Lois Smith
Birth Place: Topeka, KS, USA
Latest News on Lois Smith:
Cast Set For Ensemble Studio Theatre's FRANKLINLAND (Aug 21, 2024)
TWISTER Arrives on 4K Ultra HD and Digital July 9 (May 21, 2024)
LaMaMa to Present the World Premiere of THE MULBERRY TREE in February (Jan 18, 2024)
Cast Set For Ensemble Studio Theatre's FRANKLINLAND (Aug 21, 2024)
TWISTER Arrives on 4K Ultra HD and Digital July 9 (May 21, 2024)
LaMaMa to Present the World Premiere of THE MULBERRY TREE in February (Jan 18, 2024)
BIO
Lois Arlene Smith (née Humbert; born November 3, 1930) is an American character actress whose career spans eight decades. She made her film debut in the 1955 drama film East of Eden, and later played supporting roles in a number of movies, including Five Easy Pieces (1970), Resurrection (1980), Fatal Attraction (1987), Fried Green Tomatoes (1991), Falling Down (1993), How to Make an American Quilt (1995), Dead Man Walking (1995), Twister (1996), Minority Report (2002), The Nice Guys (2016), Lady Bird (2017), and The French Dispatch (2021).
In 2017, Smith received critical acclaim for her leading performance in the science-fiction drama film Marjorie Prime, for which she was nominated for an Independent Spirit Awards, Gotham Awards and Saturn Award, and won a Satellite Award. She has also had many roles on daytime and primetime television. She was a regular cast member in the HBO horror drama True Blood, and received a Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Guest Performer in a Drama Series nomination for The Americans.
Smith also is known for her extensive work in the theatre. A three-time Tony Award nominee, she won the 2020 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her performance in The Inheritance, becoming the oldest performer to win a Tony Award for acting. She also received Tony nominations for her performances in The Grapes of Wrath (1990) and Buried Child (1996). She starred in an acclaimed Off-Broadway revival of The Trip to Bountiful in 2005 for which she received an Obie Award for Best Actress, an Outer Critics Circle Award, a Lucille Lortel Award, and a Drama Desk Award. She is an ensemble member of Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago.
She was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 2007 for her outstanding contributions to the theatre. In 2013, she received a Lifetime Achievement Obie Award for excellence in Off-Broadway performances. She has taught, directed, and written for the stage.
Photos
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STAGE CREDITS
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]
Performer [Replacement]
[Off-Broadway]
1972
Judith Kalmus (Twas Brillig)
A Woman (So Please Be Kind)
Mother (Present Tense)
Louise Harper (Come Next Tuesday)
Awards and Nominations
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play
Lois Smith, The Inheritance
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play
Lois Smith, The Inheritance
winner
Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
Lois Smith, The Inheritance
winner
- 2016 - Legend of Off Broadway Honoree
Lois Smith
Drama League Awards - 2016 - Distinguished Performance Award
Lois Smith, John
Drama League Awards - 2016 - Distinguished Performance Award
Lois Smith, Marjorie Prime
winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Special Citation
Lois Smith
The Lortels - 2016 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play
Lois Smith, John
winner
Obie Awards - 2013 - Lifetime Achievement
Lois Smith
The Lortels - 2011 - Outstanding Featured Actress
Lois SmithAfter the Revolution
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Actress in a Play
Lois Smith, The Trip to Bountiful
winner
Obie Awards - 2006 - Performance
Lois Smith, The Trip to Bountiful
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Actress in a Play
Lois Smith, The Trip to Bountiful
winner
The Lortels - 2006 - Outstanding Lead Actress
Lois Smith, The Trip to Bountiful
Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
Lois Smith , Buried Child
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Actress - Play
Lois Smith, The Grapes of Wrath
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Actress - Play
Lois Smith, Grapes of Wrath
Tony Awards - 1990 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
Lois Smith , The Grapes of Wrath
Videos
VIDEO: Sarah Paulson Says She Almost Didn't Star in RATCHED on LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS
by Sarah Leiber - Sep 24, 2020
VIDEO: Sarah Paulson Talks About Her Love of Performing for an Audience on THE LATE SHOW
by Sarah Leiber - Sep 18, 2020
VIDEO: Tony Goldwyn, Kyle Soller, Andrew Burnap Talk THE INHERITANCE on TODAY
by Kaitlin Milligan - Jan 17, 2020
TV: Matthew Lopez & Company Explain What THE INHERITANCE is All About!
