 stage-related recordings, such as the 1995 Canadian cast album or the 1997 The Human Comedy soundtrack, which focused on tracks rather than solo promotions.
YearSingleAlbumPeak Chart PositionB-SideFormat & Notes
1979You Take My Breath AwaySooner or Later Hot 100: #10Sooner or Later7-inch vinyl; TV movie tie-in
1979Simply JessieSooner or Later AC: #31Better Than It's Ever Been Before7-inch vinyl; ballad single
1980ForeverForever-Saturday Night7-inch vinyl; title track promotion
1980Let's Make a MemoryForever-I Don't Want Your (Out of My Life)7-inch vinyl; radio-focused release
1981 (with ) Hot 100: #32; : #35Don't Go Believin'7-inch vinyl; duet cover, TV performances

Filmography

Films

Rex Smith's film career includes a mix of musicals, thrillers, and independent productions, spanning from early features to later indie efforts. In 1980, he starred as Fast Eddie in Headin' for Broadway, a musical drama directed by Joseph Brooks that follows four aspiring performers navigating the competitive New York theater scene. His most prominent cinematic role came in 1983 as Frederic in , a adaptation of the operetta directed by Wilford Leach, co-starring and , which grossed $694,497 domestically. In 1994, Smith appeared as Ted, the abusive husband of the protagonist, in the thriller A Passion to Kill, directed by Rick King and starring and , released by . Shifting to independent cinema, he played Don Merchant in the 2006 drama Pope Dreams, directed by Patrick Hogan, a coming-of-age story exploring family dynamics and personal crossroads, featuring and . Smith portrayed Rex Katz in the 2015 indie drama Cats Dancing on Jupiter, directed by , a character-driven film about relationships and self-discovery that premiered at film festivals before limited release. In 2016, he took on the role of in Surge of Power: Revenge of the Sequel, an independent superhero ensemble film directed by Masam Holden, featuring a large cast of genre veterans in a low-budget action narrative.

Television roles

Rex Smith's early television work included the lead role of Michael Skye, a rock musician pursued by a young admirer, in the 1979 NBC made-for-television romantic drama Sooner or Later. One of his most notable series roles came in 1985 as Jesse Mach, a former who tests an experimental high-speed to fight crime, in the short-lived ABC action series ; Smith appeared in all 13 episodes of the single season. In the mid-1980s, he made guest appearances on popular shows, including portraying Stew Bennett, a suspect in a mystery, in the 1986 episode "If a Body Meet a Body" of CBS's . He also appeared as Matt Murdock/Daredevil in the 1989 NBC TV movie The Trial of the Incredible . During the 1990s, Smith transitioned to with a contract role as Crawford, a complex character involved in romantic entanglements and family drama, on the CBS As the World Turns, where he appeared from October 1990 to December 1992.

Stage roles

Rex Smith's stage career spans Broadway, , national tours, and regional productions, with notable roles in musical theater.
YearProductionRoleVenue/Details
1978–1979GreaseDanny ZukoBroadway (Royale Theatre); replacement in original production.
1980The Pirates of PenzanceFredericBroadway revival (Minskoff Theatre); originated in New York Shakespeare Festival production at Delacorte Theatre.
1989–1990Grand HotelBaron Felix von GaigernBroadway (Martin Beck Theatre); replacement from January 9, 1990, to April 1, 1990.
1995Sunset BoulevardJoe GillisOriginal Toronto production (Royal Alexandra Theatre).
1998–1999The Scarlet PimpernelChauvelinBroadway revival (Minskoff Theatre); replacement from October 10, 1998, to May 30, 1999.
2000–2001Annie Get Your GunFrank ButlerBroadway revival (Gibson Theatre); starring from July 11, 2000, to June 10, 2001.
2001–2002Kiss Me, KateFred Graham / PetruchioNational tour; starring opposite Rachel York.
In the 2000s through 2020s, Smith performed in regional theater and one-man shows, including the concert staging of Aida at Studio Tenn's James K. Polk Theater in Nashville (2022) and Love Actually Live at The Wallis in Beverly Hills (2018 world premiere, with subsequent runs). He also developed and starred in his one-man show Confessions of a Teen Idol, debuting at the Welk Resort Theatre in San Diego (2014) and later at 54 Below in New York (multiple engagements, including 2025), often booked through Utopia Artists for cabaret and regional venues.

