Lionel Mark Smith was born on February 5, 1946 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He was an actor and producer, known for Spartan (2004), Magnolia (1999) and State and Main (2000). He died on February 13, 2008 in Inglewood, California, USA.
He was one of two children of Charles and Eva Mae Smith.
He claimed his father was a heroin dealer and his mother died of alcoholism.
Frequently cast by director, David Mamet.
He studied at the Goodman School of Drama in Chicago and served in the U.S. Army.
He was nominated for a 1977 Joseph Jefferson Award for Actor in a Principal Role for his performance in "Sizwe Banzi is Dead" at the Goodman Stage II Theatre in Chicago, Illinois.