Rex Smith is a multi-talented actor, singer, and performer best known for his role as Jesse Mach in the 1980s action series Street Hawk. As the star of the short-lived yet beloved series, Smith brought charisma, physicality, and a natural coolness to the role of the crime-fighting motorcycle rider. However, Smith’s career extends far beyond Street Hawk, encompassing achievements in music, television, theater, and film. His ability to navigate multiple facets of the entertainment industry has made him a versatile and enduring figure in pop culture.
With a career that began in the 1970s and continues to this day, Rex Smith has built a reputation as a dynamic performer who excels in both musical and dramatic roles. His journey from teen idol to action star and Broadway performer showcases his impressive range and his ability to adapt to changing trends in the entertainment world.
Early Life and Music Career
Rex Smith was born on September 19, 1955, in Jacksonville, Florida. Growing up in a family of musicians, Smith’s early exposure to music set the stage for his future career in entertainment. He began singing at a young age and showed a natural affinity for performing in front of an audience. By the time he reached his teenage years, Smith was already pursuing a career in music.
In the early 1970s, Smith rose to fame as the lead singer of the rock band Phaedra. He quickly gained a reputation for his powerful voice and good looks, which made him a favorite among teenage fans. However, it was his solo career as a pop-rock singer that truly launched him into the spotlight. In 1978, Smith released his debut solo album, Rex, which featured the hit single “You Take My Breath Away.” The song became a massive success, reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and solidifying Smith’s status as a teen idol.
With his long blond hair and heartthrob appeal, Rex Smith became a fixture of 1970s pop culture. His music resonated with young audiences, and he quickly garnered a loyal fanbase. Smith’s success as a recording artist opened doors for him in other areas of the entertainment industry, particularly in television and film.
Transition to Acting
While Rex Smith was enjoying success in the music world, his career took an unexpected turn when he transitioned into acting. Smith’s good looks, charm, and natural charisma made him a perfect fit for television, and he soon began landing roles in various TV shows and movies.
One of Smith’s earliest acting roles came in the 1979 made-for-television film Sooner or Later. In the film, Smith played the role of Michael Skye, a rock singer who falls in love with a teenage girl. The movie became a hit with young audiences, and Smith’s performance, coupled with the success of the film’s soundtrack, further cemented his status as a teen idol. The film’s song “You Take My Breath Away” became a fan favorite and added to his growing popularity.
Following the success of Sooner or Later, Smith continued to take on acting roles in television and film, showcasing his ability to transition between music and acting with ease. His appearances in shows like The Love Boat and Fantasy Island helped establish him as a versatile performer capable of handling both comedic and dramatic roles.
Street Hawk: A Defining Role
In 1985, Rex Smith landed the role that would define much of his acting career—Jesse Mach in the action series Street Hawk. The show, which aired on ABC, followed Mach, a former motorcycle cop who is recruited by a government agency to ride a high-tech, crime-fighting motorcycle known as “Street Hawk.” The motorcycle was equipped with futuristic gadgets, laser weapons, and the ability to reach speeds of up to 300 miles per hour, making it a powerful tool in Mach’s fight against crime.
Smith’s portrayal of Jesse Mach was a perfect fit for the era’s fascination with high-tech heroes. As a former athlete and action-oriented performer, Smith brought physicality and energy to the role, while also infusing the character with a sense of determination and grit. Mach’s personal backstory—he was injured in a crash that ended his career as a motorcycle cop—added emotional depth to the character, allowing Smith to showcase his acting range.
Although Street Hawk only lasted for 13 episodes, it became a cult favorite, particularly among fans of 1980s action television. The show’s unique premise, combined with Smith’s charismatic performance, made it stand out from other action series of the time. While the series did not achieve the same level of commercial success as some of its contemporaries, it left a lasting impact on fans who appreciated its blend of high-speed action and futuristic technology.
For Rex Smith, Street Hawk became one of his most iconic roles, and it solidified his status as an action star. The show’s combination of crime-fighting adventure, cutting-edge technology, and sleek production values made it a memorable part of 1980s pop culture, and Smith’s portrayal of Jesse Mach remains one of his most beloved performances.
Broadway and Theater Success
In addition to his success in television and music, Rex Smith has also enjoyed a thriving career in theater, particularly on Broadway. Smith’s powerful voice and stage presence made him a natural fit for musical theater, and he quickly established himself as a leading man on the Broadway stage.
One of Smith’s most notable theater roles came in 1981 when he starred as Danny Zuko in the Broadway production of Grease. His portrayal of the rebellious yet charming high school heartthrob earned him critical acclaim and further solidified his status as a versatile performer. Smith’s ability to blend his musical talents with his acting skills made him a standout in the world of musical theater, and his performance in Grease remains one of the highlights of his career.
Smith also starred in the original Broadway production of The Pirates of Penzance in 1981, playing the role of Frederic. His performance in the operetta earned him rave reviews, and he reprised the role in a filmed version of the production in 1983, which further showcased his talent as a musical theater performer. Smith’s work in The Pirates of Penzance earned him a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical, further cementing his reputation as a Broadway star.
Throughout his career, Smith has continued to perform in theater productions across the country, taking on roles in various musicals and plays. His love for the stage has remained a constant throughout his career, and his ability to captivate audiences in live performances has made him a beloved figure in the theater world.
Later Career and Continued Success
Rex Smith has continued to work in television, film, and theater throughout his career, demonstrating his enduring talent and versatility as a performer. In addition to his acting and singing career, Smith has made guest appearances on various television shows, including JAG, The Sentinel, and Caroline in the City, showcasing his ability to take on a wide range of roles.
In recent years, Smith has also embraced his legacy as a teen idol and action star, making appearances at fan conventions and events celebrating 1980s pop culture. His work in Street Hawk and his contributions to 1980s television have made him a favorite among fans of the era, and his ongoing connection with his fanbase has helped keep his career vibrant.
Smith’s ability to adapt to changing trends in the entertainment industry, along with his commitment to his craft, has allowed him to maintain a successful career for over four decades. His work in music, television, and theater continues to be celebrated, and his legacy as a multi-talented performer remains strong.
Rex Smith’s career is a testament to his talent, versatility, and enduring appeal as an actor, singer, and performer. From his early days as a teen idol to his iconic role in Street Hawk, Smith has consistently proven himself to be a dynamic and engaging presence in the entertainment world. Today, his contributions to music, television, and theater continue to be remembered and celebrated by fans around the world.