Smith was born in Alpena, Michigan, to an Air Force family, who lived in Tehran, Iran, during his last two years of high school.

He then attended college at Eastern Michigan University, where his athletic talents earned him a spot as a free agent with the Dallas Cowboys in 1985.

Smith's football career was cut short by injury and he returned to Eastern Michigan University, where in 1988 he earned a bachelor of science degree in computer aided design.

[1][2] Smith stumbled upon acting when he accompanied a friend to an audition for the 1989 film A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child.

He also starred in the 2010 horror film Chain Letter, alongside Nikki Reed, and Noah Segan, directed by Deon Taylor.