Stephen A. Smith isn’t just a fixture of sports media anymore. With a recent guest appearance on Law & Order, the ESPN stalwart is making moves in scripted television — and he’s doing it on his own terms.

Stephen A. Smith’s Law & Order Role Wasn’t Just a Gimmick

In the May 8 episode of NBC’s Law & Order, Smith played Ted Hunter, a sharp-tongued sports agent with a penchant for brutal honesty. The twist? He’s murdered early in the episode. But don’t let the quick exit fool you. Smith delivered enough punch in his performance to make fans and critics take notice.

“I loved the role,” Smith said in interviews leading up to the episode. “I wanted to be in the courtroom as a lawyer, but my schedule wouldn’t allow it. Still, getting to play a character with some edge — and one that fits my background — was awesome.”

Smith’s desire to return to Law & Order in a more substantial role is real. And given the show’s history of reusing guest actors in different roles, it’s easy to imagine Smith making a comeback — this time as a prosecutor or defense attorney.

Acting Is Becoming More Than a Side Hustle

Most know Smith as the fiery voice on ESPN’s First Take, where he breaks down sports with relentless energy. But his acting résumé is quietly expanding. Since 2016, he’s had a recurring role on General Hospital as Brick, a mob tech expert. Now, with Law & Order under his belt, Smith is proving he can cross into primetime drama.

“General Hospital really taught me how to act,” Smith explained. “And now, landing a role on Law & Order — a show I’ve watched religiously since I was a kid — that’s next level for me.”

He admits he doesn’t see himself as an actor in the traditional sense. “I never considered myself an actor,” he said. “But I’m not closing the door on it either. If I’m good enough to do this, then why not?”

Stephen A. Smith Isn’t Planning to Leave Sports Behind

Even with his growing interest in acting, Smith makes it clear that sports commentary is — and always will be — his main gig. He recently signed a five-year, $100 million deal with ESPN. That kind of security means he’s only pursuing acting roles that excite him, not ones he needs for a paycheck.

“I’ve got a day job that I love and that pays me well,” Smith said. “If I’m going to act, it’s got to be the kind of role that I want. Not just for fun, but for real impact.”

And impact is exactly what he delivered as Ted Hunter. Whether it was calling out an athlete on his ego or pushing a client's financial limits, Smith’s character was unapologetically in his lane — much like Smith himself.

Could Stephen A. Smith Be Eyeing a Future Beyond ESPN?

Speculation about Smith’s future doesn’t stop at acting. Former President Donald Trump even mentioned he'd like to see Smith run for president in 2028. Smith isn’t shutting down the idea — but he’s not campaigning for it either.

“I’m not a politician, and I don’t need to be,” he said. “But I don’t like closing doors. You never know what the future holds.”

For now, Smith is focused on what he calls “living my best life.” That includes sports, acting, and maybe one day, politics. Or at least that's what he wants us to believe.

Stephen A. Smith’s Journey Shows He’s Just Getting Started

At 57, Smith says he feels like he’s “just getting started.” And with roles on General Hospital and Law & Order, plus a wildly successful career in sports media, he’s carving out a space that’s uniquely his own.

He doesn’t watch his performances often. “I try not to watch myself,” he joked. “I’m only as good as my next show.” Whether that show is on ESPN or NBC, Stephen A. Smith is making sure he stays in the spotlight — on his own terms.