A Conversation with Rex Smith

While researching Rex Smith’s background, I remembered being one of thousands of teenage girls who watched “Sooner or Later,” sang along to “You Take My Breath Away,” and immediately had a new poster and 80’s heartthrob to admire.

Fast forward to watching Smith shine in “Love Actually Live”, now playing at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills.

I chatted with Smith for what started as a short interview but ended up as an hour conversation. At 68, he is in great shape and ends up stealing the show at the end of the production.

Here is some of our conversation, which spanned his time as a heartthrob, starring on Broadway for more than 30 years and having fun as his Billy Mack character in “Love Actually Live.”

SE: How did you end up in “Sooner or Later” and how did it change your life?

RS: I started out in Rex, a rock and roll band and we became more and more famous opening for bigger and bigger acts. I auditioned and got “Sooner or Later,” and overnight I became famous. I the day after it ran I remember going shopping and being mobbed in the department store. My arc today would be almost impossible to replicate, going from rock and roll to teen idol to Broadway starring in so many shows.

SE: You have had an extensive career on Broadway.

RS: I’ve been in so many Broadway shows. I love the athleticism of doing a live show and being on stage. I’ve loved all the musicals, including “Grease,” “Annie Get Your Gun,” “Kiss Me Kate”, “Sunset Boulevard,” and “The Pirates of Penzance,” and now “Love Actually Live.”

SE: You’ve played Billy Mack for several “Love Actually Live” years at the Wallis, you must really enjoy it.

RS: The people I work with are so talented, I love doing the show. I also get so many fans showing me appreciation for the role and that makes the long drive and hard work worthwhile. And, I started in rock and roll so I felt a connection to the character.

SE: Did you have any hesitation for the end of the show where you are required to wear some small gold shorts onstage?

RS: At first I was a bit hesitant, but I get a chance to rock the audience and really get everyone singing and dancing. My wife actually got me the gold shorts off of Amazon.

SE: At 68, what’s your secret for staying energized?

RS: I’ve always been a bit like a Jack Russell terrier dog. I’m on my fourth marriage and I think I just wear my wives out. I love being a grandfather now and also being able to still rock an audience.

SE: What’s next for you?

RS: I have a great show that chronicles my career called “Confessions of a Teen Idol,” and I am working on bringing that to Hollywood.

“Love Actually Live” plays at the Wallis through December 30.