Kevin Smith: Filmmaker, Podcaster and Silent Bob of Clerks
Kevin Smith is an American filmmaker, actor and podcaster. He is best known for writing and directing Clerks (1994), Chasing Amy (1997) and Dogma (1999), and for playing Silent Bob opposite Jason Mewes’s Jay. His most recent film as writer and director is The 4:30 Movie (2024). He has also appeared as Silent Bob in The Napa Boys (2025).
Kevin Smith made Clerks on a small budget, and the movie launched the View Askewniverse. That is a shared world of New Jersey comedies named after View Askew Productions, the company he co-founded with Scott Mosier.
Who is Kevin Smith?
| Full name | Kevin Patrick Smith |
|---|---|
| Born | August 2, 1970, Red Bank, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Age | 56 (as of November 2026) |
| Occupation | Writer, director, producer, film editor, actor, podcaster |
| Years active | 1994–present |
| Known for | Clerks (1994), Chasing Amy (1997), Dogma (1999), Live Free or Die Hard (2007) |
| Profiles | Wikipedia · IMDb |
Clerks (1994): Kevin Smith’s turning point
Kevin Smith’s career changed with Clerks in 1994. It was a low-budget comedy that he wrote, directed, co-produced, co-edited and acted in. Before it, he went back to his New Jersey convenience-store job and saved money for his first feature.
Clerks introduced Jay and Silent Bob. Kevin Smith played the nearly silent half of the pair, and the duo came back in Mallrats (1995), Chasing Amy (1997), Dogma (1999) and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001).
Kevin Smith after the View Askewniverse took off (2000s–2010s)
Kevin Smith kept expanding the View Askewniverse with Clerks II (2006) while also making films outside it. These included Jersey Girl (2004), Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008) and Cop Out (2010). As an actor, his biggest role was a rogue computer hacker in Live Free or Die Hard (2007). He also appeared in Daredevil (2003) and Southland Tales (2007).
Since 2011, Kevin Smith has mostly made horror films. They include Red State (2011) and the comedy horror films Tusk (2014) and Yoga Hosers (2016). He has also directed episodes of The Flash, Supergirl and The Goldbergs.
What Kevin Smith is doing now
Kevin Smith returned to his original characters with Jay and Silent Bob Reboot (2019) and Clerks III (2022). He then wrote, directed and edited The 4:30 Movie (2024). He developed Netflix’s Masters of the Universe animation, and he co-hosts podcasts such as SModcast, Fatman Beyond and Hollywood Babble-On.
As of November 2026, several Kevin Smith projects are listed as in development or pre-production. They include Twilight of the Mallrats and a Dogma sequel.
Selected film and TV work of Kevin Smith
| Year | Title | Role | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | The Napa Boys | Silent Bob | Film |
| 2025 | Paradise Records | Silent Bob | Film |
| 2024 | The 4:30 Movie | Director, writer | Film |
| 2023 | That ’90s Show | Sonny | TV series |
| 2022 | Clerks III | Silent Bob | Film |
| 2019 | Jay and Silent Bob Reboot | Silent Bob | Film |
| 2014 | Tusk | Director, writer | Film |
| 2011 | Red State | Director, writer | Film |
| 2007 | Live Free or Die Hard | — | Film |
| 2006 | Clerks II | Silent Bob | Film |
| 2003 | Daredevil | — | Film |
| 2001 | Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back | Silent Bob | Film |
| 1999 | Dogma | Silent Bob | Film |
| 1995 | Mallrats | Silent Bob | Film |
| 1994 | Clerks | Silent Bob | Film |
Kevin Smith awards and recognition
- 2024 – New Jersey Hall of Fame. The honor recognizes a filmmaker whose movies are set mainly in his home state.
- 2018 – Inkpot Award. Kevin Smith received the comics-culture award; he has also written Daredevil and Green Arrow comics.
- 1999 – Harvey Award for Best New Talent. This award recognized his comic book writing.
- 1998 – Independent Spirit Award for Best Screenplay. This was a screenwriting win from the independent film community.
FAQ
– What is Kevin Smith famous for?
Kevin Smith is famous for writing and directing Clerks (1994) and playing Silent Bob. He also made Chasing Amy (1997) and Dogma (1999).
– How old is Kevin Smith?
Kevin Smith was born on August 2, 1970, so he is 56 (as of November 2026).
– What is Kevin Smith’s next project?
As of November 2026, Kevin Smith’s projects in development include Twilight of the Mallrats and a Dogma sequel. His latest film as writer and director is The 4:30 Movie (2024).
– Where was Kevin Smith born?
Kevin Smith was born in Red Bank, New Jersey, and grew up in nearby Highlands.
Header photo: Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0, resized
