Liz Smith (actress)

Liz Smith, MBE ( born December 11, 1921 in Scunthorpe as Betty Gleadle ) is a British actress.

Life

Smith grew up with her grandmother. Her mother died when she was two years old and her father left the family shortly thereafter. During World War II she was employed by the Royal Navy. In 1945, she married Jack Thomas, whom she had met during his stay in India. From this marriage two children come. Since 1959 they again separated from Thomas, they raised the children alone.

Career

1971 Smith had her breakthrough as an actress for her performance in Mike Leigh's drama series Play for Today. In the following years, she has appeared in many British television series such as, inter alia, Emmerdale, Last of the Summer Wine and The Foxes. In the films Inspector Clouseau, the "best" man with Interpol and The Curse of the Pink Panther they also had guest appearances.

Even in the 80s she worked predominantly with in fictional British television series and got for her portrayal in the film A Private Function a British Film Academy Award. In the 90s, she was in such series as The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones and BBC productions such as Lovejoy with. In 1999, she starred in A Christmas Carol - The night before Christmas, the role of Mrs. Dilbon.

In 2005, she played among others in the film adaptations Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Oliver Twist and in Murder at the Vicarage with. 2006 was followed by a Cameoauftritt Kenneth Branagh in The Magic Flute. 2007 Smith won the annual award British Comedy Awards and in 2009 she was awarded the Order of the British Empire.

Filmography (selection)