References

  1. https://www.tvinsider.com/people/rex-smith/
  2. https://www.remindmagazine.com/article/28346/rex-smith-70s-teen-idol-where-now/
  3. https://www.westcoast.dk/artists/s/rex-smith/
  4. https://open.spotify.com/artist/0UUErweJscAbuxMmVo8MON
  5. https://www.sessiondays.com/2020/12/1983-rex-smith-camouflage/
  6. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/rex-smith.html
  7. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0809688/
  8. https://54below.org/events/rex-smith-confessions-of-a-teen-idol/
  9. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0809688/bio/
  10. http://www.filmreference.com/film/93/Rex-Smith.html
  11. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/singer-rex-smith-mother-joyce-smith-and-father-paul-smith-news-photo/155518971
  12. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0809688/trivia/
  13. http://www.thepimpernel.com/cgi/interview.cgi?spot=Rex_Smith
  14. https://www.interviewmagazine.com/culture/new-again-rex-smith
  15. https://www.worcestermag.com/story/lifestyle/features/2022/11/23/screen-time-actor-musician-rex-smith-set-for-northeast-comic-con/69664265007/
  16. https://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/Review-Rex-Smith-Rocks-the-Big-Apple-at-54-Below-20250816
  17. https://www.discogs.com/release/4189468-Rex-Rex
  18. https://music.apple.com/us/album/where-do-we-go-from-here/1235344270
  19. https://music.apple.com/gb/album/forever/323726891
  20. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rex-smith/292488211
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079935/
  22. https://www.tvguide.com/movies/sooner-or-later/2030129423/
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078581/
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088618/
  25. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0700686/
  26. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/rex-smith/credits/3000430112/
  27. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110791/
  28. https://www.broadwayworld.com/people/Rex-Smith/
  29. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/grease-3641
  30. https://playbill.com/production/the-pirates-of-penzance-uris-theatre-vault-0000011054
  31. https://www.talkinbroadway.com/regional/seattle/se70.html
  32. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/rex-smith-60441
  33. https://www.ibdb.com/tour-production/annie-get-your-gun-508603
  34. https://www.ibdb.com/tour-production/kiss-me-kate-508197
  35. https://www.abouttheartists.com/artists/297290-rex-smith
  36. https://www.pressenterprise.com/2014/05/16/theater-rex-smith-debuts-one-man-show/
  37. https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2013/06/16/954409/rex-smith-great-singer-wonderful-father
  38. https://vault.si.com/vault/1987/02/09/carol-and-her-big-lug-hows-the-union-of-a-pro-hockey-player-and-one-of-the-worlds-busiest-models-rock-solid-say-ron-greschner-of-the-rangers-and-his-wife-carol-alt
  39. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/rex-smith-son_n_5679922
  40. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/rex/rex/
  41. https://www.discogs.com/release/2729634-Rex-Where-Do-We-Go-From-Here
  42. https://www.allmusic.com/album/where-do-we-go-from-here--mw0000811825
  43. https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/1979-06-16/
  44. https://www.discogs.com/master/46265-Rex-Smith-Sooner-Or-Later
  45. https://genius.com/albums/Rex-smith/Sooner-or-later
  46. https://www.discogs.com/release/3499000-Rex-Smith-Forever
  47. https://www.discogs.com/release/4062811-Rex-Smith-Everlasting-Love
  48. https://www.sessiondays.com/2024/10/1981-rex-smith-everlasting-love/
  49. https://recordsandcharts.com/albumsan.php?aid=1680
  50. https://www.discogs.com/master/546613-Rex-Smith-Camouflage
  51. https://www.allmusic.com/album/camouflage-mw0000811827
  52. https://www.allmusic.com/album/simplyrex-mw0000831627
  53. https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/simplyrex-mr0001050937
  54. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080852/
  55. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Pirates-of-Penzance-The
  56. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1731702/
  57. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0653527/
  58. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098512/
  59. https://playbill.com/person/rex-smith-vault-0000096698
  60. https://castalbums.org/recordings/Sunset-Boulevard-1995-Toronto-Cast/2074/
  61. https://playbill.com/article/sunrise-on-new-sunset-com-100664
  62. https://playbill.com/article/rex-smith-and-rachel-york-to-tour-in-kiss-me-kate-com-94684
  63. https://www.theatermania.com/news/everything-you-always-wanted-to-know-about-rex_1576/
  64. https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Local-Actors-Join-Broadway-Stars-to-Perform-Elton-Johns-Musical-AIDA-at-TPAC-20220929
  65. https://utopiaartists.com/artists/book-rex-smith/
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