That Boy Good! 7 Shocking Secrets About Clint Smith, The 'Coming To America' Barber Who Became An Executive

Clint Smith is a name instantly recognizable to fans of classic comedy, specifically for delivering one of the most quotable and enduring lines in cinematic history: "That Boy Good!". As of December 15, 2025, the man behind the iconic barber 'Sweets' from the legendary film Coming to America remains a fascinating figure whose career extends far beyond the barbershop chair. While millions know his face from the beloved McDowell's scene, few realize he transitioned from a character actor to a powerful Hollywood executive.

This article dives deep into the dual life of Clint Smith, exploring his on-screen roles, his close, decades-long relationship with comedy icon Eddie Murphy, and his significant, yet often uncredited, contributions as an executive producer and Vice President within Eddie Murphy’s inner circle. His story is a rare Hollywood tale of loyalty, versatility, and stepping out of the spotlight to build a career behind the camera.

Clint Smith: Full Biography, Executive Roles, and Filmography

Clint Smith’s professional life is marked by his versatility as an actor, writer, producer, and executive. While personal biographical details like his birth date and birthplace are kept private, his professional timeline reveals a strong and consistent presence in Hollywood, particularly within the orbit of Eddie Murphy. He is often credited as an actor, writer, and even a production manager on various projects.

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Key Biographical and Professional Entities

• Full Name: Clint Smith
• Known Roles: Actor, Writer, Producer, Production Manager, Executive
• Most Famous Character: Sweets (the barber) in Coming to America (1988) and Coming 2 America (2021)
• Executive Position: Former Vice President of Eddie Murphy Television (or Eddie Murphy Productions)
• Close Association: Long-time friend and collaborator of Eddie Murphy

A Select Filmography and Television Career

Smith’s career spans several decades, starting in the early 1980s. His filmography showcases a talent for comedy and drama, often in roles alongside major stars:

• 48 Hrs. (1982): An early, uncredited role in the action-comedy starring Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte.
• Trading Places (1983): Another collaboration with Eddie Murphy, showcasing his early work in the comedy genre.
• Coming to America (1988): The breakout role as Sweets, the over-the-top, opinionated barber in the Queens barbershop.
• What's Alan Watching? (1989): A TV movie where Smith is credited as an actor.
• The Firm (1993): A dramatic turn in the John Grisham adaptation, where he played the role of Cotton Truck Driver.
• The Kid Who Loved Christmas (TV Movie): Smith is credited as a writer on this 1990 television film.
• Coming 2 America (2021): Smith reprised his role as Sweets, reuniting with Eddie Murphy (Prince Akeem) and Arsenio Hall (Semmi) in the highly anticipated sequel.

The Executive Life: Vice President of Eddie Murphy Television

The most surprising aspect of Clint Smith's career is his significant executive role behind the scenes. While he was busy delivering classic lines on screen, he was also operating at a high level within the business side of Hollywood.

Clint Smith served as the Vice President of Eddie Murphy Television, a key position that placed him at the heart of Murphy's production efforts during the late 1980s and early 1990s. This executive role involved overseeing various development projects and television shows.

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This period saw Smith working closely with Murphy to develop TV concepts, including a short-lived television adaptation of Coming to America, which ultimately never made it to air. Smith was deeply involved in the casting process for this pilot, even commenting on the auditions of young comedians like Marlon Wayans.

His executive role highlights a deep trust and professional bond with Eddie Murphy, demonstrating that their relationship extended far beyond a simple acting partnership. Smith’s influence was instrumental in shaping some of the television projects that came out of Murphy’s production house.

The Enduring Legacy of 'Sweets' and the "That Boy Good!" Phenomenon

Despite his executive titles and other film roles, Clint Smith is eternally linked to the character Sweets, one of the four hilarious, heavily-made-up characters played by Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall in the iconic barbershop scene.

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The Barbershop Scene: A Cultural Touchstone

The barbershop in Coming to America is a masterclass in ensemble comedy, created by director John Landis, with the actors disappearing into their makeup. Smith’s character, Sweets, is the boisterous, often argumentative customer who sits in the chair next to Clarence (played by Murphy).

• The Iconic Line: The line "That Boy Good!" is delivered by Sweets after a debate about the greatest boxers of all time. It’s a moment of pure, unexpected comedic genius that has been sampled, quoted, and meme-ified for decades.
• The Makeup Process: Smith has spoken in interviews about the extensive makeup process required to transform into Sweets, a testament to the dedication of the cast and crew to create truly distinct and memorable characters.

Revisiting Zamunda: The Role in Coming 2 America

The 2021 sequel, Coming 2 America, brought back almost all the original cast, including Clint Smith as Sweets. The reunion of the original barbershop characters—Clarence, Saul, Morris, and Sweets—was a highlight for fans.

The decision to bring back the original actors for the beloved characters underscored the importance of their contribution to the film's enduring legacy. Smith’s reprisal of the role demonstrated that the chemistry and comedic timing of the original cast were still intact, delighting a new generation of viewers.

The Partnership: Clint Smith and Eddie Murphy

The career of Clint Smith is inextricably linked to that of Eddie Murphy. Their collaboration began early in Murphy's career, with Smith appearing in films like 48 Hrs. and Trading Places. This professional relationship is built on a foundation of long-standing personal friendship.

Smith’s dual roles—both on-screen actor and off-screen executive—illustrate the kind of trust and loyalty that is rare in Hollywood. He was not just a hired actor; he was a key member of Murphy’s creative and business team, helping to manage and develop projects.

This hidden side of Clint Smith's career—the quiet, powerful executive who could also deliver a show-stopping comedic performance—is what makes his story so unique. He successfully navigated the transition from being a recognizable face to a respected industry insider, all while maintaining a personal and professional bond with one of the greatest comedians of all time. His legacy is a blend of iconic comedy and executive authority.