Cornelius Smith Jr.

Cornelius Smith Jr is a soulful and transformational actor who disappears into every performance he gives. He will next be seen as the lead opposite Vera Farmiga and Cherry Jones in the Apple TV+ limited series from John Ridley and Carlton Cuse, FIVE DAYS AT MEMORIAL, set to premiere this summer. Based on the acclaimed nonfiction book by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Sheri Fink, the riveting drama follows the first five days in a New Orleans hospital after Hurricane Katrina. This summer he will also dominate the stage as the titular character in the world premiere of AMERICAN PROPHET at Arena Stage in Washington DC. The new musical by Charles Randolph- Wright and Grammy winner Marcus Hummon will chronicle the life of human rights leader Frederick Douglass. Smith most recently appeared as W.E.B. DuBois in the Netflix limited series SELF MADE, as well as starred in the CBS humor-tinged uplifting drama GOD FRIENDED ME, and the Shonda Rhimes' political drama SCANDAL. After earning his Master of Fine of Arts from New York University Tisch School of the Arts Graduate Acting Program, Smith booked a role on ALL MY CHILDREN, leading to a nomination for a daytime Emmy and an NAACP Image Award. He has had guest roles in the hit series MAJOR CRIMES, Marvel's AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D., and HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER. Smith was raised in Detroit, Michigan. He now resides in Los Angeles with his family.