You probably know him as Officer Quigley Smitty. He’s the guy on The Rookie who is basically the patron saint of doing just enough work to keep a pension. He’s lazy, he’s hilarious, and he’s somehow become the heart of Mid-Wilshire. But if you think Smitty is the whole story, you’ve barely scratched the surface of Brent Huff’s weird, wild, and incredibly long career.
Honestly, the guy is a bit of a legend in the "wait, I know that face" category. Before he was dodging actual police work on ABC, he was a world-class fashion model for Versace and Armani. Then he was an action hero in the 80s. Then he became an award-winning documentary filmmaker. It’s a lot to keep track of.
The Smitty Factor: How Brent Huff Movies and TV Shows Led to The Rookie
It’s funny how a "recurring" character can suddenly take over a show. Smitty wasn't supposed to be a massive deal. But Brent Huff plays him with such a specific, gravelly-voiced charm that fans couldn't get enough. He’s the antithesis of Nathan Fillion’s John Nolan. While Nolan is out there trying to save the world, Smitty is just trying to find the best spot for a nap.
This role didn't just happen. Huff spent decades in the trenches of Hollywood. Before The Rookie, he had a solid run on Shameless. He played a character who was actually quite different, but it proved he could handle the rhythm of modern television.
From Model to Action Hero
Brent Huff didn't start out wanting to be a TV cop. He was discovered while walking down the street in New York by Eileen Ford. Yes, that Eileen Ford. Before long, he was in Milan and Paris, working for every big name in fashion. But he wanted more. He moved into "B" action movies in the 1980s, and if you haven't seen these, you're missing out on some pure, unadulterated cinema.
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- The Perils of Gwendoline in the Land of the Yik Yak (1984): This is a cult classic. It’s bizarre. It’s campy. It’s exactly what 80s adventure movies were all about.
- Strike Commando 2 (1988): He starred opposite Richard Harris. Talk about a trial by fire.
- Armed Response (1986): He was in this one with Lee Van Cleef and David Carradine.
These movies were his film school. He was traveling the world, shooting in jungles, and learning how to lead a production. It’s a far cry from the polished sets of a 2026 TV drama, but it built the resilience he talks about today.
Brent Huff Behind the Camera: The Director You Didn't Know
There is a whole side to Brent Huff movies and TV shows that doesn't involve him being on screen. Around his 30s, he got tired of waiting for the phone to ring. So, he started writing and directing. And he’s actually really good at it.
He doesn't just stick to one genre. He’s directed over 20 films, ranging from gritty thrillers to deeply personal documentaries.
The Documentaries That Hit Hard
His documentary work is where he gets a bit more "substantive," as he puts it.
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- Chasing Beauty (2013): This was a massive hit on Apple TV and Netflix. It’s a look at the dark side of the modeling industry—something he knows a lot about.
- Behind the Orange Curtain: This film tackled the prescription drug epidemic in affluent communities. It won "Best Overall Film" at several festivals and actually helped start conversations about a really heavy topic.
- The Jackie Stiles Story (2022): A tribute to one of the greatest female basketball players ever.
Narrative Films and Thrillers
If you’re looking for his fictional directorial work, check out Cat City (2008). It’s a neo-noir thriller with Rebecca Pidgeon and Brian Dennehy. It’s dark, moody, and shows that he’s got a real eye for suspense. He also directed 100 Mile Rule, which featured Maria Bello and Michael McKean.
The Guest Star Life: You’ve Seen Him Everywhere
If you aren't a Rookie superfan, you might still recognize his voice. He’s got this low, gravelly baritone that’s perfect for voiceovers. He’s been the voice of Jack Daniels and Arby’s.
But his guest spots on TV are where the "hey, it's that guy" moments really happen:
- Mad Men: He popped up in the episode "Waldorf Stories."
- The West Wing: He had a spot in "No Exit."
- NCIS: He appeared in the episode "Oil and Water."
- JAG: A staple of early 2000s TV.
It's a huge list. Cold Case, Diagnosis: Murder, even Black Scorpion. The guy has worked with everyone from Steven Spielberg (in a commercial sense) to Jerry Bruckheimer.
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Why Brent Huff is Still Relevant in 2026
The reason people keep searching for Brent Huff movies and TV shows isn't just because of Smitty's one-liners. It's because he represents a specific kind of Hollywood survivor. He’s open about the fact that he’s faced "massive rejection." He’s even writing a book called Don’t Let Go Of The Rope about resilience.
In an industry that usually throws people away by the time they hit 50, Huff is having his biggest moment in his 60s. That’s rare. He’s also adapted. When acting was slow, he directed. When directing was tough, he wrote.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans and Aspiring Creators
If you're a fan of his work or looking to get into the industry, there's a few things you can actually do to engage with his filmography beyond just bingeing The Rookie:
- Watch Chasing Beauty: If you want to see his most successful directorial effort, start here. It’s eye-opening regardless of whether you care about fashion.
- Track Down the "B" Movies: For a fun weekend, find a copy of The Perils of Gwendoline. It’s a trip.
- Listen to the Voice: Next time you hear a commercial with a deep, authoritative voice, check if it's him. He’s the "hidden" voice of many major brands.
- Follow the Directorial Path: If you're a filmmaker, look at how he transitioned from acting to directing. He often says he makes documentaries because they are "cheaper" to fund, which allows for more creative freedom. That’s a practical tip for any indie creator.
Brent Huff is a storyteller. Whether he’s playing a cop who hates paperwork or directing a heartbreaking documentary about addiction, he’s consistently working. He’s not just a character actor; he’s a guy who figured out how to make Hollywood work for him for over forty years. That alone is worth a watch.
To see what he's up to next, keep an eye on The Rookie Season 8 and beyond, as Smitty remains a fixture of the show's comedic relief. You can also look for his upcoming documentary projects, which he frequently develops through his own production channels. If you want to dive deeper into his directorial style, start with Cat City for a taste of his noir sensibilities or The Jackie Stiles Story for a look at his penchant for underdog narratives.