BIOGRAPHY
Mark was born in London in 1969; however he has a hugely colourful heritage - Jamaican, Cherokee Indian, Ghanaian, White and Chinese. This mix along with his green eyes has given him a very a distinctive look. Mark grew up in West London amongst a big group of friends, and developed his competitive spirit by participating in many sports. At 15 he was also fully immersed in the burgeoning Hip Hop scene spreading to the UK from the States. The school playground was not only the football pitch but also the scene of many break dancing contests. Soon they moved onto the Convent Garden Pzazz where they would perform to large crowds. His robotic dancing and body popping soon earned him much props. Alongside his break dancing and body popping crew, Cosmic Rockers, he would perform to crowds in Convent Gardens Pzazz every week. However it wasn't long before they were winning many competitions for their skills, eventually touring across the UK, Germany and Belgium. This is when Mark first knew he wanted to perform - this was an art he was to use in later life...
At the age of 17 it was his cousin who inspired him to take up bodybuilding. As he saw the change happening in his body he became more interested in the sport and his dedication and hard work soon reaped rewards. It wasn't long before he was making waves at the gym and his aggressive style earned him the nickname 'Rhino'.
As Rhino went on to win many titles including London Men's Heavy Weight Championships. His natural good looks and distinctive green eyes ensured he stood out and it wasn't long before he came to the attentions of LWT 'Gladiators' television programme. This was a show he watched religiously and had dreamed of being on. He was asked to try out, very excited at this opportunity, he past the extremely hard test and went on to be one of the shows most loved and undefeated characters.
"Don't ever let your dreams become extinct."
During his six years on the show he traveled all over the world competing in Australia, South Africa and America as well as appearing on many TV shows. Although the show finished in 1999, he went back to compete against the South African Gladiators in a special series.
The Gladiators show has recently re-launched in the UK. Sky TV wanted Mark to come back to go up against the new Gladiators but he was unavailable due to US filming commitments. Instead they flew a film crew team over to interview Mark at home about what he is up to now.
Rhino continually challenges himself and always sets his goals high. One of his long term ambitions has been to fight in the boxing ring.
On 4th June, at London's infamous York Hall, Rhino went head to head with £9.7 million Lotto winner Michael Carroll. The fight had masses of publicity with the press conference ending in a brawl after Carroll went for Rhino. The nation got behind Rhino and Carroll was certainly taught some manners in the ring!
Rhino's next physical challenge was the London Marathon which he completed in the summer of 2006.
"Throughout my life I have always set physical challenges for myself. The Marathon is one I have been wanting to do for some time, but given my muscle weight I knew it would be not only mentally hard, but probably the hardest physical challenge I have undertaken. Saving Faces is such an important charity and having met some of the many patients it has helped, this was more than enough of a drive to me to undertake this huge race."
Rhino still gives up much of his free time to charities he has supported throughout the last ten years. He loves kids and has a ten year old daughter, Chloe and three year old son Brodie Ty. Thus he also supports many children's charities such as Rhys Daniels Trust and Children with Leukemia.
Rhino has continued to grace our screen working on different film and TV projects. Mark?s first major film project was the blockbuster 'Batman Begins' directed by Christopher Nolan for Warners where he palyed a Shadow Warrior. He also appeared in 'Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy' directed by Gareth Jennings for Disney and he starred in the highly acclaimed British Gangster film 'Rollin' with the Nines'.
He has appeared in a number of TV drama's including Lynda La Plante production, 'Trial & Retribution', BBC's 'Synchronicity' and most recently he filmed out in Budapest for an episode of the new BBC1 'Robin Hood' series where he plays an Arabian night called Karim. The series is currently showing on BBC America for more information and photo's click here.
Mark is currently out in Hollywood with his family where he is getting ready to shoot two new films in 2009. He has been busy filming several national commercials as well and featuring in several films. He is currently starring in Scary City a huge web based series which hails from Japanese executive producer Yumiko Aoyag who previously bought us LonelyGirl15 which received record breaking viewing figures. Scary City is a sinister tale of an LA apartment block and its residents, Mark plays British banker Damien Skylar.
PERSONAL DETAILS
Full Name: MARK SMITHDate of Birth: 30 SEPTEMBER 1970
Birthsign: LIBRA
Hometown: ACTON, WEST LONDON
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 200lbs
Hair: BLACK
Eyes: GREEN