Who Is Algee Smith? A Deep Dive into the American Actor and Singer’s Life and Career

In 2017, a 22-year-old Algee Smith delivered a breakout performance as R&B legend Ralph Tresvant in BET’s “The New Edition Story,” a portrayal so authentic it instantly launched him into Hollywood’s spotlight. Smith’s performance was so convincing that it transformed him from an up-and-coming actor to a recognized talent overnight.

Algee Smith is 30 years old, having been born on November 7, 1994, and stands 5 feet 5 inches tall. This young American R&B singer actor has built a reputation in contemporary Black cinema by consistently choosing projects that tackle social issues while showcasing his dual talents in both dramatic acting and R&B music. From church choirs in Michigan to HBO’s acclaimed series “Euphoria,” Smith represents a new generation of emerging Hollywood talent who excel across multiple artistic mediums.

Essential Facts About Algee Smith

What is Algee Smith’s full name? Algee Smith’s full name is Algee Smith IV, continuing a family naming tradition that connects him to his musician father. Algee Smith’s birthday is November 7, 1994, making him a Scorpio. The American actor was born in Saginaw, Michigan, but Algee Smith’s family relocated to Atlanta when he was eight years old, a move that would prove crucial to his artistic development.

Does Algee Smith have a wife? Smith is currently unmarried and does not have children. Does Algee Smith have kids? No, he has no children. Does Algee Smith have a daughter? No, Smith has no children at all. Since 2021, he has been rumored to be dating actress Dalia Kaissi, though neither has publicly confirmed their romantic involvement. The couple occasionally appears together on social media, with Kaissi posting playful videos that hint at their connection, but both maintain privacy about their personal lives.

What is Algee Smith’s ethnicity? Algee Smith’s ethnicity is African American, and he has consistently used his platform to address issues affecting the Black community through his choice of film and television projects.

Early Life and Family Background: The Foundation of a Future Star

Who is Algee Smith’s dad? Algee Smith’s father is Algee Smith III, who works as a barber, minister, songwriter, and producer. Who is Algee Smith’s mom? His mother, Tanesha Eley, is a fashion designer who later married music producer John Eley, with whom Algee maintains a positive relationship. This creative family environment shaped Smith’s early exposure to both music and performance.

His blended family includes several siblings and half-siblings from his parents’ other relationships, creating a large, supportive environment that encouraged artistic expression.

The move from Saginaw to Atlanta at age eight marked a turning point in Smith’s development. In Atlanta, he was homeschooled to accommodate his growing involvement in music and acting. At age nine, Smith recorded his first rap song with his father’s help, a track called “We Some Ridaz” that he performed primarily for church audiences.

His musical foundation deepened when he joined the World Changers Church Choir. At age 12, Smith performed at Madison Square Garden as part of this choir, an experience that gave him his first taste of performing before massive audiences. His early musical influences included Tupac Shakur and various Christian rap artists, creating a foundation that would later influence his R&B sound.

Career Beginnings: From Disney to Breakthrough Success

Smith’s professional acting career began in 2012 with a role as Spencer in Nickelodeon’s teen sitcom “How to Rock.” This early television work provided valuable on-camera experience. His Disney Channel debut came in “Let It Shine” (2012) as the character Da Boss, a role that required him to both act and perform musically.

Following “Let It Shine,” Smith appeared in the 2014 science fiction film “Earth to Echo” (2014) as Marcus Simms. While a supporting role, it marked his transition to feature films and demonstrated his versatility beyond musical television movies. He also took on guest appearances in series like “Army Wives” and “Complications,” steadily building his resume.

The defining breakthrough came in 2017 when Smith was cast as Ralph Tresvant in “The New Edition Story.” This BET miniseries performance chronicled the rise and challenges of the iconic R&B group New Edition. Smith’s preparation for the role was so thorough that he studied hours of archival footage and worked closely with vocal coaches to match Tresvant’s distinctive singing style.

Industry Impact: Smith’s Ralph Tresvant performance was so convincing that many viewers believed they were watching actual footage of the legendary singer. The authenticity of his portrayal became the gold standard for biographical musical performances on television.

