Meet Brent Huff | Actor & Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brent Huff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Actor and director Brent Huff, who you probably know as “Smitty” on the hit ABC show, The Rookie, reflects on the risks he’s taken in his career.

Hi Brent, how do you think about risk?
It’s a risk if you don’t take a risk. As they say, “a safe ship never leaves the harbor”. I have taken risks where I have failed spectacularly, but with each failed risk I learned something valuable. On the other hand, I have enjoyed big wins that would not have happened if I didn’t take the risk.

Both as an actor and director I have been willing to not play it safe. If I fail, it wasn’t for a lack of trying.

Acting and directing is not a secure life, but it’s an adventurous one. Sign me up for that.

When I first came to Hollywood, I was asked what my plan B was. I never had a plan B. I am going to succeed. -End of story!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from others isn’t my talent. It’s my willingness to put in the work and not make excuses. Hard work, works! I just directed the documentary film, The Jackie Stiles Story. Jackie Stiles is an undersized girl from a tiny Kansas town who had big dreams. She dreamed of being the greatest college basketball player of all time. With hard work, grit and total commitment, she accomplished her goal. Jackie set the All-Time NCAA scoring record in Women’s basketball. She put in the work. She put off instant gratification for long term success. Her story resonates and uplifts me.

I guess my brand is, “I won’t let go of the rope”.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite spots in the city are probably a bit different than most. I love the drive over the Vincent Thomas Bridge from San Pedro to Terminal Island. The massive cranes, ships and shipping containers below are astounding. It gives me a quiet sense of awe. It’s the reason I started shooting industrial photography.

While in San Pedro, I will visit the Korean Bell in Angel’s Gate Park. I would then get my basketball out of the trunk and shoot baskets on the court overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Most times, there is no one else there. It’s pretty special.

For exercise I love to run the stairs at Drake Stadium at UCLA or hike Runyon Canyon. Runyon is a great place to people watch.

Of course, I would take friends from out of town to the Hollywood Cemetery for Movie Night. Cinespia puts on a great show. It is amazing to me that 3,000 people can have a picnic with drinks but once the movie starts, it’s quiet. I’ve never had a bad time there.

I also love to bike in the city as much as possible. It’s hard to beat riding my bike on the Strand from Manhattan Beach to Redondo Beach. I also try not to miss a CicLAvia event. Just yesterday I rode with 4,000 of my closest friends through, The Hollywoods.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife Shawn Huff deserves all the credit. It’s not easy living with someone who is focused on the entertainment business. She has been someone who I have leaned heavily on. In this business we experience the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. She been at my side for both.

Website: www.brenthuff.com

Instagram: @brenthuff11

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-huff-4136698/

Twitter: @brenthuff11

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brent.huff.9

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5J2IurapgIGVWQnpMdGxGw