By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune and other outlets
May 2, 2023
Born and raised in St. Louis and currently a resident of Los Angeles, Damien D. Smith portrays Top Notch in the FX series “Snowfall.” The actor describes his character as “‘a fixer’. He has a deep alliance and allegiance to the [drug kingpin family] Saints. He has been in Vietnam and has a myriad of skills and abilities.” Asked if he’d want to travel with the fictional Top Notch, Smith said absolutely: “He would be the best travel companion because he knows how to get in. He knows places, he knows people and he is very connected. So that’s always a great person to travel with.”
Q: Have you visited a place for work that you loved so much that you returned there?
A: That’s a really good question. I would say Ghana. It truly captures my attention for being such a beautiful and inspirational place – truly rich with history and stories. While in Ghana, I’ve learned to interact, build and grow with my people.
Q: What work did you do in Ghana?
A: I shot a movie out there for a month and a half called “Nine.” And then we went out there for our new show, “She Shows Up,” which highlights women doing bold and unique things around the world. We shot our first episode in Ghana with our host Nia Weeks.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A. Ghana and Ireland are two of my favorite places. Ireland was one of the most scenic places I’ve ever been, whether you are at the beaches, driving through the country, or taking in its lushness. I visited the Cliffs of Moher and visited several castles. I also had the opportunity to learn a lot about their history. It was really cool learning about the Irish people. Now Ghana is just epically beautiful. It has diversity. I was able to chill, relax and keep my mind off work and everything. Areas like [the UNESCO World Heritage Site] Cape Coast Castle were so tranquil.
Q: What was the first trip you took as a child?
A: I think it was to a beach in St. Louis or somewhere close by in Missouri. It was incredible. I remember we used to go horseback riding. But I also remember going to D.C. around the time I was eight years old. That trip was truly interesting to me because it was the first time I got to experience a plane and stay somewhere entirely new.
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A: That we are more alike than different around the world. People just want to take care of their families, have a good life. Also, the diversity within us is a strength. People around the world just want to celebrate vibes.
Q: If you could only pick one place to eat, would you prefer a food truck or fine dining?
A: A food truck is my type of vibe, but there are beautiful fine dining places around this world with incredible food that I’ve tasted. And I’m a picky eater, so that says a lot. But if I had to have a choice right now, I would go with a food truck. [If you visit] St. Louis, you’ll have to try the food out. You know, get some good barbecue. And then I recommend heading to The Hill, an Italian area with some of the world’s best [Italian food].
Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A: Going somewhere fun, like camping. I love going camping and chilling out. But picking a random spot to go to is always nice. Preferably somewhere I can ride my bike – somewhere coastal.
Q: Do you speak any foreign languages?
A: You know, I do not speak any other language fluently. But you know, you pick up different languages and phrases when traveling, especially common phrases like yes, see, good to know, and thank you. So you pick those up as you travel throughout the world.
Q: What are your favorite cities to visit?
A: St. Louis, New York, London, anywhere in Ireland. And [in Ghana], Cape Coast, Elmina and Accra.
Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A: I have a few in mind. Thailand, Congo and Berlin. I hear Berlin has a really nice art scene that I would love to explore.
Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A: Toothpaste, definitely my book bag and toiletries. I’m pretty low maintenance.
Q: What would be your dream trip?
A: I would hop over to Thailand, explore the area, then probably touch London, and then jump down to Ghana.
Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A: Twizzlers Bites.
Q: What is your best and/or worst vacation memory?
A: My best vacation memory was hiking to Wli Waterfalls in the Volta Region of Ghana. Unfortunately, my worst vacation memory resulted from severe stomach issues while coming down from an active volcano in Antigua, Guatemala.
© 2023 JAE-HA KIM
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