Cortez Smith, known for playing Nuck on Showtime’s long-running drama “The Chi,” is bringing the same confidence he shows on screen to a new fashion venture. In a recent visit to The TRiiBE Studio, Smith arrived with pieces from his clothing line, Eros Christian, which he launched in May. The brand blends fashion and streetwear, with a strong focus on denim and leather. Smith said the line reflects how he brings together different style worlds to create something distinct and personal.
Smith’s love of clothing comes from family influences, especially his uncle, mother and grandmother, whose style shaped his own taste growing up. That background continues to inform his work today, both as an actor and as a designer. He said he sometimes prefers to wear his own creations while filming, allowing his personal style to become part of the character he portrays. One of his favorite pieces is a crocodile-skin jacket with a red lining, which he described as a long and detailed project because of the challenge of shaping the material. For Smith, the jacket represents the kind of bold visual identity he wants his brand to convey.
As “The Chi” moves through its eighth and final season, Smith reflected on the show’s impact and what its ending means for television and for Chicago storytelling. The series, created to capture life, love and loyalty on the South and West sides of Chicago, premiered its final season on May 22 and is set to air its last episode on Paramount+ on July 24. Smith said the show’s conclusion will leave a major gap, describing it as something that will create a void in television.
A key part of “The Chi” has been its commitment to authenticity. Many cast members and crew members are from Chicago, helping the series reflect the city’s culture with local insight and lived experience. Smith, who grew up on the West Side, joined the cast in season 3 in 2019 and quickly became part of the show’s emotional core. His role as Nuck, the calculating leader of the 63rd Street Mob, added another layer to the show’s complex portrait of life in the city.
Smith also discussed the career challenges that followed the 2020 Writers Guild of America strike, which left him without work and feeling discouraged. Even so, he has continued to build his artistic identity through acting and fashion. With “The Chi” nearing its end and Eros Christian now underway, Smith is positioning himself as both a performer and a creative entrepreneur whose work is deeply influenced by Chicago, family, and personal expression.
