5 Shocking Facts About Stephen A. Smith’s Secret Life As A Mob Enforcer On General Hospital

The worlds of sports commentary and daytime drama rarely collide, but when they do, the result is pure, unadulterated television gold. As of late 2025, one of the most recognizable voices in sports, Stephen A. Smith, continues to surprise fans with his long-running, recurring role on the iconic ABC soap opera, General Hospital (GH). This is not a one-off cameo; Smith is deeply embedded in the show's most dramatic storyline, portraying a character who is far removed from the screaming debates of *First Take*.

The news of his confirmed return, which was teased in late 2024 and solidified in early 2025, ensures that his character remains a vital, if sporadic, presence in Port Charles. For those who only know the ESPN personality, this acting gig is a fascinating, high-stakes detour into the world of organized crime, surveillance, and dramatic plot twists that only a soap opera can deliver.

Stephen A. Smith: Full Biography and Professional Profile

Before his transition into a dramatic actor on a daytime soap, Stephen Anthony Smith built an unparalleled career as one of the most prominent and polarizing figures in sports journalism. Born on October 14, 1967, in the Bronx, New York, Smith’s path to fame was paved with sharp opinions and relentless work ethic.

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Key Biographical Highlights

• Full Name: Stephen Anthony Smith
• Born: October 14, 1967
• Birthplace: The Bronx, New York, U.S.
• Education: Graduated from Winston-Salem State University with a B.A. in Mass Communications.
• Journalism Start: Began his career as a print journalist, including a notable stint at *The Philadelphia Inquirer*.
• Primary Career Role: Famed sports commentator, television personality, and journalist.
• Current ESPN Roles: Featured Commentator and Executive Producer on *First Take*, Analyst on *NBA Countdown* on ABC, and host of his own podcast, *Know Mercy*.
• Nickname: Often referred to as "Stephen A." or "Screamin' A."
• Acting Debut: Made an uncredited cameo on *General Hospital* in 2007 before taking on the recurring role of Brick.

The Shocking Truth About 'Brick' on General Hospital

The character Stephen A. Smith portrays is named Brick, and his role is far from a celebrity walk-on. Brick is a highly-skilled and indispensable asset to Port Charles's most powerful mob boss, Sonny Corinthos, played by Maurice Benard. Brick’s job is crucial to the Corinthos organization, focusing on high-tech surveillance, security, and solving complex, critical issues that only a tech guru could handle.

Smith’s recurring appearances on the long-running soap opera have become more frequent and significant since 2020, solidifying his place as a legitimate, albeit part-time, member of the GH cast. This dual career—from yelling about LeBron James and the Dallas Cowboys to protecting a fictional mob family—is one of the most interesting crossovers in modern television.

1. He’s the Corinthos Family’s Top Tech Expert

Brick's primary function is as Sonny Corinthos's surveillance and security expert. He is essentially the mob's Chief Information Officer, a technological wizard whose skills rival those of a top-tier computer hacker. Whenever Sonny faces a complex threat, whether it's an internal leak or an external enemy, Brick is the one called in to track down the digital trail. This expertise is vital in the modern mob landscape of Port Charles, where information and security are currency.

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2. Brick Has Killed an Assassin on Screen

In one of his most dramatic and viral scenes, Stephen A. Smith’s character proved he is more than just a techie—he is a trained operative. When Sonny was hospitalized, an assassin, disguised as a nurse, attempted to carry out a hit. Brick, being the ever-vigilant security expert, intervened. In a shocking moment that went viral among both sports and soap fans, Brick took out the crooked nurse, saving Sonny's life and solidifying his status as a ruthless protector within the mob structure.

3. He Was Involved in the Esme Prince Storyline

Brick has been brought into some of the most complex and high-profile storylines on the show. At one point, Sonny sought out Brick's expertise to help prove that the villainous Esme Prince was guilty of her crimes. This shows that his character is not just a peripheral figure, but a central player in the ongoing drama, often working behind the scenes to gather the evidence the police cannot.

4. Stephen A. Smith is a Lifelong Fan of the Show

The reason for this surprising role is simple: Stephen A. Smith is a huge fan of *General Hospital*. His passion for the show is what led to his initial, brief cameo as a television reporter in 2007. The casting decision to bring him back in a more substantial role as Brick in 2016 was a nod to his dedication and a clever move by the show to attract new viewers from the sports world. His love for the ABC daytime soap opera is the foundation of his recurring gig.

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5. His Character is Teasing a Major New Romance in 2025

The latest and freshest news regarding Brick’s future suggests a significant personal development. Following his confirmed return to Port Charles, Smith has teased that his character may finally get a love interest. While Brick is primarily known for his professional, no-nonsense demeanor, a romantic storyline would inject new depth into the character and make his appearances even more anticipated. Fans are already speculating which Port Charles resident will catch the eye of the notorious surveillance expert.

Topical Authority: The Crossover Appeal

The presence of Stephen A. Smith on *General Hospital* creates a unique bridge between two massive television audiences: the passionate viewers of daytime drama and the millions of dedicated sports fans who tune into ESPN daily. This crossover appeal is a testament to Smith's charisma and versatility. His ability to seamlessly transition from his fiery, opinionated persona on *First Take* to the calm, calculated demeanor of Brick the mob associate highlights a surprising range. The contrast between his real-life job as a sports analyst and his fictional life as a security guru for a mob boss is a constant source of fascination and a powerful marketing tool for the show.

As the soap opera continues its run, viewers can expect Stephen A. Smith's character to pop up whenever Sonny Corinthos finds himself in a tight spot, needing the best in the business to keep his operations secure. Whether he’s expressing doubts to Sonny or foiling the next assassination plot, Brick remains a fan-favorite entity in the complex world of *General Hospital*.