'Riverdale' and 'Dawson's Creek' star Kerr Smith looking forward to Albuquerque Comic Con

Jan. 11—Kerr Smith has never been afraid to take chances.

In fact, he enjoys being challenged with each role.

Smith broke out in Hollywood with his roles in the late-1990s TV series "Dawson's Creek" and the film "Final Destination" in the early 2000s.

His most recent role is on the CW hit, "Riverdale," where he played Principal Holden Honey.

"It comes in waves," he says of roles and projects. "But I've been fortunate to find roles that I really connect with."

Smith will travel to New Mexico to take part in the 13th annual Albuquerque Comic Con beginning Friday, Jan. 13. The three-day event runs through Sunday, Jan. 15, at the Albuquerque Convention Center.

Smith will lead a panel at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, inside the Kiva Room.

The trip will mark Smith's second comic convention, as well as his first trip back to New Mexico in nearly 10 years.

"I've only done one other comic convention," Smith says. "The last time I was in New Mexico was for a film."

Smith starred in the TV film, "An American Girl: Saige Paints the Sky," which was put out under the American Girl dolls umbrella.

"I got to play the father," he says. "It was a fun little movie. At the time, my nieces were obsessed with the American Girl dolls, which made me look really cool to them."

As Smith has navigated his way through the industry, he has become aware of himself and what kind of projects he would like to do.

"Sci-fi," he says enthusiastically. "I've never been cast in a film or TV series that is in this genre. I'm a big sci-fi fan and would love to find a project where I fit in."

While on the set of "Riverdale," Smith had his own "a-ha" moment.

He was cast to play Principal Holden Honey and describes his time on set as "surreal."

"This show was very much like 'Dawson's Creek' with a different story line," he says. "This time around, I was on the adult side. I remember filming 'Dawson's Creek' and feeling like the parents were so old. Then I show up to this set and I'm the old guy. It's a very weird switch."

Smith didn't have to audition for the role as he was asked by series creator Greg Berlanti to join the cast.

"I've worked with Greg before," he says. "I thought Holden was really cool and went for it."

Smith is looking forward to his second convention because he gets opportunities to interact with fans.

"I've been lucky to have a great career in film and TV," he says. "A lot of my roles, I've been on projects that have a following. It's special. It's really nice to be able to interact with the fans."

Albuquerque Comic Con

WHEN: 3-5 p.m. Sensitivity opening; 4-8 p.m. general public on Friday, Jan. 13; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15

WHERE: Albuquerque Convention Center, 401 Second St. NW

HOW MUCH: $20 Friday, $35 Saturday, $25 Sunday, $65 3-day pass presale only through Jan. 12; $5 for children ages 9-13; children under 8 are free; prices increase at the door. Information at albuquerquecomiccon.com