Rex Smith - A Look At His Life And Career
For many who followed popular culture in past decades, the name Rex Smith brings to mind a person with a knack for entertaining. He is an American actor and a singer, someone who has truly made a mark in both these fields. His professional life started with a bang, as he became a very popular figure among young people, often called a teen idol.
He first stepped onto the big stage in a well-known musical production on Broadway, which was quite a way to begin. Later, he also took on a memorable part in a television series that many people watched. You know, it's pretty interesting how someone can move between different types of performance so well.
This individual's reach extended from the bright lights of Broadway to the smaller screens of television sets, and also into the world of recorded music. His official presence online, as a matter of fact, points to his work across stage performances, prime-time television, and even daytime shows. He has, in some respects, been a familiar face and voice to many for a good while.
Table of Contents
- The Life of Rex Smith - A Biography
- Personal Details and Bio Data for Rex Smith
- What Made Rex Smith a Household Name?
- How Did Rex Smith's Music Career Start?
- Was Rex Smith Just a Teen Idol?
- What Are Some Notable Acting Roles for Rex Smith?
- Exploring the Creative Work of Rex Smith
- The Enduring Appeal of Rex Smith
The Life of Rex Smith - A Biography
Rex Smith came into the world on September 19, 1955. He is, you could say, a person who has spent a significant part of his life working as both an actor and someone who sings for audiences. His story, really, shows a blend of talents that allowed him to make a living in various forms of entertainment.
His earliest steps into the acting world happened on Broadway. In 1978, he made his first appearance there in a musical that was quite popular, called *Grease*. This was a rather big way to begin a professional acting life. He took on the lead part of Danny Zuko, which, you know, is a role many people remember.
Beyond the stage, Rex Smith also gained recognition for a particular part he played on television. He was known for his work as Jesse Mach in a television series that came out in 1985. This show was called *Street Hawk*, and it was something many viewers tuned in to watch. He was, in a way, a key figure in that program.
His beginnings in the public eye were tied to being a "teen idol." This means he was very much admired by young people, particularly during the earlier parts of his professional journey. People would often see his face in popular magazines like *Tiger Beat* and *16 Magazine*, which were, you know, quite a big deal for young fans back then.
Interestingly enough, Rex Smith holds the distinction of being the first actor to play a certain character from Marvel Comics. The specific character is not mentioned in the information available, but this fact does point to his varied contributions to different forms of storytelling. He has, apparently, touched on many different areas of entertainment.
When you look at his full professional life, it becomes clear that he has had, to be honest, a very interesting path. By the standards of Broadway, where many performers have unique stories, his career stands out. Few people who sing for a living, for example, can say they have performed alongside someone like Ted Nugent, which is a rather unique experience.
Personal Details and Bio Data for Rex Smith
Here is a quick look at some of the key facts about Rex Smith, compiled from the information available. This table gives a brief overview of some personal details and career points for him, just a little summary of who he is and what he has done.
| Full Name | Rex Smith |
| Date of Birth | September 19, 1955 |
| Place of Birth | Jacksonville, Florida |
| Occupation | Actor, Singer |
| Known For | Broadway musical Grease (1978), TV series Street Hawk (1985), "You Take My Breath Away" song |
| Career Start | Teen Idol |
| Family Background | Youngest of four sons; specific details remain private. |
| Music Achievements | Platinum album Sooner or Later, Top 10 hit "You Take My Breath Away" |
Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Rex Smith was the youngest of four boys in his family. While some details about his family and his early schooling are not publicly shared, it was clear, even from a young age, that he had a strong interest in music. This passion, you know, really set the stage for his future professional life.
What Made Rex Smith a Household Name?
Rex Smith became widely known for a few key reasons, mixing his abilities in music with his acting roles. He gained a lot of public attention, you know, because of his diverse talents. His work as a singer, for instance, played a big part in this.
One of the things that made Rex Smith very popular was his platinum-selling music album called *Sooner or Later*. This album was a big success, meaning many copies were sold. It truly helped establish him as a significant figure in the music scene of the time.