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 31, 2019
VIDEO: Watch Sarah Paulson Talk About Meeting Cher on THE TONIGHT SHOW
by Sarah Leiber - Sep 18, 2019
VIDEO: Broadway's Beanie Feldstein Discusses LADY BIRD and BFF Ben Platt
by Julie Musbach - Nov 19, 2017
VIDEO: First Look - Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts Star in New Comedy LADY BIRD
by Caryn Robbins - Sep 5, 2017
VIDEO: First Look - Patti LuPone, Robert DeNiro Star in THE COMEDIAN
by Caryn Robbins - Jan 26, 2017
TV: Betty Buckley and More in Signature Theatre's THE OLD FRIENDS - Highlights!
by BroadwayWorld TV - Sep 10, 2013
TV: Meet the Cast of THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL- Cicely Tyson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Vanessa Williams & More!
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 12, 2013
TV: Sneak Peek of Signature Theatre's HEARTLESS- Performance Highlights!
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 14, 2012
STAGE TUBE: First Look - Trailer for Disney's THE ODD LIFE OF TIMOTHY GREEN
by Caryn Robbins - May 10, 2012
STAGE TUBE: Bobby Cannavale, Eric Bogosian and David Zayas HAND TO GOD Testimonials
by James T Harding - Mar 2, 2012
STAGE TUBE: Richard Kind, Lois Smith & Dylan Baker HAND TO GOD Testimonials
by James T Harding - Mar 2, 2012
News
Cast Set For Ensemble Studio Theatre's FRANKLINLAND
Ensemble Studio Theatre will open its 56th Season with the New York premiere of FRANKLINLAND. Learn more about the full cast here!
Ensemble Studio Theatre will open its 56th Season with the New York premiere of FRANKLINLAND. Learn more about the full cast here!
TWISTER Arrives on 4K Ultra HD and Digital July 9
Twister, action-packed iconic disaster film directed by Jan de Bont (Speed) will be available for purchase on 4K Ultra HD Disc and Digital for the first time on July 9. Twister will be available to purchase on July 9 on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc from online and in-store at major retailers. Twister was nominated for two Academy Awards – Best Sound and Best Visual Effects.
Twister, action-packed iconic disaster film directed by Jan de Bont (Speed) will be available for purchase on 4K Ultra HD Disc and Digital for the first time on July 9. Twister will be available to purchase on July 9 on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc from online and in-store at major retailers. Twister was nominated for two Academy Awards – Best Sound and Best Visual Effects.
LaMaMa to Present the World Premiere of THE MULBERRY TREE in February
Directed by Alexandra Aron, The Mulberry Tree will have its world premiere at La MaMa ETC. Learn how to purchase tickets!
Directed by Alexandra Aron, The Mulberry Tree will have its world premiere at La MaMa ETC. Learn how to purchase tickets!
Jeff Cohen's SQUEAKY Will Receive Developmental Readings This Month
As part of its new Building the Box Developmental Reading Series, Out of the Box Theatrics will present readings of SQUEAKY, a poignant autobiographical comedy by Drama Desk Award winner Jeff Cohen.
As part of its new Building the Box Developmental Reading Series, Out of the Box Theatrics will present readings of SQUEAKY, a poignant autobiographical comedy by Drama Desk Award winner Jeff Cohen.
Tectonic Theater Project Returns to Laramie For Anniversary Reading of THE LARAMIE PROJECT
Original Tectonic Theater Project company members will travel back to Laramie, Wyoming to present a staged reading of their groundbreaking play, The Laramie Project to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the untimely death of Matthew Shepard (December 1, 1976 – October 12, 1998). Learn more about the reading here.
Original Tectonic Theater Project company members will travel back to Laramie, Wyoming to present a staged reading of their groundbreaking play, The Laramie Project to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the untimely death of Matthew Shepard (December 1, 1976 – October 12, 1998). Learn more about the reading here.
Photos: See Tonya Pinkins, Phylicia Rashad & More at THE COMEUPPANCE Opening Night
Check out photos from opening night of Signature Theatre's off-Broadway premiere of MacArthur Fellow Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' The Comeuppance directed by Eric Ting.
Check out photos from opening night of Signature Theatre's off-Broadway premiere of MacArthur Fellow Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' The Comeuppance directed by Eric Ting.
What Are The Smallest Parts to Win Tony Awards?
