Michelle Ray Smith

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Michelle Ray Smith (ex-Ava, GL)

Vital Statistics

The 411

Michelle Ray Smith was born in Bloomfield, Michigan, and is the oldest of four children. Growing up in Michigan, Smith spent time fishing, hiking, playing basketball and softball, and and dreaming of being a hair and makeup artist. Seeking her goal as a beauty professional, she studied cosmetology while still in high school. Her plans soon changed when a successful go with a Detroit model search sent her to New York City.

While in New York, Smith embarked on a successful modeling career, gracing the covers of national magazines like Fitness, Self, and Health, and inside the pages of Seventeen, Glamour and Cosmopolitan. GUIDING LIGHT was Smith's first venture into the world of acting. After landing the role of Ava, she continued taking acting classes to perfect her craft. Tragedy struck Smith when her father committed suicide, which led to her to become a nationwide spokesperson for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Smith ended her three-year stint with GUIDING LIGHT in July 2008 to raise her baby.

Et Cetera

Five Random Facts
—Gave birth to her first child, Jake, on July 8, 2008. He weighed 8 lbs., 2 oz.
—Has appeared in the Victoria’s Secret catalog.
—Is a proud owner of two French bulldogs (Tootie and Shams) and two rottweilers (Birdie and Caesar).
—Has worked with the Humane Society and the Humane Society's Disaster Relief Fund.
—Describes herself as an "outdoors" type who loves camping, fishing, and jogging.

Memorable Quotes

"My father's death has changed my life in really amazing ways. I started being really honest about the things in my life that I wanted to improve on. It sounds strange, but I'm thankful for that. Plus, I get to talk about it and help people, so for me that's worth its weight in gold."— Soap Opera Digest, 8/29/2006

"I hope every couple of years someone says to me, 'You're growing as an actor.' Because that's what I want to do. I always want to grow, and the show's given me the opportunity, so I'm really thankful for that."— Soap Opera Weekly, 8/5/08

Official Web Site

Michelle Ray Smith's MySpace page

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