‏Gregory Marshall Smith‏

Developing an early interests in writing from watching old science fiction movies and TV shows, he eventually majored in journalism in college. After graduating from Prairie View A&M in 1989 and receiving a Navy commission, he served as engineer officer aboard USS Blue Ridge, flagship of the U.S. 7th Fleet. He is a decorated veteran of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

During his naval service in Japan, he did background roles in two films by Takeshi "The Beat" Kitano -- "Boiling Point" in 1990 and "Sonatine" in 1992. He also played a cold-blooded killer in a low-budget Japanese student-directed trilogy called "Heiju" in 1991. There was also a quick appearance in the obscure Hong Kong action film "Steep" as a black ops facilitator. During this time, he kept up with his writing skills by freelancing for Tokyo-based Mini-World Magazine.

After his naval service ended, he returned to journalism, writing for magazines and, later, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He portrayed a photographer for SpeedChannel in a two-part episode for "Walker, Texas Ranger" in 1999. However, his sports writing duties precluded further roles.

A move to Atlanta changed his fortunes and he began acting again in 2009, as a hobby, taking background roles in "Life As We Know It," "Detroit 1-8-7," "Fast Five," "Franklin & Bash," "Wanderlust," "The Odd Life of Timothy Green," "Joyful Noise" and "What To Expect When You're Expecting," among others.

His most recent projects are Golden Globe-winning "Homeland" with Claire Danes and "Flight" with Denzel Washington and Robert Zemeckis.

A published author, he continues to fit in the occasional acting role while writing science fiction, fantasy and horror novels and short stories.