Brian Thomas Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brian Thomas Smith
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Smith in 2016
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| Born | May 13, 1977 |
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Brian Thomas Smith (born May 13, 1977) is an American actor and comedian known for playing the dim-witted but kind-hearted Zack Johnson in The Big Bang Theory for nine seasons. He has also made other TV appearances on Fear Factor, Two and a Half Men, Happy Endings, The Neighborhood, 9-1-1: Lone Star, and United States of Al. On the big screen, Smith starred opposite Al Pacino and Annette Bening in Dan Fogelman's directoral debut film, Danny Collins.
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Early life
Smith has a younger brother, Greg, who participated with him on The Amazing Race 7.
Career
Smith has appeared in over 100 commercials including Miller Lite, Pizza Hut, Burger King, State Farm, Lopez Tonight, Chevrolet, Carl's Jr., Coors Light, Budweiser, Taco Bell, DirecTV, Pop Chips, Buffalo Wild Wings, Honda, Corona, Applebee's, DairyQueen, Audi, and Progressive Insurance.
In 2005, in markets outside of the United States, he starred in a Heineken beer commercial with Jennifer Aniston.
In 2005, Smith appeared on the reality television competition series The Amazing Race 7 with his brother, Greg. The two were involved in a car accident during the sixth leg that injured their cameraman. They were then eliminated on the subsequent leg during the sixth episode and placed sixth overall.
In 2006, Smith was cast as the lead in Dan Fogelman's half-hour comedy pilot The 12th Man.
In 2010, Smith joined the cast of comedy series The Big Bang Theory in a recurring role, portraying Penny's ingenuous ex-boyfriend, Zack Johnson. He continued to recur on the show until its 12th and final season in 2019 (S12E12 and S12E25).
In 2021, Smith was cast in a recurring role of the comedy series United States of Al, as Freddy, the new boyfriend of Vanessa, Riley's ex-wife.
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | The 12th Man | Adam Rump | TV movie |
| 2008 | No Place Like Home | Matt | Short |
| 2009 | The Moonlighters | Bob | Short |
| Perry's Fairies | Short | ||
| The Indies | Sean | Short | |
| 2012 | Lucy in the Sky with Diamond | Brian | Short |
| Surprise | Matthew | Short | |
| Hot Neighbours | Judd | Short | |
| Concrete Blondes | Karl | Short | |
| 2013 | Casual | Guy | |
| 2015 | Danny Collins | Judd/Busy Work | |
| 2018 | Big Muddy | Bo | |
| 2020 | Babysplitters | Dr Palmer | |
| 2023 | Holiday Twist | Boogie |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Friends | Season 8, Episode 11 (uncredited, no lines) | |
| 2005 | The Amazing Race 7 | Contestant | Eliminated, 6th place (with Greg Smith) |
| 2006 | Two and a Half Men | Emmett | 1 episode |
| 2010 | A Good Knight's Quest | Agent One | 8 episodes |
| The Indies | Sean | 2 episodes | |
| 2010–19 | The Big Bang Theory | Zack Johnson | Recurring role, 11 episodes |
| 2010–11 | Casual: The Series | Guy | Season 1–3 (series regular; 17 episodes) |
| 2012 | Happy Endings | Nick | "Party of Six" |
| Wolfpack of Reseda | Vance | Season 1 (series regular; 5 episodes) | |
| Suit Up | Bjorn Hansen | Recurring role, 4 episodes | |
| 2019 | The Neighborhood | Ed | Episode: "Welcome to the Bully" |
| 2020 | 9-1-1: Lone Star | Andrew Reynolds | Episode: "Awakening" |
| 2021–22 | United States of Al | Freddy | Recurring Role |
| 2022 | NCIS | Fantasy Football Dad | Episode S20E2: "Daddy Issues" |
| The Really Loud House | Mr. Bolhofner | 2 episodes |
