Kurtwood Smith may not be a household name, but his face is undoubtedly familiar to many. With a career spanning over four decades, Smith has amassed an impressive body of work, including his iconic role as Red Forman in the beloved sitcom That ’70s Show. As fans eagerly await his return as Red in the upcoming That ’90s Show, it’s the perfect time to delve into the life and career of this talented actor. Join us as we uncover 10 intriguing facts about Kurtwood Smith that you might not know.
1. A Wisconsin Native with California Roots
Born in Wisconsin, Kurtwood Smith moved to California with his family at a young age. He grew up in the San Fernando Valley and graduated from Canoga Park High School in 1961. Despite his Midwestern origins, Smith’s life and career have been deeply intertwined with the Golden State.
2. A Late Bloomer in the Acting World
Unlike many actors who dream of the spotlight from a young age, Smith didn’t discover his passion for acting until college. In an interview with the AV Club, he revealed that he stumbled upon acting as a way to find direction in his life, and it quickly became his calling.
3. A Master of His Craft
Once bitten by the acting bug, Smith dedicated himself to honing his skills. After earning his bachelor’s degree from San Jose State College, he pursued a master of fine arts degree at Stanford University, proving his commitment to the craft.
4. The Voice Behind the Characters
While Smith is best known for his live-action roles, he has also lent his distinctive voice to numerous animated projects. Some of his most notable voice acting credits include Beware the Batman and Ultra City Smiths.
5. Channeling His Stepfather as Red Forman
Smith’s portrayal of Red Forman was inspired by his own stepfather. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, he shared that his stepfather’s attitude, voice, and demeanor all influenced his iconic character. Tragically, his stepfather passed away just months before That ’70s Show premiered.
6. A Proud Family Man and Grandfather
Kurtwood Smith has always been private about his personal life, but glimpses into his world reveal a devoted family man. A proud grandfather, Smith cherishes the time he spends with his loved ones.
7. An Impressive Acting Resume
With over 150 acting credits to his name, Smith’s career is a testament to his talent and dedication. His IMDB page showcases an impressive array of both live-action and voice acting roles, demonstrating his versatility as an actor.
8. Embracing the Dark Side
While some actors shy away from villainous roles, Smith relishes the opportunity to play the bad guy. He has been quoted as saying, “I love playing villains. When you’re a bad guy, you get to do many real nasty things. It’s a lot of fun.”
9. A Passion for Baseball
Though there’s no evidence to suggest Smith was ever a competitive athlete, he is a known sports fan, particularly when it comes to baseball. As a longtime Southern California resident, it’s no surprise that he roots for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
10. A Unique Name with a Musical Inspiration
Kurtwood’s distinctive first name has an interesting origin story. His mother, a fan of country musician Kurt, wanted to name her son after the singer. Feeling that “Kurt Smith” was too short, she added ‘wood’ to create the unique moniker we know today.
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