Lois Smith, born on November 3, 1930, in Topeka, Kansas, has built an acting career spanning over seven remarkable decades. Growing up in a family where her father directed biblical plays, Smith was introduced to the stage at a young age, finding acting to be a natural and fulfilling path. Her early experiences performing in her father’s productions sparked a deep passion that led her to New York City after marrying Wesley Smith. There, she balanced auditions with day jobs while beginning to land her first professional roles, choosing to keep her married name as she quietly built a career focused on craft rather than celebrity.
As Smith’s career progressed, she began to gain wider recognition, including a 1955 feature in LIFE Magazine alongside other young Broadway talents. She became a fixture on stage, known for her dedication to serious theater, appearing in productions by esteemed playwrights such as Anton Chekhov, Harold Pinter, and Tennessee Williams. Over time, she took on revered roles like Madame Arkadina in The Seagull, and naturally transitioned into film, delivering memorable performances in movies like Twister (1996), Minority Report (2002), and Lady Bird (2017). Notably, Smith allowed herself to age gracefully on screen and stage, embracing every phase of life with authenticity.
Her dedication and distinctive talent earned her critical acclaim and accolades over the years. She received two Tony Award nominations for her roles in The Grapes of Wrath and Buried Child, before making history in 2020 when, at age 90, she won her first Tony Award for her role as Margaret in The Inheritance. The win made her the oldest performer ever to receive a Tony in an acting category. Smith’s performance in the play was praised as “quietly brilliant,” and she spoke of the importance of connection in live theater, referencing the famous phrase “Only connect” from E. M. Forster’s Howards End.
Even in her nineties, Smith continues to work actively in both film and theater. In 2024, at the age of 93, she appeared at the SXSW film festival for her latest project, The Uninvited, in which she played a mysterious and layered character. Still attending premieres and events, she remains as engaged with her craft as ever. When asked to share advice for aspiring actors, she offered simple but profound guidance: “Be on time and enjoy yourself,” reflecting her lifelong philosophy of approaching work with discipline and joy.
Now 94 and approaching her 95th birthday in 2025, Lois Smith’s career stands as a powerful example of resilience, authenticity, and unwavering dedication to the art of acting. With over 140 roles across film, television, and theater, she has journeyed from church plays in Kansas to becoming a Tony-winning legend. Smith continues to be celebrated by fans and fellow performers alike for her graceful presence, meaningful work, and the enduring inspiration she offers through a life devoted to storytelling.