While the large majority of those who have won Tony Awards for performances on Broadway have put in significant stage time in their roles, there are a few notable exceptions. Who are the artists who impressed Tony voters so much that they won their trophies, even with relatively minimal stage time?
While the large majority of those who have won Tony Awards for performances on Broadway have put in significant stage time in their roles, there are a few notable exceptions. Who are the artists who impressed Tony voters so much that they won their trophies, even with relatively minimal stage time?
Photos: Inside Opening Night of KING JAMES at Manhattan Theatre Club
Manhattan Theatre Club is presenting the New York premiere of Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Center Theatre Group's production of King James. Check out photos from opening night!
Manhattan Theatre Club is presenting the New York premiere of Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Center Theatre Group's production of King James. Check out photos from opening night!
Chicago Theatres To Dim Lights; Hold Memorial in Honor of Late Frank Galati
Several major theatres across the Chicago-area will dim their marquees or lobby lights on the evening of Saturday, May 13, 2023 in tribute to late playwright, director, actor and educator Frank Galati, who passed away January 2, 2023 at the age of 79.
Several major theatres across the Chicago-area will dim their marquees or lobby lights on the evening of Saturday, May 13, 2023 in tribute to late playwright, director, actor and educator Frank Galati, who passed away January 2, 2023 at the age of 79.
The Actors Studio to Host Events Featuring Lois Smith & Celebrations of BIPOC Membership in May
In May, The Actors Studio will continue its 75th Anniversary celebration as the world’s most celebrated and influential membership association for professional actors, directors and playwrights.
In May, The Actors Studio will continue its 75th Anniversary celebration as the world’s most celebrated and influential membership association for professional actors, directors and playwrights.
Photos: See Stephanie Hsu, Sarah Ruhl & More at Signature Theater's Gala
See photos from Signature Theater's Gala featuring Stephanie Hsu and more.
See photos from Signature Theater's Gala featuring Stephanie Hsu and more.
Photos: Elvis Costello, Paula Vogel, And More Turn Out For LETTERS FROM MAX Opening Night At Signature Theatre!
Signature Theatre presents the world premiere production of MacArthur Fellow Sarah Ruhl's Letters From Max, directed by Kate Whoriskey, based on the book by Ruhl and Max Ritvo (Milkweed Editions), running through March 19, 2023. See photos from the show's opening night celebration featuring the show's star Jessica Hecht, rock icon Elvis Costello and more!
Signature Theatre presents the world premiere production of MacArthur Fellow Sarah Ruhl's Letters From Max, directed by Kate Whoriskey, based on the book by Ruhl and Max Ritvo (Milkweed Editions), running through March 19, 2023. See photos from the show's opening night celebration featuring the show's star Jessica Hecht, rock icon Elvis Costello and more!
Photos: Go Inside Opening Night of A BRIGHT NEW BOISE at Signature Theatre
Check out photos from opening night of A Bright New Boise at Signature Theatre!
Check out photos from opening night of A Bright New Boise at Signature Theatre!
2022 Key West Film Festival Announces Golden Key Awards for Chris Cooper and Elegance Bratton
The Key West Film Festival announced the recipients of its annual Golden Key Awards to be presented to screen legend Chris Cooper and Elegance Bratton, director of the upcoming release The Inspection. Past recipients of the award include Burt Reynolds, Marisa Tomei, Kimberly Peirce, Tom Skerritt, Lois Smith, Paul Verhoeven and Alan Cumming.
The Key West Film Festival announced the recipients of its annual Golden Key Awards to be presented to screen legend Chris Cooper and Elegance Bratton, director of the upcoming release The Inspection. Past recipients of the award include Burt Reynolds, Marisa Tomei, Kimberly Peirce, Tom Skerritt, Lois Smith, Paul Verhoeven and Alan Cumming.
Signature Theatre to Unveil 42 Street Intersection as Jim Houghton Way
On the afternoon of October 4, Signature Theatre will unveil the 42nd Street and Dyer Avenue intersection in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood as the newly co-named Jim Houghton Way, celebrating the groundbreaking company’s founder, James Houghton (1958-2016).
On the afternoon of October 4, Signature Theatre will unveil the 42nd Street and Dyer Avenue intersection in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood as the newly co-named Jim Houghton Way, celebrating the groundbreaking company’s founder, James Houghton (1958-2016).
Eugene O'Neill Theater Center Announces Final Casting for the 2022 National Playwrights Conference
The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center has announced the casts for the final two plays featured in the 2022 National Playwrights Conference: House of India by Deepak Kumar and Nightwatch by Max Yu.
