Brian Michael Smith (born January 29, 1983) is an American actor known for ground-breaking performances on television and advocacy for trans representation in media. His role as Toine Wilkins, a transgender police officer, in Ava DuVernay’s Queen Sugar (OWN), launched him into a series of high-profile roles including political strategist Pierce Williams in Showtime's The L Word: Generation Q (2019) cast. Smith became the first out black trans man in a series regular role on network television when he was cast as firefighter Paul Strickland in FOX's 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020). Other appearances include NBC's Chicago P.D., HBO's Girls, and Showtime's thriller Homeland.

Brian Michael Smith

Acting Born January 29, 1983 Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

Brian Michael Smith (born January 29, 1983) is an American actor known for ground-breaking performances on television and advocacy for trans representation in media. His role as Toine Wilkins, a transgender police officer, in Ava DuVernay’s Queen Sugar (OWN), launched him into a series of high-profile roles including political strategist Pierce Williams in Showtime's The L Word: Generation Q (2019) cast.

Smith became the first out black trans man in a series regular role on network television when he was cast as firefighter Paul Strickland in FOX's 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020). Other appearances include NBC's Chicago P.D., HBO's Girls, and Showtime's thriller Homeland.

Known For

Person of Interest

Patrolman

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Conelectric Worker

Homeland

EMT Nate

9-1-1: Lone Star

Paul Strickland

The L Word: Generation Q

Pierce Williams

Tracers

Security Guard #1

King of Drag

Guest Judge

I Wish You All the Best

Chris

After

Jeremy Washington

Disclosure

Self - Actor

Together in Pride: You Are Not Alone

Self

White Privilege Frankenstein

Darrell