Gaius Charles

Gaius Charles (born May 2, 1983) is an American actor known for his portrayal of Brian “Smash” Williams in the television drama, Friday Night Lights. He also played Dr. Shane Ross on the ABC medical drama series Grey’s Anatomy and a recurring role on the NBC historical-drama series Aquarius, as Black Panther leader Bunchy Carter.

Charles was born on May 2, 1983 in Manhattan, New York. He was raised in New York City and Teaneck, New Jersey.

Charles graduated from Teaneck High School in 2001.[2] He attended Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Fine Arts, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in drama. He also studied at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney, Australia.[3] He earned a Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies from Drew University.