The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center has announced the casts for the final two plays featured in the 2022 National Playwrights Conference: House of India by Deepak Kumar and Nightwatch by Max Yu.
Bob Gunton, John Rubinstein, & Carolyn McCormick to Star in THE SOAP MYTH in The Hamptons This Summer
Bob Gunton, a two-time Tony nominee, Drama Desk and Obie winner (Sweeney Todd, Evita, How I Got That Story) will return to the New York area stage after a thirty-year hiatus to star in the acclaimed drama The Soap Myth by Drama Desk winner Jeff Cohen Aug 10-28 at Southampton Cultural Center.
Bob Gunton, a two-time Tony nominee, Drama Desk and Obie winner (Sweeney Todd, Evita, How I Got That Story) will return to the New York area stage after a thirty-year hiatus to star in the acclaimed drama The Soap Myth by Drama Desk winner Jeff Cohen Aug 10-28 at Southampton Cultural Center.
Photos: Go Inside the 2022 New York Drama Critics' Circle Awards Ceremony!
The winners of the 2022 New York Drama Critics' Circle Awards were announced during a private ceremony on Friday, May 20 at Feinstein's/54 Below. The stars turned out for the exclusive event including Victoria Clark, LaChanze, Jeanine Tesori, David Lindsay-Abaire, Alli Mauzey, and more!
The winners of the 2022 New York Drama Critics' Circle Awards were announced during a private ceremony on Friday, May 20 at Feinstein's/54 Below. The stars turned out for the exclusive event including Victoria Clark, LaChanze, Jeanine Tesori, David Lindsay-Abaire, Alli Mauzey, and more!
Mercedes Ruehl & Harris Yulin to Star in Suffolk Theater's LOVE LETTERS By A.R. Gurney
Suffolk Theater will present Academy Award winner Mercedes Ruehl and Harris Yulin starring in a production of Love Letters, written by A.R. Gurney, directed by Harris Yulin, and produced by Josh Gladstone on Saturday, July 9 at 8PM and Sunday, July 10 at 3PM.
Suffolk Theater will present Academy Award winner Mercedes Ruehl and Harris Yulin starring in a production of Love Letters, written by A.R. Gurney, directed by Harris Yulin, and produced by Josh Gladstone on Saturday, July 9 at 8PM and Sunday, July 10 at 3PM.
New York Drama Critics' Circle Awards Will Be Announced Tomorrow
The winners of the 2022 New York Drama Critics' Circle Awards will be announced Thursday, May 12 at 6pm. The selections will be made immediately beforehand at the organization's 86th annual voting meeting.
The winners of the 2022 New York Drama Critics' Circle Awards will be announced Thursday, May 12 at 6pm. The selections will be made immediately beforehand at the organization's 86th annual voting meeting.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Lois Smith been in?
Lois Smith has appeared on Broadway in 11 shows.
How many West End shows has Lois Smith been in?
Lois Smith has not appeared in the West End.
What awards has Lois Smith been nominated for?
Lois Smith has received several nominations and honors throughout her career. She was nominated for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for The Inheritance, as well as for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Inheritance. Smith also received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for The Inheritance. Additionally, she was recognized as a Legend of Off Broadway. Her other nominations include the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards for John, and again for Marjorie Prime. She received a Special Citation from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards. Smith was nominated for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play at The Lortels for John, and she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Obie Awards. Furthermore, she was nominated for Outstanding Featured Actress at The Lortels for After the Revolution, and for Outstanding Actress in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for The Trip to Bountiful. She also received an Obie Award for Performance in The Trip to Bountiful, and was nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for the same production. Smith was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress at The Lortels for The Trip to Bountiful, and for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for Buried Child. Lastly, she received nominations for Best Actress - Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Grapes of Wrath, and for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for The Grapes of Wrath.
What awards has Lois Smith won?
Lois Smith has received several prestigious awards throughout her career. She won Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for The Inheritance, as well as Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for the same production. Additionally, she earned the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for The Inheritance. Smith was honored as a Legend of Off Broadway and received a Special Citation from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards. She also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Obie Awards. For her performance in The Trip to Bountiful, she won Outstanding Actress in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards, received an Obie Award for Performance, and was recognized as Outstanding Actress in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards. Furthermore, she won Outstanding Lead Actress at The Lortels for The Trip to Bountiful.
Videos