You remember the bleach-blonde hair and the "Absolut Hunk" billboard, right? If you grew up watching late-night HBO or catching reruns on E!, the face of Jason Lewis—often searched alongside his breakout "young" heartthrob era—is likely burned into your memory. He was Smith Jerrod. The guy who shaved his head in solidarity with Samantha Jones. The waiter who became a superstar but never lost his soul.
Honestly, it’s rare to see a character from that era age so well in the public consciousness. But who is the man behind the Absolut bottle?
The Grind Before the Glamour
Jason Lewis didn't just wake up on a film set. He’s a Newport Beach native, born in 1971, who actually had to sweat for his early success. Before the cameras started rolling, he was working as a plumbing contractor and waiting tables. He was just another kid in San Diego trying to save up enough cash to get to Europe.
He finally made it to Paris. Then Milan.
By the mid-90s, he wasn't just a model; he was the model. We’re talking Guess?, Tommy Hilfiger, and Hugo Boss. He even nabbed a Male Model of the Year nomination at the 1996 VH1 Fashion Awards. If you look back at GQ editorials from that year, he’s everywhere.
But he wanted more than just a runway.
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He started small. A tiny role on High Sierra Search and Rescue in 1995. A brief, four-episode stint on Beverly Hills, 90210 as Rob Andrews, Valerie Malone’s boyfriend. You could tell he was green, but the charisma was undeniable.
That Sex and the City Breakout
When people talk about Jason Lewis Young and his peak career moments, it always comes back to Sex and the City. He joined the cast in the final season as Jerry "Smith" Jerrod.
It was a risky role. He could have easily been "just the hot guy." Instead, he became the emotional anchor for Samantha's most vulnerable storyline—her battle with breast cancer.
Why Smith Jerrod Stuck
- The Loyalty Factor: He wasn't scared of Samantha’s power or her illness.
- The Career Arc: He played a character who became a famous actor, mirroring his own real-life rise.
- The Hair: That iconic scene where he shaves his head is still cited as one of the most romantic moments in TV history.
He stayed with the franchise for both movies, but by then, he was already branching out. He wasn't interested in being "just" Smith forever.
Life After the Bright Lights
After the SATC whirlwind, Lewis took some interesting turns. He played Dex Lawson on Charmed—a love interest for Phoebe. He did a heavy arc on Brothers & Sisters as Chad Barry, a closeted soap opera star. That role was particularly nuanced for 2007; it explored the tension between Hollywood image and personal identity.
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He’s a huge supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, appearing at GLAAD events and taking roles that challenged the typical "alpha male" archetype he was physically built for.
Kinda surprising, right? A guy who looks like a Viking playing a sensitive, closeted actor in the mid-2000s. It showed he had range.
He didn't stop there. He jumped into supernatural territory with Midnight, Texas, playing a fallen angel named Joe Strong. He even popped up on Dancing with the Stars in 2022. He was the first one eliminated—partnered with Peta Murgatroyd—but he took it like a champ.
Beyond the Screen: The Man Today
These days, Jason Lewis is a bit more low-key, but he’s still active. He got engaged to producer Liz Godwin in 2020. They’d been dating since 2015 after meeting at a party in Miami.
He’s also heavily involved in charity work.
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- The Elton John AIDS Foundation
- Global Green
- Not On Our Watch
He’s 54 now. He’s still got the looks, obviously, but he’s seasoned. He speaks about his career with a lot of humility. He once told TV Guide that he wasn't "precious" about his career—he just wanted to do good storytelling.
Common Misconceptions
A lot of people confuse him with the politician Jason Lewis from Minnesota. Let’s be clear: the actor Jason Lewis is not the former Congressman. They share a name, but their career paths (and public statements) couldn't be more different. Our Jason is the guy from the movies, not the guy on the campaign trail.
There’s also a Jason Lewis who is a world-class adventurer and another who is a radiochemist at Memorial Sloan Kettering. It’s a popular name.
What We Can Learn From His Career
Jason Lewis’s trajectory is a lesson in longevity. He didn't let the "heartthrob" label trap him. He used it as a springboard to explore different genres—from horror like The Attic to psychological thrillers like Mr. Brooks with Kevin Costner.
If you're looking to follow his work now, check out his appearances in the Flowers in the Attic TV movie series or his voice work. He’s moved into a phase of his career where he picks projects based on interest rather than just visibility.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Revisit the early stuff: Watch his episodes on Charmed or Brothers & Sisters to see his dramatic growth beyond the "pretty boy" roles.
- Check the credits: He’s moved into producing and more independent film work lately.
- Follow the advocacy: If you care about environmentalism or LGBTQ+ rights, his social media often highlights the charities he supports.
He isn't just a face from a 2003 billboard anymore. He’s a working actor who survived the transition from 90s model to a respected veteran of the industry.