Charles Martin Smith, born on the 30th of October, 1953, is an American actor, writer, and director, who became famous for his performance in films including “American Graffiti”, “The Untouchables”, “Never Cry Wolf”, and “Deep Impact”. He also gained fame in directing films including “Dolphin Tale”, “Dolphin Tale 2” and “The Snow Walker”.
So how much is Smith’s net worth? As of mid-2017, based on authoritative sources it is reported to be $1.5 million, acquired from his years working as an actor, writer, and director in both film and television, which began in the early 1970s.
Charles Martin Smith Net Worth $1.5 Million
Born in Van Nuys, California, Smith is the son of Frank Smith, a film animator and cartoonist. His father worked in a French animation studio, which led his family to live in Paris for three years when he was a child. He later attended Grover Cleveland High School, in Reseda, California and received his degree in Theatre from the California State University, Northridge.
Smith’s career in acting started when he was discovered by a talent agent during his performance in “Man of La Mancha”, at a school play. This led to his first television appearance in 1971 in the show “The Brady Bunch”. After a year working as an actor, in 1972, he then got to act in his first film, in the movie “The Culpepper Cattle Co”.
One of the highlights of his career soon followed, when Smith starred in the movie “American Graffiti” in 1973. His performance as Terry “The Toad” Fields gained him much recognition that led to more opportunities. His early years in Hollywood both helped his career and net worth.
Smith’s career continued to flourish in the late ‘70s and the ‘80s. During this time he starred in the films “The Buddy Holly Story”, “Herbie Goes Bananas”, “More American Graffiti”, “The Untouchables”, and “Never Cry Wolf” which gained him much recognition for his performance.
During the mid-‘80s, Smith also started his career in directing. His directorial debut came in the movie “Trick or Treat” in 1986, and was soon followed by film “Fifty/Fifty” in 1992, in which he also acted. In 1995, he also became one of the directors for the television series “Space: Above and Beyond”, and an episode called “Welcome to the Hellmouth” which later on became the successful series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”.
Other films that he directed included the film “Air Bud”, and two TV miniseries entitled “Roughing It”, and “Icon” that aired on Hallmark. While living in Canada, he also worked in the Canadian television show “DaVinci’s Inquest”.
In 2003, Smith’s directorial work received considerable praise for his movie “The Snow Walker” – based on the work of author Farley Mowat, he shot the film in the Arctic, and it gained him nine Genie Awards in return.
Today, Smith is still active in acting and directing. Some of his more recent works have included the 2011 film “Dolphin Tale”, and its sequel “Dolphin Tale 2” in 2014.
In terms of his personal life, Smith was married to actress Ursula Martin but the relationship ended in divorce. They have one child.
Audience Award - Best Feature (2004, Method Fest), Palm Beach International Film Festival - Best Director (2008), Victoria Independent Film & Video Festival, Canada - Audience Favourite - Best Film (2009)
Nominations
Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television Award for Best Screenplay (2004), BAFTA Scotland Award (2008), Leo Awards (2016, 2009), Gemini Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series (2005), Genie Award for Best Achievement in Direction (2004)
Movies
“The Snow Walker” (2003), “Dolphin Tale” (2011), “Dolphin Tale” 2 (2014), “The Last Casino” (2004), “American Graffiti”, “The Untouchables” (1993), “Never Cry Wolf” (1983), “Deep Impact” (1998)
TV Shows
“The Twilight Zone” (TV series, 1985), “Psych” (2010), “Leverage” (2009), “Da Vinci's City Hall” (2006-2006), “Family Law” (2000-2001), “The Woody Woodpecker Show” (1999), “The Ray Bradbury Theatre” (1986-1989)
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[on 'Dolphin Tale'] A lot of this is far-fetched kid fantasy. But I wanted to bring an element of magic to it, and let us enter this kids' world where things were a little scary and magical at the same time. I think people talk down to kids too much. I think kids' movies can be great and carry the (weight) and (pathos) of an adult drama. They tend to get short shrift, but the kids are smarter than we give them credit for.
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I intend to do things of artistic integrity. I grew up thinking that every movie should be The Graduate (1967). I don't want to do something just because it might be commercially popular--it's more important to do something that has meaning.
Attended Grover Cleveland High School with fellow classmate Morgan Brittany (Suzanne Cupito at the time), They performed in school musicals and dramas such as "The Crucible", "The Pajama Game", "Look Homeward, Angel" and others. They were both strong performers for the school and went on to achieve fame.
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Is also an accomplished musician/songwriter, director of stage plays and screenwriter.
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Lived for three years in Paris, France, as a youth where his film cartoonist and animator father Frank Smith managed the English-language branch of a French animation studio.