Major Film and Television Achievements

The success of “The New Edition Story” opened doors that led directly to Smith’s most critically acclaimed film role. In 2017, Kathryn Bigelow cast Smith as Larry Reed in “Detroit” (2017), making him a notable Kathryn Bigelow Detroit cast member. This Detroit movie actor role depicted the 1967 Algiers Motel incident during the Detroit riots.

Smith’s Larry Reed character portrayal earned widespread critical praise. He received a nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture at the 2018 NAACP Image Awards for this performance. The film also featured Smith performing the song “Grow” on the soundtrack, showcasing his singer songwriter credits.

Working with acclaimed director Bigelow proved transformative for Smith’s approach to his craft. After filming concluded, he met the real Larry Reed, who had survived the traumatic events depicted in the film and later became a church choir director. Reed’s approval of Smith’s portrayal provided personal validation of the actor’s commitment to authentic representation.

In 2018, Smith co-starred with Amandla Stenberg in “The Hate U Give” (2018), adapting Angie Thomas’s young adult novel about police violence and racial injustice. This addition to The Hate U Give filmography saw Smith play Khalil, a young man fatally shot by police, a role that required him to handle sensitive subject matter with both emotional depth and social responsibility.

Smith also reprised his role as Ralph Tresvant in “The Bobby Brown Story” (2018), the follow-up miniseries to “The New Edition Story,” demonstrating the lasting impact of his breakthrough performance and BET’s confidence in his portrayal of the R&B legend.

Smith’s commitment to socially conscious filmmaking continued with his role in the HBO Euphoria television series beginning in 2019. He portrayed Christopher “Chris” McKay, a college football player navigating toxic masculinity and relationship challenges. While his character’s storyline was controversial, Smith brought nuanced vulnerability to the role, working alongside a high-profile cast including Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, and Sydney Sweeney. After being a main character in Season 1, McKay’s role was reduced to a guest appearance in the first episode of Season 2, a development that generated considerable discussion among viewers.

In 2021, Smith appeared in “Judas and the Black Messiah” (2021), joining the Judas Black Messiah cast in this Academy Award-winning film about Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton. Though his role as Jake Winters was smaller, his performance in this critically acclaimed historical drama further solidified his reputation for choosing meaningful projects.

Musical Career: The R&B Singer-Songwriter Side

Parallel to his acting success, Smith has maintained an active musical career. On June 22, 2017, he released his first EP titled “Listen,” featuring a blend of R&B and hip-hop tracks that showcased his vocal range and songwriting abilities.

Smith’s musical style draws from his gospel background while incorporating contemporary R&B and hip-hop influences. His 2019 mixtape “ATL” reflected his Atlanta upbringing and musical maturation. He has also released singles including “Pilot,” “Pain Away” featuring Damar Jackson, and “She Say.”

The integration of his acting and musical careers has been strategic rather than coincidental. Smith often contributes songs to the soundtracks of his film projects, as he did with “Grow” for “Detroit” (2017). This dual approach has allowed him to build audiences in both entertainment sectors while maintaining artistic authenticity in each medium.

In 2018, he received the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist for his “Listen” EP, acknowledging his musical talents alongside his acting achievements.

Recent Projects and Current Work (2023-2025)

Smith’s most recent major project is “Young. Wild. Free.” (2023), directed by Thembi L. Banks. In this BET+ film, he plays Brandon, a hot-tempered high school senior whose life takes a dangerous turn after being robbed by the girl of his dreams, played by Sierra Capri from “On My Block.”

The film, which premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, represents Smith’s continued commitment to coming-of-age stories that explore the challenges facing young African Americans. His portrayal of Brandon required him to balance teenage vulnerability with the intensity of increasingly dangerous circumstances.

Looking ahead, Smith has expressed interest in developing his own production company to create meaningful projects that explore Black history and culture. He has also indicated plans for new musical releases, continuing to balance his dual career paths.

Personal Life and Relationships: Privacy in the Spotlight

Does Algee Smith have a girlfriend? Smith is not married and does not have children, maintaining focus on his career development while keeping most personal matters private. Since 2021, he has been rumored to be dating actress Dalia Kaissi, known for her work in “Followers” and “All-Star Weekend.”

Algee Smith dating rumors began circulating based on social media interactions and occasional appearances together, but neither Smith nor Kaissi has officially confirmed their romantic involvement. Algee Smith’s girlfriend status remains unconfirmed as Kaissi has posted playful videos featuring Smith, including one captioned “When you let your man talk to other women…sike,” but both continue to maintain privacy about their personal lives.

