Leigh Smith has been passionate about acting from a young age; involvement in school productions lit the bug, but it was when he worked for the Walt Disney Company for a year that his goals really took fruition.
Since returning back to Australia in 2010, Leigh has been studying and competing in classes and conventions both in Australia and the US. He was in Channel 31’s Media Strikes Back and was also involved in commercials and minor work on shows like Winners and Losers and Neighbours.
Most recently he was taken to IPOP Los Angeles where he not only competed and won numerous awards including Best Monologue Performance, Top Ten Finalist for Scene Work and Commercial as well as Finalist for Actor of the Year, but was also selected to be the Master of Ceremonies for the event, beating hundreds of people for the role. Currently involved in two pilot productions in Australia, we spent five minutes chatting to this star on the rise.
You wanted to be an actor from a young age. Why?
There was something about entertaining which was alluring. The ability to be able to relate to someone is one in a million and I have always felt that I could do this. Especially when it came to making people laugh. I have a very unique flair which I am told from my family used to stop people dead in their tracks. Growing up this became stronger and whilst acting was always there it was hard to juggle this need with other things such as school.
When I went to work for the Walt Disney Company my passion for entertaining was reignited in a big way and it’s been non stop ever since.
Tell us about some of your career highlights so far.
I would have to say that being on the TV show Media Strikes Back was an amazing experience. I got to meet and interview so many talented individuals from all backgrounds. Recently though I would have to say that being asked to host an International Acting convention in Los Angeles in 2014 whilst competing over there has been a huge highlight. When I returned this year I was then again asked to host another segment of the convention.
I am now lucky enough to be the Talent Director of an international/national company where we help to expose new talent to the industry both locally and internationally. Working with talent of all ages is the most rewarding experience and keeps my own skills in check. Seeing people grow in such a way is one in a million.
But in this industry everything is a highlight and just auditioning for new projects in the US for pilot season to being offered roles in all areas are highlights. Nothing can be taken for granted.
Is it hard breaking into such a competitive industry? How do you keep your passion alive?
Hard is one way to put it. I have never known anything like it and the more you progress the more you realise that there is no specific way to make a successful outcome a sure thing. You just have to keep pushing yourself and I am proud that most of what I have achieved has been on my own merit and by finding people who want to help me in my pursuit. You do this for the love of performing and nothing else. If you goal is something like fame and fortune then you are in the wrong industry.
I keep my passion alive by keeping myself as busy as possible! Mentoring, working on my own projects whilst working on projects obtained by my agent and managers. If you don’t keep yourself busy then you are going to find yourself disappointed a lot of the time. I count my blessings everyday that I am able to do what I love on an everyday basis whether it’s working with new talent or simply helping out on a casting. YOU HAVE TO CREATE YOUR OWN WORK.
What are you currently working on?
At the moment I continue to mentor new and fresh talent around the eastern coast of Australia whilst working on two new TV pilots here in Australia. These are so exciting to be a part of and whilst they are new at the moment they have the potential to change the theme of Australian TV which does need a massive mind shift.
I also am continually working with my manager in the US on projects and auditions for projects. I hope to relocate to the US in due course. Bring it on!
What advice do you have for young aspiring actors?
The main thing I would say to them is never give up. No matter if you are embarking on this journey at a later age or an early age there are no rules to success. If this is what you love to do then take all and any opportunities that you can. You never know what can happen.
Everyone is unique. Be yourself and never try to be what people say you should be. There is only ONE you and that’s what needs to be seen.
Where are your favourite places in Australia to travel to, eat at and enjoy?
I am a born and bred Melbourne boy. I love to spend time in Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula where I used to holiday with my family when I was younger. I also love everything about the city of Melbourne – especially the hidden rooftop bars in the Summer time. Prussian Ice Tea at Madame Brussel’s has to be a favourite.
In saying that the Dandenong Ranges has to be one of the nicest spots on offer here at home. When I need a good exercise session the thousand steps always do the trick.