From that album came a song that many people remember: "You Take My Breath Away." This particular song reached a high spot on the music charts. It made it to number ten on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1979, staying there for a couple of weeks, around June 23rd of that year. It also spent two weeks at number seven on the Cash Box Top 100 chart, which is, you know, pretty impressive for a song.
The lyrics of "You Take My Breath Away" capture a feeling of deep admiration. Phrases like "you, I don't know what to say you take my breath away you're every song I sing you're the music that I play and you take my breath away you, you smile and it's okay you take my breath away" show the emotional core of the tune. This song, in a way, really connected with listeners.
Beyond his singing, his acting work also added to his fame. His role in *Grease* on Broadway, where he played Danny Zuko, certainly put him in front of a lot of people. This part was, arguably, a huge stepping stone for his public recognition.
He also had a notable role in the television series *Street Hawk*. This show gave him a chance to be seen by a wider audience on a regular basis. So, you see, it wasn't just one thing that made Rex Smith a name people knew, but a combination of his work in both music and acting.
How Did Rex Smith's Music Career Start?
Rex Smith's journey into music began quite early, with his clear interest in sounds and melodies showing itself even when he was young. This early passion, as a matter of fact, was a strong sign of where his professional life would go. He wasn't just an actor; he was also very much a musician.
His early success in music really took off during the late 1970s. He released his LP, *Sooner or Later*, in 1979. This album included the song "You Take My Breath Away," which, as mentioned, became a top hit. This period was a time when Rex Smith was a very popular figure in music, particularly among younger audiences.
The album itself, released on January 1, 1980, featured ten songs and ran for about 36 minutes. It was produced by Sony Music Entertainment Inc. in 1979. This musical offering, you know, was a key part of his early success as a singer.
Even though today's younger crowd might not know much about Rex Smith, he was, basically, a huge deal in the late 1970s, the 1980s, and even into the 1990s. He was a popular teen idol during those years, often featured in magazines aimed at young fans. His music, really, was a big part of that appeal.
There are also music videos that showcase his work, such as the one for his song "Forever." These videos allowed his fans to connect with his music in a visual way, too. He has, apparently, kept his musical journey going, sharing his creations with people who enjoy them.
Was Rex Smith Just a Teen Idol?
While Rex Smith certainly gained fame as a teen idol, particularly in the late 1970s and early 1980s, his professional life shows he was much more than just a young heartthrob. His career, you know, spanned various forms of entertainment, proving he had a range of abilities beyond just being admired by young fans.
His initial splash on Broadway in *Grease* in 1978, playing the lead part of Danny Zuko, was a serious acting role, not just a pop star appearance. This role required genuine theatrical talent, which he clearly possessed. So, it's pretty clear he was capable of more than just singing pop songs.
Beyond the stage, Rex Smith also appeared in countless television shows. This suggests a consistent acting career that went beyond the initial burst of teen idol popularity. He was, in some respects, a working actor for a long time, taking on many different parts on screen.
His official online presence points to a professional life that includes being a singer, an actor, and working on Broadway, stage, prime time, and day time television. This broad list, you know, shows a person with a wide set of skills, someone who could adapt to different performance settings.
So, while the "teen idol" label was a big part of his early public image, it doesn't tell the whole story of Rex Smith. He continued to work in both acting and singing, building a professional life that was quite varied and long-lasting. He has, basically, shown a great deal of versatility over the years.
What Are Some Notable Acting Roles for Rex Smith?
Rex Smith has taken on several memorable acting roles throughout his professional life, showing his abilities on both the stage and television screens. His work in these parts, you know, helped shape his reputation as a performer who could truly deliver.
One of his most significant acting parts was his debut on Broadway. In 1978, Rex Smith played the main character, Danny Zuko, in the musical *Grease*. This was a very important role for him, putting him in a major theatrical production right at the start of his acting journey. It was, arguably, a big moment for him.
On television, he is widely recognized for his part as Jesse Mach in the 1985 series *Street Hawk*. This role involved him playing a central figure in a show that many people watched. It was a prime-time series, which means it reached a large audience, giving Rex Smith a lot of visibility on the small screen.
