Born:
September 21, 1977
in
Kilburn, London
Best Known For:
Playing Dom Johnson in David Brent: Life on the Road.
Early-life:
Born on September 21, 1977 in Kilburn, London to a Jamaican immigrant, Yvonne Bailey, and an Englishman, Harvey Smith. Ben's older sister is novelist Zadie Smith. He was raised in Willesden, London. After leaving school, he decided to pursue a career as a rapper and adopted the stage name Doc Brown, after the Back to the Future character, as it was his nickname in school. He attended the University of East Anglia, initially to do a drama degree but he switched to an American history degree.
Career:
Bailey Smith started out as a battle rapper in 2000 and grew popular enough on the underground scene to start his own monthly hip hop event, which in turn began to attract attention from UK and international artists. He then went on to tour with Mark Ronson before releasing his own studio recordings. Having written spoof music for BBC Radio 1 host and comedy writer Danny Robins, Bailey Smith got a start in comedy at the BBC and was able to write comedy shows for BBC Radio 4. He appeared in the talent competition for comedians, So You Think You're Funny?, in 2008. Since then, he has had more stand-up bookings in the UK and beyond, including supporting Ricky Gervais. Bailey Smith has also delved into the world of acting, appearing on episodes of Miranda, The Inbetweeners and Midsomer Murders. He played Nathan in teen comedy drama 4 O'Clock Club, which he also co-wrote, Joe Hawkins in Law & Order: UK and Johnny in Brief Encounters. His film credits include Attack the Block (2011), David Brent: Life on the Road and TV film Damilola, Our Loved Boy (2016).
Quote:
"I don't see myself making huge leaps of skill sets; I'm a writer and performer and that's what I've always been."
Trivia:
He published a children's picture book called I Am Bear.