Freddie Smith currently stars as Sonny Kiriakis on Days of Our Lives, a role he has played on and off since 2011. Not only has this role been major for his career, but he’s also won a Daytime Emmy Award because of it.
The actor has his eye on the future, having branched out with other projects. From how he made ends meet as a struggling actor to what he’s done to try to stop bullying, here are five fast facts you need to know about the Days of Our Lives actor.
In The Beginning
Smith was born on March 19 to Fred and Renee Smith in Ashtabula, Ohio. Smith is an only child, but he was very close to his cousins while he was growing up. Prior to getting into acting, Smith was obsessed with basketball. However, when he was a senior in high school he started getting into theater. He graduated from Edgewood Senior High School in 2006.
On the Job
Following high school, Smith moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. To make ends meet, he worked a number of odd jobs, including at McDonald’s, American Eagle, Outback Steakhouse, and even AAA. He booked his first acting job in 2008 on the show Medium. In 2011, he booked five episodes as Marco Salazar on the rebooted 90210.
Breaking Barriers
After wrapping up his role on 90210, Smith was cast as Jackson “Sonny” Kiriakis on Days of Our Lives in 2011, the first openly gay character on contract in the history of DAYS. Previously, actor Ryan Scott had played the non-contract role of Harold Wentworth, from 2000 to 2003.
Stand-Up Guy
During the summer of 2012, Smith traveled to Washington, D.C., to testify before the United States Congress. He was urging that legislation be passed on bullying, hoping to get parents to realize they need to become involved at an early age.
Engaged Man
Though he’s played gay men on television, Smith became engaged to fiancée, Alyssa Tabit, in July 2018. Though the couple has yet to tie the knot, they are working together on various projects, including their podcast. Days of our Lives (DOOL) airs weekdays on NBC. Check your local listings for airtimes.
Video Credit: Days of our Lives
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