'A Bright Star:' Morristown Mourns Officer, Actor Brett Smith

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Brett Smith's star shined bright through Morristown. Smith left his mark as a police officer, coach, actor and Marine, known to locals as "the funniest guy ever" and "a Morristown guy through and through."

The Morristown resident died Thursday at age 53. Morristown PBA Local 43 organized a GoFundMe for Smith's family.

Smith was a fixture on the baseball diamond when he attended Morristown schools, but his dreams stretched to the stage. Like his childhood hero Elvis, Smith dreamed of "becoming a star," according to his obituary.

After high school, Smith tested the Hollywood waters before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. After an honorable discharge in 1994, Smith again put his dreams of stardom on hold because law enforcement and the love of his life "came calling," his obituary says.

Smith joined the Morristown Police Department in 1999. He and his wife, Leigh, began raising their family in town two years later. Smith worked multiple assignments in the Patrol Division before working as a plain-clothes officer in the Anti-Crime Unit. The officer focused on drug cases, which led to work on a larger drug-enforcement task force.

Those who knew Smith called him a "devoted husband and father first."

"He was a born entertainer with an infectious smile and boundless energy," Smith's obituary says. "He was a bright star who lit up every room he entered; he also exited every room with laughter filling the air."

Through it all, Smith did in fact make it in Hollywood. He amassed more than 30 television and film credits, which included work with Steven Spielberg and Beyoncé. The actor performed in film and television for more than 20 years.

But as the Morristown PBA said, "sometimes the stars who are brightening our world the most are burning themselves out at the same time." Smith had a brief but torturous battle with his mental health and died by suicide, according to the GoFundMe.

The fundraiser has generated nearly $67,000 as of Monday morning. The funds will support Smith's wife Leigh, his daughter Noelle and his sons Billy and Christian.

Smith's GoFundMe closes with the following: "If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide—whether you are in crisis or not—call or live chat the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)."

Several people who knew Smith paid tributes on the GoFundMe page.

"Brett was one of the most motivated and dedicated Marines I had the honor & pleasure of serving with," wrote Guillermo Smith. "From School of Infantry( SOI) to the Fleet Marine Force (FMF). He always kept us laughing and boosted everyones moral, especially on our deployment during Desert Storm. All he talked about was becoming an Actor, always quoting Tony Montana from the movie Scarface, and he did it."

"Brett was one of those people that touched everyone he met," said Shawn Kirby. "If you had met him, he had made you laugh at some point. He could make any situation ok by making people laugh."

"I can see Brett’s smile and energy when he nicknamed me Jaws in 1983 on Mr. Smith’s baseball team," said Brendan Sharkey. "My prayers are with Brett’s family and brother Shane."

A mass of Christian burial will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Virgil's Church in Morris Plains. Visitation hours will occur from 3-8 p.m. Tuesday at Doyle Funeral Home.

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