Liz Smith (actress) facts for kids

Betty Smith (born 11 December 1921 – died 24 December 2016), known as Liz Smith, was a famous English actress. She was well-known for her roles in popular BBC TV shows. Some of her most loved characters include Annie Brandon in I Didn't Know You Cared, Letitia Cropley in The Vicar of Dibley, and Norma, also called "Nana", in The Royle Family. She also won an award for her acting in the 1984 film A Private Function.

Liz Smith's Early Life

Liz Smith was born Betty Gleadle in 1921 in a place called Crosby in Scunthorpe, England. When she was two years old, her mother passed away. Soon after, her father left her. She was then raised by her grandmother. Liz went to Crosby Junior School and later to the Scunthorpe Modern and Day Commercial Schools. During World War II, she joined the Women's Royal Naval Service, which was part of the Royal Navy.

Her Acting Career

Liz Smith started her acting career later in life. She became known for playing interesting and often funny characters.

First Roles in TV and Film

Liz Smith appeared in many TV shows and films. One of her early roles was in It's a Lovely Day Tomorrow. This film was about a real event during World War II called the Bethnal Green Tube disaster. She also appeared in popular shows like Emmerdale and Last of the Summer Wine.

She even had a small part in The Pink Panther Strikes Again in 1976. Her scenes were cut from the movie but later shown in Trail of the Pink Panther in 1982. She played the same character, Marta Balls, in other Pink Panther films too.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Liz Smith was in many British TV shows. These included The Duchess of Duke Street and The Gentle Touch. In 1984, she won a special award, a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, for her role in the film A Private Function. She played the mother of a character played by another famous actress, Maggie Smith.

In 1988, she acted in a thriller movie called Apartment Zero. She played one of two funny old ladies who were very curious about their neighbours.

Becoming Famous in the 1990s

The 1990s were a busy time for Liz Smith. She appeared in shows like 2point4 Children, where she played two different characters, Aunt Belle and Bette. She was also in Bottom and Lovejoy.

In 1994, she played the main character, Abigail Blood, in a CBBC children's TV series called Pirates. That same year, she took on the role of Letitia Cropley in the very popular comedy show The Vicar of Dibley. Her character was known for making unusual and often strange items for the village fete. Letitia Cropley's character sadly passed away in a special episode in 1996.

In 1998, Liz Smith joined another hit comedy, The Royle Family. She played Norma Speakman, known as "Nana," the funny and sometimes grumpy grandmother. This role made her very popular. Her character's death in a 2006 special episode was a very memorable moment for viewers. During this time, she also appeared in The Queen's Nose and Secrets & Lies. In 1999, she played Mrs. Dilber in a TV film version of A Christmas Carol.

Later Career and Retirement

Liz Smith continued acting into the 2000s. In 2005, she played Grandma Georgina in the film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. She also lent her voice to Mrs. Mulch in the animated film Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. She had small roles in Oliver Twist and Keeping Mum as well.

In 2006, Liz Smith wrote a book about her life called Our Betty. She also moved to a retirement home. In 2007, she won the Best Television Comedy Actress award at the British Comedy Awards for her role as Nana in The Royle Family.

In 2008, she starred in the first series of the historical drama Lark Rise to Candleford. She also appeared in the film City of Ember. In July 2009, after having some strokes, Liz Smith announced she was retiring from acting at the age of 87.

In 2009, she was given a special honour, becoming a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), for her contributions to drama. In 2010, she took part in a BBC show called The Young Ones, where older celebrities tried to live like they did in the 1970s.

Personal Life and Passing

In 1945, Liz Smith married Jack Thomas, whom she met in India. They had two children. They later divorced in 1959. Liz raised her son and daughter by herself. This was a challenging time for her, as she faced money problems and judgment from society.

Liz Smith passed away on 24 December 2016, at her home in Worthing, England. This was shortly after her 95th birthday. Many people remembered her fondly. Shane Allen, from BBC comedy, said she "brilliantly captured the grandparent in everyone's family" as Nana. The final episode of a special The Vicar of Dibley series included a tribute to her and other actors from the show who had passed away.

See also

In Spanish: Liz Smith para niños