By Kam Williams
Critic

(May 1, 2008) — Jesse “Justice” Smith can be caught kicking butt and taking names on the revitalized, classic reality series “American Gladiators.” One of the show’s most feared competitors ever, he looms at 6 feet, 8 inches, while weighing in at almost 300 pounds with 22-inch biceps.

As with the original incarnation, the spectacular features such familiar events as the Joust, the Wall, Hang Tough and the Eliminator, although adding splashy twists, special effects, water skills and state-of-the-art technology.

Photo, John Cole Jesse “Justice” Smith is not only a star on NBC’s “American Gladiators,” but he is also scheduled to appear in two upcoming movies, “The Mannsfield 12” and “Beyond the Ring.”

Justice will also be seen in a supporting role in two independent features in 2008 — “The Mannsfield 12,” and “Beyond the Ring.”

When not acting or gladiating, Justice enters Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) contests in the Super Heavyweight division.

Born in Detroit, Mich., Justice was an Army brat raised in Columbia, S.C., until the age of 10, when his father was transferred to Germany.

It was also around this time when he first saw Arnold Schwarzenegger in the movie, “Conan the Barbarian.” He asked his mother for weights for Christmas, and the rest is muscle-beach history.

On the home front, Justice loves to spend quality time with his wife Daisey, his 7-year-old son, also named Justice, their French bulldog, Bruno, six fish and four frogs.

He also loves to fish and ride his mountain bike. Because he loves to donate his time to any causes that help kids.

KW: What interested you in doing “American Gladiators”?

JS: The money and fame. Ha-ha! Just kidding!

It was a show that I watched as a kid, and I wanted to be a part of it.

KW: What type of diet and exercise regimen do you have to follow to stay in this great shape?

JS: I really don’t follow a strict diet, I just watch my fat intake and stay away from fried foods.

KW: How much wear and tear does the weekly tapings take out on your body?

JS: Well, me being a superhero, it does not do too much wear and tear on my body, ha-ha!

Naw, sometimes I will get my fingers jammed or twist my ankle, but other than that, I keep it moving.

KW: Do you enjoy this better than acting?

JS: They both are different, challenge-wise.

The competitive side of me is really enjoying it, but there are two different sides to me. The acting is more of a challenge for me because it is something that I have to develop, whereas being a gladiator comes more natural, and I love the physical challenge.

But ultimately, acting and being a gladiator are definitely two different animals.

KW: Have you ever gotten hurt while filming the show?

JS: I have gotten hurt, but pretty much I do the hurting!

(Laughs)

KW: Are you surprised by the show’s popularity?

JS: Definitely, I am. I was not thinking about the show’s success when I started, I was only thinking about the honor to be a part of it.

I am still stunned by the fact that people will tune in every week to watch me compete. I am still shocked when people come up to me and tell me that I am their favorite.

KW: I read about how at 6 feet, 8 inches, you had some promise as a basketball phenom while in college, but that you lost interest when your cousin was shot and killed while saving your life in an ambush.

JS: Well, my cousin was my best friend, and we were very close and I looked up to him.

I admired everything about him. I think about him every day, and he is one of the reasons that I do what I do.

He saved my life.

KW: Is the perpetrator behind bars?

JS: He did 18 months and was freed on good behavior, because he had a family member in the judicial system in Columbia, S.C.

KW: How long were you traumatized by the tragedy?

JS: At least 10 years, being haunted by nightmares. I was unable to watch any type of violent programming.

KW: The Columbus Short question: Are you happy?

JS: Very happy.

KW: What do you do to unwind?

JS: Watch movies, play video games, meditate, research online.

KW: Who are you supporting for president?

JS: Barack Obama.

KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

JS: Stay focused and stay determined. Don’t look to anyone else to be your determination, have self-determination; it will take you very far.

KW: Do you have a Web site?

JS: Yes, www.themanjustice.com. But, it’s under construction.

KW: How do you want to be remembered?

JS: I want to be remembered as someone like Muhammad Ali. He was not just a fighter, he was a freedom fighter.