Canadian born actor Gregory Smith has turned the industry upside down with his passionate performances, securing his place in the upper tier of Hollywood’s hottest young actors. Gregory will next star in the epic sci/fi fantasy “The Dark is Rising,” which will be released tonight (October 05, 2007) through 20th Century Fox and Walden Entertainment. Based on the best selling novel by Susan Copper, it is the story of a boy whose life is turned around when he learns he is the last of a group of immortal warriors who have dedicated their lives to fighting the darks forces. He will be playing the teen’s older brother, an edgy rebel who questions authority.

He is best known for his work on the WB’s critically acclaimed show “Everwood,” which came to an emotional close after four magnificent seasons. Gregory played Ephram, opposite Treat Williams as his father, in the story of a family who moves to Colorado after the mother’s death.

Gregory recently finished filming the romantic drama “Closing the Ring,” for director Richard Attenborough, starring Shirley MacLaine, Christopher Plummer, and more. The story follows a young man searching for the owner of a ring lost by a World War II bomber pilot.

Last August, Gregory starred in the critically acclaimed independent film “Nearing Grace” opposite Jordana Brewster. “Nearing Grace” is a story of a young man who loses his mother just before graduating from high school. The film was featured last year at the Los Angeles Film Festival.

Gregory has worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest names, starring opposite Colin Farrell in the Warner Bros. film “American Outlaws,” and opposite Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger in Columbia/Tristar’s “The Patriot.” His work in the Dreamworks film “Small Soldiers” earned him high praise from director Joe Dante. He began his film career at the early age of six and built up a lengthy resume with such films as “Leaping Leprechaun” and “Spellbreaker: Leaping Leprechaun 2,” “The Adventures of Captain Zoom in Outer Space,” a starring role opposite Richard Dreyfuss in “Krippendorf’s Tribe,” and starring with John Hurt in the independent film “The Climb.”

His work on the small screen is equally eclectic and impressive, earning him the 1997 UNICEF Award at the Berlin Film Festival. Gregory has appeared in “Street Justice,” “Hat Squad,” “Sirens,” “The Commish,” “Mom P.I.,” “Fly By Night,” “Meego,” Outer Limits,” “M.A.N.T.I.S.,” and “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” He co-starred with Francis Fisher in the NBC movie “The Other Mother,” and starred opposite Shelly Duvall in the Showtime film “My Teacher Ate My Homework,” earning him the Young Artist Award for “Best Leading Young Actor.” He also starred in Disney’s television movie “Zenon – Girl of the 21st Century,” still airing on the Disney Channel.

When not on the set shooting a series or film, Gregory spends his days with his friends and enjoys playing basketball, soccer, baseball and competitive skiing. He currently lives in Los Angeles.

Our very own roving reporter, Linda Craddock, caught up with Gregory while he was wrapping “The Seeker: The Dark Rising” and they had this fun interview to share with all our Slice of SciFi fans.

Gregory Smith (GS): First of all, let me say it is an honor to be graced with this interview!

Linda Craddock (SoSF): It is our honor Gregory. I understand you have recently completed filming The Seeker. Tell us a little about the project and talk about your role in it.

GS: I play Max, the older brother of Will – The Seeker. Max gets caught in the middle of the battle between light and dark.

SoSF: Had you read the novel prior to receiving the script and what inspired you the most about the storyline that you took to the part?

GS:No, but it was a favorite book of my brother’s growing up. He didn’t tell though until I was on set.

SoSF: What would you say was the most challenging scene for you during the shoot?

GS: The snow scene because it was artificial snow – blowing through fans into our faces.

SoSF: You have played many roles within a variety of genres both in film and television. Do you have a preference as to what genre you fancy most and how do you qualify a project to say, “Ok, I’ll do this?? Is it the writing, director, or a combination of all including the cast members?

GS: No, it’s based more on the character in the story than the genre itself.

SoSF: With a film as intense as “The Seeker” is going to be there had to be lots of jokes and funny moments on the set just to break the tension. Could you share one or two of those moments with us?

GS: The funniest moments happened in that particular scene I described earlier, the one with the snow. I kept choking on the snow.

SoSF: Even though you are still young, you have have a long enduring career. What has it been like to work with actors of the caliber of Richard Dreyfus, Treat Williams, Christopher Eccleston, Ian McShane, Frances Conroy and others that you have been fortunate enough to be exposed to?

GS: It’s been great! That is one of the best things about being an actor — getting to work with all the talented people you admire.

SoSF: How would you describe your experience during the 4-year run with the series “Everwood,” the cast and the success of the show?

GS: Working on Everwood was the best education I ever had.

SoSF: I know its probably difficult to capture any special moments during your film and television career with such an impressive group of actors and crew people, but if you could think of anything to share with your fans it would be a real treat.

GS: Working with Lord Richard Attenborough! When he told me I had the role in ‘Ring’ – I was absolutely thrilled!

SoSF: What two things do you enjoy most other than acting?

GS: Photography and travel.

SoSF: Which leading female actor would you like to work with one day?

GS: Jennifer Connolly

SoSF: Do you have any future plans or aspirations to write, direct or produce a film or television project?

GS: With any luck – Yes!

SoSF: Gregory allow me to thank you on behalf of Slice of SciFi and all the fans for taking the time to talk with us today. I know we look forward to more of the wonderful work for which you have earned the success you so truly deserve. And, as a reminder, “The Seeker: The Dark Rising” opens in theaters today…go out and see it this weekend.

GS: Thank you Linda.