Justice Smith is an American actor best known for his roles in the films "Paper Towns" (2015) and "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom" (2018), as well as in the Netflix series "The Get Down" (2016–2017).
Justice Smith
Childhood and Adolescence
Justice Elio Smith was born on August 9, 1995, in Los Angeles. His father, Wayne Smith, is African American, and his mother, Duilia Setacci, has Italian and French-Canadian relatives.
Justice Smith in his youth
Justice is not related to actor Will Smith, as many believe. Both of Justice's parents are singers who are passionate about their craft. According to the actor, his parents had no tolerance for unprofessionalism, even at home: "It was impossible to just sing a song in the car that I liked—my mom would always start with, 'Breathe with your diaphragm. Keep the tone steady!'"
Furthermore, his entire childhood was spent in a constant spirit of competition—with his parents, brothers, and sisters (there were eight siblings, and one of his sisters, Cameo Adele, is a promising singer).
Justice's acting talent manifested itself in childhood
Although music came easily to Smith, he had no intention of becoming a singer. He was much more attracted to the world of theater and cinema. From a young age, he wrote stories and scripts, was incredibly charismatic, loved to laugh, and make others laugh. "And then I learned to lie beautifully—I decided for myself that the art of deception is also an art," the actor says with a smile. His desire to become an actor was solidified by his studies at the Orange County School of the Arts, which Justice graduated from in 2013.
Acting Career
Justice Smith made his television debut in 2012 with a minor role in the low-budget crime movie "Trigger Finger." Two years later, the aspiring actor appeared in two documentary series on HBO and in the Nickelodeon comedy series "The Thundermans."
Justice Smith made his television debut in 2012
Smith recounts feeling very insecure on set. He played in two episodes before being unexpectedly replaced. "They didn't even call me. They said nothing to my agents. Madness," Smith recalls.
The acting environment at Nickelodeon and Disney, especially on teen shows, is a world of its own. I didn't know how to fit into this atmosphere.
Justice's popularity soared in 2015. He played a supporting role in the teen drama "Paper Towns" by Jake Schreier, starring Nat Wolff and Cara Delevingne. Soon after, Smith landed the lead role in the musical drama series "The Get Down," which centers on a diverse group of teenagers on the streets of the Bronx in the late 1970s. The actor played Ezekiel 'Zeke' Figuero, a smart, resourceful boy suffering from unrequited love, determined to make his mark on the world.
A shot from the series 'The Get Down'
"I had just finished filming 'Paper Towns,' where I played a nerdy kid from a well-off family, and I wanted to play a tough guy. So I went to the audition, and then Baz Luhrmann [creator of the series] called me. I was so happy to get the role—it meant I was a decent actor," Justice reminisces.
To get into the role of a talented rapper, Smith had to study many documentaries, delve into relevant literature, and listen to hundreds of songs. "Zeke writes poetry, and I can relate to that because I've acted in Shakespeare's plays and those of ancient Greek writers. That's how, in my nerdy way, I got into the world of hip-hop," Justice laughs.
Actor Justice Smith
His co-stars on set included Shameik Moore, Herizen F. Guardiola, Skylan Brooks, Tremaine Brown Jr., Jimmy Smits, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jaden Smith. The series was warmly received by audiences and critics. It was praised for its strong musical component, fresh faces, and a hint of authenticity. Although the series was not renewed for a second season, Justice managed to win over millions of viewers and even made it onto Forbes' list of the most successful people under 30.
Meanwhile, Smith continued to seize opportunities in the theater world. In early 2017, he performed for several months alongside Lucas Hedges in the Off-Broadway production "Yen" by playwright Anna Jordan. In February 2018, Smith returned to the screens in the fantasy drama "Every Day" with Australian Angourie Rice.
Jurassic Worl: Justice Smith playing at guitar
A few months later, in June 2018, the sequel "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom" premiered. Smith played a former park technician named Franklin, who is involved in saving dinosaurs from an impending volcanic eruption and the clutches of auctioneers. The main roles were played by Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard. Jeff Goldblum made an appearance as Dr. Ian Malcolm.
In 2018, Justice Smith starred in the comedy "Pokémon Detective Pikachu" – a live-action film by Rob Letterman based on the video game of the same name, the first live-action movie in the Pokémon franchise. Ryan Reynolds voiced the main character, while Smith played Tim Goodman, a former Pokémon trainer and the son of the famous detective Harry Goodman.
Justice Smith on His First Time Playing Pokemon and Meeting Elle Fanning
Justice also appeared in the American drama "All the Bright Places" by Brett Haley, with Elle Fanning, Alexandra Shipp, and Keegan-Michael Key. The film is based on the bestseller by Jennifer Niven and tells the story of two young people whose encounter changes their lives by 180 degrees.
Justice on the set of 'Detective Pikachu'
Alongside Sydney Sweeney, Justice played in the erotic thriller "The Voyeurs" (2021). Their characters are a married couple who spy on their neighbors. That same year, the series "Genera+ion," which explores themes of growing up and sexuality, premiered. Justice played Chester, an openly gay character. The HBO project was canceled after the first season.
'Genera+ion': Justice Smith as Chester
In 2022, Smith appeared in the continuation of "Jurassic World," and also starred in the thriller "Sharper," playing Tom, a New York bookstore owner who is duped by a woman named Sandra (Briana Middleton).
A shot from the movie 'Sharper'
Justice Smith's Personal Life
Many fans of the movie "Paper Towns" were convinced that Justice Smith was dating his co-star Jazz Sinclair, but the young actors did not confirm this information.
Justice Smith and Jazz Sinclair
Since 2020, the actor has been in a relationship with actor Nicholas Ashe.
Justice Smith and Nicholas Ashe
Justice Smith Now
In 2023, Justice Smith played one of the central characters, the insecure wizard Simon, in the adventure film "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves". In an interview, he admitted that the film marked the beginning of a new era of action movies where "it's not just the action that matters, but also the heart." He worked alongside Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, and Sophia Lillis.
A shot from the movie 'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves'
The actor also played the lead role in the horror movie "I Saw the TV Glow" as a vulnerable and introverted teenager who bonds with a girl over their love for television shows. The film received positive reviews from critics, who wrote the following:
Justice Smith is phenomenal as Owen, delivering a stunning physical and emotional performance of a man so afraid of himself and the world that he allows his life to pass by.
-
Kathryn Moreno
2021-04-21 15:56:48
-
Jose Miles
2021-04-13 17:26:16
-
Kenneth Thompson
2021-04-04 20:32:42
-
Tanya Collins
2021-03-29 20:21:35
-
Leslie Hayes
2021-03-12 17:28:20
5