Stephen A. Smith Showcases Significant Weight Loss After Shirtless Scene Requirement
Veteran sports analyst Stephen A. Smith has unveiled a remarkable physical transformation, shedding a substantial amount of weight following a health scare and a recent acting engagement. Smith, 58, revealed on Thursday that he was once dangerously close to becoming diabetic after contracting COVID-19, which led to a significant increase in his body fat percentage.
Speaking to his ESPN audience, Smith stated, “I’m now at 9 percent body fat.” This revelation came as he discussed his recent appearance on the long-running soap opera, General Hospital. Smith, who has participated in 44 episodes of the series, explained that he was asked to perform a shirtless scene for the first time in his career.
From Health Concerns to Hollywood Aspirations
The motivation behind Smith’s drastic weight loss stemmed, in part, from this acting opportunity. “I want to show how I looked four years ago when COVID almost killed me,” he remarked. He shared a side-by-side comparison, contrasting a photograph of himself with a noticeable midsection from his past with a more recent image showcasing his defined abdominal muscles.
During a live broadcast from San Antonio, where he was covering the NBA Finals, Smith presented his current physique. “That is me now,” he announced to an enthusiastic audience. He described his journey as extensive, emphasizing that it is far from over. “I’m just getting started,” he added.
Key Figures in Smith’s Transformation
Smith credited several individuals and programs for his success. He expressed gratitude to JJ Smith for his guidance on nutrition and green smoothie drinks. He also highlighted the impact of Gary Brecka and 10x Health, stating, “he saved my life.” His trainer, Obi Obadike, also played a crucial role, with Smith reporting training five to six days a week.
While Smith has also made guest appearances on NBC’s Law & Order, his work on General Hospital, where he portrays a surveillance contractor linked to the mafia, has been more prominent. Despite his growing acting portfolio, Smith, who signed a substantial contract with ESPN, has indicated that he has no immediate plans to pursue acting full-time.
Future Acting Prospects
Smith shared his perspective on future acting roles with Variety, stating, “It would have to be the right opportunity, of course.” He elaborated, “I mean, I have a day job that pays me pretty well, so I don’t really need the work.” He expressed a desire for significant roles, saying, “If I’m gonna do it, it has to be the kind of [role] that I want. I want to be in the movies. I want to be on primetime television. I want to be on epic shows like ‘Law & Order’.” He also conveyed his aspiration to collaborate with talented actors and directors, confirming that it is something he actively pursues.
