Daytime television fans are buzzing with excitement after a thrilling week on General Hospital, where one of the show’s most unexpected heroes, Brick—played
by none other than ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith—stole the spotlight. Brick’s sharp instincts and lightning-fast reflexes saved an unconscious Sonny Corinthos from
an attempted assassination by a rogue nurse. With danger lurking in every corner of Port Charles, Brick’s intervention wasn’t just impressive—it was iconic. Fans are now asking:
Could Stephen A. Smith be gearing up for a full-time role on the soap?
From Sports to Soaps: Stephen A. Smith’s GH Legacy
For casual viewers, Smith’s appearance might seem like a fun cameo, but long-time fans know better. Stephen A. Smith is no stranger to General Hospital. The famed sports commentator first joined the cast in 2016 for what was originally pitched as a single guest spot. But Smith’s portrayal of Brick, a stoic, resourceful, and deeply loyal associate of mob kingpin Sonny Corinthos, immediately resonated with the audience. Nearly a decade later, Brick has become an integral part of Sonny’s inner circle—a silent but ever-watchful guardian whose loyalty and calm under pressure have made him a fan favorite.
Over the years, Brick has maintained a quiet but powerful presence in the Corinthos operation. Whether he’s tracking enemies or helping clean up after botched jobs, Brick’s commitment and capabilities have proven indispensable. But it was his most recent performance—coolly diffusing a life-or-death situation—that has reignited speculation about Smith taking on a more permanent role.
A Heroic Turn That Shook Port Charles
In the latest episode, the stakes were sky-high. Sonny, one of Port Charles’ most powerful and polarizing figures, lay unconscious and vulnerable. A nurse with sinister intentions saw an opportunity—and nearly seized it. But Brick intervened just in time, neutralizing the threat with the skill and precision of a trained operative. The sequence, made even more compelling by its slow-motion cinematography, was the kind of high-stakes drama that defines General Hospital.
Fans and critics alike were enthralled. Social media erupted with praise, with many calling for Smith’s character to be featured more prominently. “Give that man a raise!” read one viral comment, echoing the sentiment of countless others who felt Brick deserved his due.
Even Smith himself couldn’t help but revel in the moment. In a recent interview with People, he shared his reaction to the dramatic scene. “The pulling out the gun and all of that stuff, and doing it and them putting it in slow motion and stuff like that—it was hilarious,” he said with a laugh. While he may not consider himself a professional actor, his performance certainly told a different story.
A Double Life: From ESPN to Port Charles
Of course, Smith’s day job is as far from soaps as one could imagine. The sports journalist and commentator is a staple of ESPN, known for his bold takes and larger-than-life persona on First Take. In 2023, he signed a massive five-year contract with the network, rumored to be worth ten figures. His presence in the sports world is undeniable, and his voice shapes the conversation around everything from the NBA to the NFL.
But does this media giant have room in his schedule—and his heart—for a full-time acting gig?
While speaking to People, Smith admitted that acting isn’t something he’s traditionally pursued. “I don’t consider myself an actor,” he confessed. “But it’s something I’ve left the door open to because you never know what the future holds.” That statement alone has sent General Hospital fans into a frenzy, hoping that door might be swinging open a little wider.
From Brick to Bigger Things?
Brick isn’t the only character Stephen A. Smith has tackled. He’s also appeared in mainstream entertainment, including guest roles on the hit ABC comedy Black-ish and the blockbuster film Creed III. Most recently, he stepped into primetime territory with an appearance on Law & Order, marking yet another expansion of his acting resume.
Clearly, Smith has both the talent and the drive to make a permanent leap into scripted drama. His ability to shift seamlessly between sports commentary and character acting is rare, and it’s earned him a unique space in pop culture where fans from two very different worlds cheer him on.
For General Hospital, having Stephen A. Smith on board full-time would be a major coup. Not only does he bring name recognition and an established fan base, but his portrayal of Brick offers a refreshing departure from traditional soap archetypes. He’s not the tortured lover or the scheming villain—he’s the watchful protector, the grounded presence in the storm, and above all, fiercely loyal to those he respects.
What Lies Ahead for Brick and Port Charles?
If Smith were to commit to a full-time role, the writers would have endless opportunities to develop Brick’s backstory and motivations. Who is he outside of Sonny’s orbit? What relationships could he build—or break—in Port Charles? Could he have a romance brewing, or a dark past waiting to surface?
Adding more layers to Brick’s character would not only enrich the show’s narrative landscape but also allow fans to see new sides of Smith as an actor. With longtime characters evolving and shifting allegiances, Brick could be the steady force—or the unexpected game-changer—that keeps audiences coming back for more.
Will Stephen A. Smith Trade First Take for First Scene?
As of now, there’s no official word on whether Smith will make the jump. His commitments to ESPN remain substantial, and his influence in the world of sports media is unmatched. But the passion he shows for General Hospital—and the joy he takes in playing Brick—suggests that a deeper involvement isn’t entirely out of the question.
And if the past is any indication, fans’ voices matter. After all, it was their love for Brick that turned a one-off guest role into a recurring fan-favorite character. Now, they’re ready to see more—and it’s up to the producers and Smith himself to decide whether Port Charles is about to get a permanent new protector.
