Biography for
Riley Smith (I)

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Growing up in the heartland of Iowa, Hollywood seemed like the farthest thing from reality for Cedar Rapids born, Riley Smith. Before the Blonde haired green eyed boy was taller than the corn stocks on his family's quarter horse ranch, they knew he was destined for success on a larger scale. Discovered in a mall in his hometown, Riley was urged by a local talent scout, to fly to New York to compete at the International Modeling and Talent Association (IMTA) convention. The choice to do so, turned out to be a life changing one. There Riley not only picked up a Tommy Hilfiger modeling campaign, but signed with his agent to date, Abby Bluestone, at Innovative Artist. Turning down a college basketball scholarship, Riley stayed in New York, where he quickly began gracing the pages of magazines and billboards through modeling. Using the money he earned, Riley enrolled in a secret passion, acting class. Only three months into class and in the middle of a successful run in modeling, Riley was flown to Los Angeles, for a screen test for the 1998 WB pilot "Minor Threat". Riley landed his very first TV audition and relocated to LA. The Pilot never made the air, but Riley did. Riley has gone on to do Five Primetime network pilots, more than a dozen guest-starring roles, and three different series. He was on the cast list of Waner Bros. "Eight Legged Freaks", played Les the "Beautiful Weirdo" in Sony's "Not Another Teen Movie", "Johnny Clay" starring opposite Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ed Harris in the Revolution studios released feature "Radio". And the hot love interest of Ashley Olsen, in Warner Bros. "New York Minute". In 2004 he had a recurring role on the Emmy nominated show "Joan of Arcadia", the WB's summer hit "Summerland" and NBC's "Hiawaii".In 2005, Riley focused on feature films, landing the lead role opposite Nick Cannon and Mark Webber in the gritty indie "Weapons", he also scored lead roles in Independendents, "White Air", and "Graduation".

Trivia

Was the President of the AQHYA (American Quarter Horse Youth Association) in 1996 - 1997. It is the largest single breed horse youth association in the world, with over 25,000 members.

Had to learn how to ride a dirtbike for Motocrossed (2001) (TV).

He was Ashton Kutcher's roommate in New York City at the IMTA convention after knowing each other in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, their hometown. Josh Duhamel also attended the same year.

He was offered the role in "Spring break shark attack", after screen testing and almost landing the title role of "Elvis" for CBS.

Roommates with Ashton Kutcher (1997)

Is the lead singer/guitarist for the band "The Life of Riley", which he started with musician Henri O'Connor.

Discovered by filmmaker David DeCoteau who cast Riley in his first lead role in Alien Arsenal. DeCoteau had writer Matt Walsh write Voodoo Academy as a starring vehicle for Riley after he saw his work in the dailies for Alien Arsenal.

Personal Quotes

"I've always been a blue collar guy, and I think it shows in my body of work and the way my career has developed."

"Acting is perception, and as long as I'm honest with myself in my work, someone will appreciate it."

"I like romantic comedies, New York Minute is not as romantic of a movie as I would like to be in someday, but it's a step in the right direction."

When he gets stressed out by the business: "I go home to Iowa. I call it defrosting my heart. Everyone in Iowa is so simple a genuine. In this business, sometimes you can get cold-hearted. When I go, even if it's 20 below and snowing, I come back with a warm heart."

When he's not working: "I have way too many hobbies. I play guitar, and my buddies and I record music in a studio in my house. I have a couple of vintage Jeeps I'm always working on, fixing up. And I ride horses-I grew up on a horse ranch-and play basketball. I need to cut back on my hobbies so I can work more."

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