Algee Smith’s family relationships remain strong, particularly with his father, who continues to influence his musical development. In a 2018 interview with Wonderland magazine, Smith stated, “Without my parents, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” acknowledging the foundation they provided for his artistic development.

Privacy Approach: Despite rumors about his relationship with Dalia Kaissi, Smith has never publicly confirmed any romantic relationship, preferring to keep his personal life separate from his professional achievements and public persona.

Awards, Recognition, and Industry Impact

Smith’s most significant recognition came with his 2018 NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for his role in “Detroit.” This nomination highlighted his ability to handle complex, historically significant material with both sensitivity and skill.

Beyond this major nomination, Smith has received recognition for his contributions to both film and music. His impact extends beyond individual accolades to his broader influence on contemporary Black cinema.

Smith’s willingness to tackle socially conscious projects has made him a voice for young African American performers who refuse to separate entertainment from social responsibility. Industry recognition of Smith’s versatility has led to his inclusion in various “rising stars” lists and young talent showcases.

His ability to move between dramatic acting and musical performance has positioned him as a multi-faceted entertainer in an industry that increasingly values such versatility. Smith’s contribution to BET miniseries performances has particularly set new standards for biographical portrayals in television.

Net Worth and Financial Success

What is Algee Smith’s net worth? As of 2025, Algee Smith’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $3.5 million, though such figures can vary depending on the source. This financial success reflects his consistent work across multiple entertainment sectors, including film, television, and music.

His earnings come from various sources: acting roles in major productions, music sales and streaming revenue, and endorsement opportunities. In 2018, Smith was featured in a Prada Fall/Winter campaign, marking his entry into fashion advertising and demonstrating his growing marketability beyond entertainment.

The steady increase in his net worth reflects not only his artistic success but also his strategic career choices, consistently selecting projects that enhance his reputation while building both his acting and musical profiles. This valuation is a result of his earnings from significant film and television roles, music releases, and brand endorsements like his 2018 Prada campaign.

Social Activism and Advocacy

Smith is vocal about social justice, mental health awareness, and police reform, often aligning his project choices with these values. His filmography reveals a pattern of selecting roles that address systemic issues affecting African American communities.

From “Detroit’s” examination of police violence to “The Hate U Give’s” exploration of racial profiling, Smith has consistently used his platform to highlight social justice themes. This commitment extends beyond his professional choices to his public statements and social media presence, where he advocates for meaningful change.

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His approach to activism through art reflects a belief that entertainment can serve as both refuge and catalyst for social progress. Rather than separating his artistic work from his social consciousness, Smith has integrated them into a coherent career strategy that amplifies important messages while entertaining audiences.

Who is Algee Smith’s dad? Algee Smith’s father is Algee Smith III, who works as a barber, minister, songwriter, and producer.

What is Algee Smith’s net worth? Algee Smith’s net worth is estimated to range from $1 million to $3.5 million.

When is Algee Smith’s birthday? Algee Smith’s birthday is November 7, 1994.

What is Algee Smith’s ethnicity? Algee Smith is of African American heritage.

Is Algee Smith related to Will Smith? Algee and Will Smith are not related, despite sharing the same last name.

The Evolving Legacy of Algee Smith

From his church choir beginnings in Michigan to his acclaimed performances in critically recognized films and television series, Algee Smith represents a new generation of entertainers who refuse to compromise between artistic excellence and social consciousness. His ability to transition between acting and music while maintaining authenticity in both mediums demonstrates a level of artistic maturity that typically takes decades to develop.

Smith’s career trajectory suggests an artist still ascending toward his peak influence. At 30, he has already established himself as both a serious dramatic actor and a credible R&B artist, a combination that positions him uniquely in contemporary entertainment. His commitment to socially relevant projects ensures that his growing influence will continue to serve purposes beyond entertainment.

The question isn’t whether Algee Smith will achieve greater success, but rather how he will choose to use that success to continue amplifying the stories and voices that matter most to him. In an industry often criticized for prioritizing profit over purpose, Smith has demonstrated that authentic artistry and social consciousness can not only coexist but enhance each other in powerful ways.