I first really noticed Lois Smith in the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, Skylark, which was the second of two Sarah, Plain and Tall movies starring Glenn Close and Christopher Walken (another two of my favorites). After I knew who she was, I saw her everywhere.
My favorite Lois Smith movies (so far) are Skylark, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Twister. Minority Report wasn't one of my favorite movies but despite her brief appearance in that movie, I was seriously disappointed when she was not nominated for an Academy Award. She was brilliant in that movie -- mysterious and surprising. I had mostly seen her in more ... up-front roles -- what you see is what you get.
In the Courant article, Lois Smith talked about how she is grateful that she's had a very versatile career but sometimes hears people say that she plays "rural American" parts, when anyone who has followed her knows she is capable of playing more urban roles. Green Card is one example. Or Aunt Betsy on One Life to Live. (You knew I'd bring that show up somehow, didn't you?)
I was happy to read about Lois Smith, her current play, and the history of her career. She is a truly fascinating actress and I am so glad that she is very appreciated.
On a side note, Connecticut is a great place to see plays. That is where I saw Tea at Five -- a play about Katharine Hepburn starring Kate Mulgrew. (Mulgrew is another one of those actresses you'd probably recognize but might not know the name of. Look her up! Coincidentally, Mulgrew and Smith have worked together at least once -- in the reading of a play.) Frank Rizzo, who wrote the article about Lois Smith, has a blog -- "Behind the Curtain" on Connecticut's Stages.
Check out "The Multidimensional Career of Lois Smith," by Frank Rizzo, Hartford Courant, January 10.
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