The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Actor›Brian Michael Smith
Entertainment • Actor

Brian Michael Smith

Brian Michael Smith is an American actor and LGBTQ advocate from Ann Arbor, Michigan.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Brian Michael Smith (born January 29, 1983) is an American actor and LGBTQ advocate. He is best known for his roles as Paul Strickland on the Fox series *9-1-1: Lone Star* and Toine Wilkins on *Queen Sugar*.

Early life and education

Smith was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and later attended Kent State University, where he studied television and film programming with a minor in theatre. He graduated in 2005.

Acting career

Smith gained recognition for his role as Toine Wilkins in *Queen Sugar*. He later played firefighter Paul Strickland in *9-1-1: Lone Star*. He has also appeared in *The L Word: Generation Q*, *Girls*, *Chicago P.D.*, and *Homeland*.

Advocacy and public profile

In addition to acting, Smith is recognized for his advocacy on behalf of transgender and LGBTQ representation in media. He is publicly known as an advocate for LGBTQ and transgender visibility.

Key facts

  • Smith was born on January 29, 1983, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
  • He graduated from Kent State University in 2005.
  • He gained recognition for the role of Toine Wilkins in *Queen Sugar*.
  • He played firefighter Paul Strickland in *9-1-1: Lone Star*.
  • He is known publicly as an advocate for LGBTQ and transgender representation.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Brian Michael Smith?
He is an American actor and LGBTQ advocate best known for his television roles in *9-1-1: Lone Star* and *Queen Sugar*.
What is Brian Michael Smith known for?
He is best known for playing Paul Strickland on *9-1-1: Lone Star* and Toine Wilkins on *Queen Sugar*.
Where was Brian Michael Smith born?
He was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in the United States.
What did Brian Michael Smith study?
He studied television and film programming at Kent State University and earned a degree in 2005.
Is Brian Michael Smith involved in advocacy?
Yes. He is publicly known for advocacy related to LGBTQ and transgender visibility and representation.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Michael_Smith
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, occupation, and major acting roles.
  2. Kent State University — https://www.kent.edu/theatredance/brian-michael-smith
    Supports: Education and graduation details.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4476887/
    Supports: Acting credits and biography basics.
  4. epgn.com — https://epgn.com/2021/02/02/on-tv-the-hero-is-a-black-transman/
    Supports: Public profile as an advocate and discussion of transgender representation.
  5. BroadwayWorld — https://www.broadwayworld.com/people/Brian-Michael-Smith/
    Supports: Career background, training, and early work.