You’ve definitely heard his voice. If you grew up in the late '90s or early 2000s, you might even recognize the skinny guy with the dyed hair and the "goth" aesthetic who hung out with a werewolf. But trying to pin down a definitive list of danny smith movies and tv shows is actually a lot harder than it looks because, honestly, there are two famous Danny Smiths in the industry, and they both love animation.
One is the Canadian actor who played Merton J. Dingle on Big Wolf on Campus. The other is the guy who has been writing and voicing some of the weirdest characters on Family Guy since day one. Most people get them confused, but both have left a massive footprint on pop culture.
The Family Guy Legend: More Than Just a Writer
If you’re looking for the Danny Smith who shaped adult animation, you’re looking at the Rhode Island native. He isn't just a writer; he's basically the secret sauce of Family Guy. He joined Seth MacFarlane in season one and is actually the only writer on the staff who was actually born in Rhode Island. That matters. It’s why the show’s setting of Quahog feels so oddly specific.
Smith is the genius behind some of the show’s most iconic, surreal moments. He wrote "Road to the North Pole," which is widely considered one of the best Christmas specials in TV history. He also wrote "Peter's Got Woods," the episode that basically revived James Woods' career as a voice actor.
But his voice work is where things get really bizarre. He doesn't do the main cast, but he voices the characters that make the show "weird."
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- Ernie the Giant Chicken: Yes, the guy who gets into five-minute-long fistfights with Peter Griffin? That’s Danny Smith.
- The Evil Monkey: Every time Chris Griffin points at his closet in terror, he’s pointing at a character voiced by Smith.
- Buzz Killington: The 19th-century buzzkill who ruins every party with stories about bridge etiquette? Also him.
- Al Harrington: The "Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Man" salesman.
The Big Wolf on Campus Icon: Danny Smith the Actor
Now, if you’re a millennial who spent their Saturday mornings watching YTV or Fox Family, your version of Danny Smith is probably Daniel Arthur Smith, the Canadian actor. He’s the one who played Merton Dingle, the horror-obsessed sidekick in Big Wolf on Campus.
What most people don’t realize is that Merton wasn't just a character he played; Smith actually wrote and sang the show's theme song. He was a legit musician, leading a band called The City Drive. He’s appeared in a surprising number of live-action films too. You can spot him in The Big Hit (1998) alongside Mark Wahlberg or in National Lampoon's Senior Trip.
He’s stayed busy in the Canadian scene, appearing in shows like The Listener and doing voice work for Fugget About It. Recently, he’s transitioned into being a highly respected visual artist in Toronto. It’s a wild career path—from teen TV sidekick to punk rocker to fine artist.
Why Danny Smith Movies and TV Shows Are Hard to Track
The confusion between the two "Dannys" leads to a lot of misinformation online. You'll often see the Big Wolf on Campus actor credited for writing Family Guy episodes, or the Family Guy producer credited with starring in Canadian indie movies.
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To keep it straight, remember the "Location Rule."
- The Writer Danny: Born in Rhode Island, lives in LA, works with Seth MacFarlane.
- The Actor Danny: Born in Montreal, lives in Toronto, played Merton Dingle.
Both have contributed to some of the most enduring "cult" hits of the last 25 years. The writer Danny helped create the DNA of Family Guy, while the actor Danny became the face of late-90s teen genre television.
Key Credits You Might Have Missed
Beyond the big hits, both Smiths have some "deep cuts" in their filmography. The writer Danny Smith worked on sitcoms like 3rd Rock from the Sun and Yes, Dear before animation took over his life. He also wrote the book Peter Griffin's Guide to the Holidays, which captures that specific, caustic humor he brought to the show.
The actor Danny Smith has a resume that reads like a "Who’s Who" of 90s and 2000s Canadian production. He was in Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars and even had a small role in the movie Surrogates starring Bruce Willis. He also spent time as the "Artist in Residence" for the Immersive Van Gogh exhibit in Toronto in 2025, showing that his creativity isn't limited to the screen.
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What’s Next for These Creators?
As we move through 2026, the Family Guy Danny Smith remains a cornerstone of the show's executive production team, ensuring the gags stay as sharp (and as weird) as ever. If you want to dive deeper into his work, look for his name in the credits of the "Road to..." episodes; those are usually where his specific brand of musical-comedy-meets-absurdity shines brightest.
For the Canadian Danny Smith, following his Instagram or visiting his gallery shows in Toronto is the best way to see what he’s up to. He’s proof that you don’t have to stay in the "quirky sidekick" box forever.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check the production credits: If you see "Written by Danny Smith" on Family Guy, look for the "Chicken Fight" or "Evil Monkey" to appear.
- Check the music: If you're watching a show starring the Canadian Danny Smith, listen to the soundtrack—there's a high chance he wrote or performed the music.
- Support the art: If you're in Toronto, look for Daniel Arthur Smith’s gallery exhibitions; his visual art is a major departure from his Merton Dingle days.