Additionally, he has the unique distinction of being the first actor to play a character from Marvel Comics. While the specific character is not mentioned in the available information, this fact points to his involvement in popular culture beyond just music and typical television shows. He has, apparently, been a part of some interesting projects.
His filmography, which lists all the movies and TV shows he has been in, can be explored on sites like Rotten Tomatoes. This resource, you know, allows people to see the full extent of his work as an actor. It shows that Rex Smith has been credited in many different productions, demonstrating a long and varied acting career.
He has, in short, acted in countless television shows and other productions besides his singing career. This means his acting work has been a consistent part of his professional life, making him a familiar face to many viewers over the years. His contributions to acting are, truly, quite extensive.
Exploring the Creative Work of Rex Smith
The creative work of Rex Smith stretches across different forms of artistic expression, showing his range as a performer. He has given his abilities to both the world of music and the world of acting, creating a body of work that has, basically, entertained many people over the years.
In music, his album *Sooner or Later* from 1979 stands out, featuring his hit song "You Take My Breath Away." This song, in a way, became a signature piece for him, known for its emotional lyrics and popular appeal. It was a very successful record for him, reaching high spots on the music charts.
His singing career also includes other recordings, such as the music video for his song "Forever." These works allow listeners to experience his vocal talent and the style of music he created. He has, apparently, maintained his connection to music throughout his professional life, even after his initial pop success.
On the acting side, his performance as Danny Zuko in the 1978 Broadway musical *Grease* is a key part of his creative story. This role allowed him to show his stage presence and acting abilities to a live audience. It was, you know, a very important start to his acting path.
His television work, especially his part as Jesse Mach in *Street Hawk* in 1985, also represents a significant piece of his creative output. This role, and his many other appearances on television, show his ability to perform for the camera. He has, in some respects, been a constant presence on screen.
The journey of Rex Smith, spanning more than 40 years, has been described as a "rollercoaster ride" of a career. This description suggests a life filled with varied experiences and different kinds of performances. He takes his audience on this ride, sharing moments from his professional life, which is, you know, a pretty unique way to connect.
The Enduring Appeal of Rex Smith
Even after many years, the appeal of Rex Smith seems to last for those who remember his work. Though today's younger crowd might not be familiar with him, he was, in fact, a very popular figure for a good stretch of time, from the late 1970s through the 1990s. His charm and talent, you know, resonated with many people.
His ability to move between being a successful singer and a respected actor is a big part of why he remains interesting. Few performers manage to achieve significant recognition in both these demanding fields. He has, apparently, shown a remarkable versatility that kept him relevant across different entertainment platforms.
The fact that he started as a teen idol but then went on to perform in serious Broadway roles and countless television shows speaks to his lasting talent. He wasn't just a fleeting trend; he had the skills to build a sustained professional life. This shows, basically, a depth of ability beyond just a youthful image.
His professional life, even by the high standards of Broadway, has been quite interesting. The unique experiences, like performing with Ted Nugent, add to the story of a person who has had a truly diverse set of experiences in the entertainment world. He has, in some respects, lived a very full professional life.
People still share videos of his performances, whether it's music or other appearances, with their friends and family. This continued sharing, you know, points to a lasting fondness for his work. It suggests that his contributions to music and acting still hold meaning for those who experienced them.
Ultimately, the enduring appeal of Rex Smith comes from his multifaceted career and his consistent presence in the public eye for decades. He was, and for many still is, a person who brought joy and entertainment through his singing and acting. His story is, truly, one of a versatile performer who made a significant mark.
This article has looked at Rex Smith, an American actor and singer born on September 19, 1955. We explored his beginnings as a teen idol, his notable acting debut in the Broadway musical *Grease* in 1978, and his role as Jesse Mach in the 1985 television series *Street Hawk*. The piece also touched on his successful music career, including his platinum album *Sooner or Later* and his top 10 hit "You Take My Breath Away." Information about his early life in Jacksonville, Florida, and his unique position as the first actor to play a Marvel Comics character was also included. We covered his extensive work in various TV shows and his long-lasting presence in the entertainment world.
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