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Stephen A. Smith Lands Acting Role in Hit TV Series

The sports analyst and potential 2028 presidential contender “can’t wait” for everyone to see his big scene.

Stephen A. Smith is ready for his close-up. The longtime ESPN commentator, who made his acting debut on a 2016 episode of General Hospital, will appear in this Thursday’s episode of Law & Order. But don’t get too excited: you may not see very much of him. Smith will appear as a “tough-love sports agent” who is “found stabbed to death.” Smith, 57, told People he’s a huge fan of the show—specifically seasons 3 through 21–and that guest starring was beyond his “wildest dreams.” Although he initially wanted to appear as a lawyer, Smith said that with the NBA playoffs approaching, he couldn’t commit to the “multitude of days” it would take to play one. But there’s no hard feelings: he says the experience still “means the world” to a super-fan like him. In fact, Smith said of his scene: “I thought I stepped it up, and I thought that that’s the best I’ve been yet.”