The Dual Life Of Eddie Bo Smith Jr.: 5 Shocking Facts About The Actor, Stuntman, And EBSJ Jazz Musician

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As of December 19, 2025, the most significant and final public update regarding the life of Eddie Bo Smith Jr. centers on his likely passing in 2019. While he was best known for his powerful presence as a character actor and stunt performer in major 90s blockbusters like *The Fugitive* and *Under Siege*, Smith led a fascinating dual career that few in Hollywood ever fully recognized, including a secret life as a jazz musician. The journey of Eddie Bo Smith Jr. is a compelling case study of a versatile performer who moved seamlessly between the high-stakes world of Hollywood action and the soulful rhythms of music. His career spanned acting, dangerous stunt work, camera department roles, and a distinct musical identity, leaving behind a legacy that is only now being fully pieced together.

The Life and Legacy of Eddie Bo Smith Jr.: A Complete Profile

Eddie Bo Smith Jr. was a multifaceted figure in the entertainment industry, known for his work both in front of and behind the camera, as well as on the stage. He was a Jamaican talent who made a notable impact on American cinema and television.
  • Full Name: Edward William Armstrong Junior
  • Also Known As: Eddie Bo Smith Jr., Eddie "Bo" Smith, EBSJ (for his musical career)
  • Nationality: Jamaican
  • Primary Professions: Actor, Stunt Performer, Camera Department
  • Musical Identity: Jazz Musician (EBSJ)
  • Likely Birth Year: c. 1962 (Inferred from 2019 obituary age)
  • Likely Date of Passing: October 29, 2019 (Age 56)

From Hollywood to the Hard-Knock Set: Smith’s Stunt and Acting Career

Smith’s career was defined by his physical presence and versatility, allowing him to take on roles that required both acting chops and high-level stunt coordination. He is credited with over two dozen roles in film and television, often playing security guards, orderlies, or tough-guy characters in action and crime dramas.

Major Filmography and Notable Roles

His filmography features a remarkable list of collaborations with major Hollywood stars and directors, establishing him as a reliable presence in 1990s cinema.

One of his earliest and most memorable appearances was in the action thriller *Under Siege* (1992), starring Steven Seagal. Smith played the role of 'Shadow,' an antagonist who meets a dramatic end, showcasing his ability to handle on-screen action.

He continued his string of high-profile roles with *Mo' Money* (1992) and the Robert De Niro drama *Mad Dog and Glory* (1993). His work in *The Fugitive* (1993) and *Chain Reaction* (1996) further cemented his status, often working as a stunt performer to bring realism to intense scenes.

Other significant projects include *The Jackal* (1997), *Hoodlum* (1997), and *Stir of Echoes* (1999). Smith’s dedication to the craft extended beyond acting and stunts; he also took on roles within the camera department, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of film production.

EBSJ: The Jamaican Jazz Musician Identity

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Eddie Bo Smith Jr.'s life was his parallel career as a musician, where he adopted the stage name EBSJ. This musical identity reveals a softer, more artistic side, contrasting sharply with his on-screen persona of a tough, action-oriented performer.

As EBSJ, he was known as a jazz musician, a genre that requires immense technical skill and emotional depth. This passion for jazz highlights his Jamaican roots and his desire to explore different creative outlets beyond the confines of Hollywood.

The Confusion with New Orleans Royalty

It is crucial to distinguish Eddie Bo Smith Jr. (EBSJ) from the legendary New Orleans rhythm and blues singer and pianist, Edwin Joseph Bocage, who was also known as Eddie Bo. The New Orleans Eddie Bo was a foundational figure in funk and soul music, born in 1930 and passing away in 2009. The similarity in stage names, particularly the "Eddie Bo" moniker, has led to some confusion among fans and historians, but the Jamaican actor/musician EBSJ is a distinct and separate talent.

The Final Curtain: A 2019 Update

The public record suggests that Eddie Bo Smith Jr.'s life concluded in 2019. An obituary for an "Eddie 'Bo' Smith," a resident of Thibodaux, Louisiana, who peacefully departed on Tuesday, October 29, 2019, in New Orleans, provides the most recent and likely information.

The individual was 56 years old at the time of passing, which aligns perfectly with the actor's presumed birth year of 1962. While the obituary does not explicitly list his film credits, the name, nickname, and age strongly suggest this was the final chapter for the versatile actor, stuntman, and jazz artist. This marks the last major public event associated with the name, bringing an end to the career of a true Hollywood journeyman.

Eddie Bo Smith Jr.'s career, though often in supporting roles, contributed significantly to some of the most iconic action films of the 1990s. His unique ability to balance the physically demanding world of stunt work with the nuanced artistry of a jazz musician makes him a fascinating, if sometimes overlooked, figure in modern entertainment history. His legacy lives on through his extensive filmography and the memory of his dual life as an actor and the musician EBSJ.

The Dual Life of Eddie Bo Smith Jr.: 5 Shocking Facts About the Actor, Stuntman, and EBSJ Jazz Musician
eddie bo smith jr
eddie bo smith jr

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