'Scandal' Cast News: Cornelius Smith Jr. Promoted to Full-Time Cast Member

Cornelius Smith Jr. has been promoted to series regular and official cast member for the upcoming fifth season of "Scandal," TVLine reports.

Last season, Smith Jr. appeared as a guest star and played Marcus Walker in the Michael Brown-inspired episode titled "The Lawn Chair," says MadameNoire. He later appeared on the show again for the episode titled "I'm Just a Bill."

It is unclear how Smith Jr.'s character will be incorporated into the new season, but E! News suggests that he may be added to Olivia Pope's team of gladiators.

Smith Jr.'s other television credits include "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D," "Whitney," "Forever," "All My Children," and "Major Crimes."

Family and friends I’ll be Guest Starring in an episode of FOREVER on ABC at 10/9c this TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14th. Pass the word!! Much Love!!

— Cornelius Smith Jr (@CorneliusSJr) October 12, 2014

Check me out next week! How ya like dem apples!?! #AgentsofSHIELD #sograteful… https://t.co/SwoifMoFaI — Cornelius Smith Jr (@CorneliusSJr) March 26, 2015

Prior to his full-time role on "Scandal," Smith Jr. was the winner of the 2014 ABC Discovers digital talent competition that offers actors a chance to win a $25,000 one-year contract with ABC.

Meet @CorneliusSJr, winner of the 2014 #ABCDiscovers Talent Search. Get inspired to enter: https://t.co/Arrff3OGO0. https://t.co/SEAPKwCpk3

— Scandal (@ScandalABC) June 1, 2015

Following the news of his "Scandal," promotion, Smith Jr. took to Instagram to share his excitement and gratitude. "This year has been unbelievable yet refreshingly believable. I shall remain forever grateful for the journey and what's ahead. I am super duper excited to be joining the cast of SCANDAL! Let's GO!!" Smith Jr. wrote. Check out his full Instagram post below.

This year has been unbelievable yet refreshingly believable. I shall remain forever grateful for the journey and what's ahead. I am super duper excited to be joining the cast of SCANDAL! Let's GO!! Holla back at ya Boy!! What up doe Detroit!! It's with a heart of gratitude that I thank ALL who have supported and continued to believe as I did. Thanks for all the expressions of love and congratulatory comments and wishes too!! I really appreciate it all. FAITH + FOLLOW THROUGH will get YOU whatever you want! I'm grateful. Thanks again! Love and light! A photo posted by Cornelius Smith Jr (@corneliussmithjr) on Jul 7, 2015 at 5:41pm PDT

E! News reports that "Scandal" returns this fall on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 9 p.m EST on ABC.