Liz Smith's journey to stardom was a long and winding one, marked by struggles and setbacks. Born Betty Gleadle in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, her early life was marred by tragedy when her mother died in childbirth and her father abandoned her.
Despite these difficulties, Smith found solace in the world of acting. She began performing in local dramatic productions at the age of nine, often taking on the role of elderly ladies. World War II intervened, and Smith joined the WRNS, where she continued to act in plays and entertainments.
After the war, Smith married Jack Thomas and had two children, but the marriage ended in divorce, leaving her to raise her children alone. With limited financial resources, Smith worked a series of jobs, including delivering post and quality control in a plastic bag factory.
However, she never lost her love for acting. She began sending her photograph to casting agents and eventually landed a role in a group studying method acting under a teacher from America. She performed at the Gate Theatre in West London and spent many years in repertory, as well as spells as an entertainer in Butlins holiday camps.
In 1970, Smith received a call from director Mike Leigh to play the downtrodden mother in his film "Bleak Moments". The role marked a breakthrough for Smith, and she went on to receive critical acclaim for her performances in a number of TV programs, including "Last of the Summer Wine", "The Sweeney", and "The Duchess of Duke Street".
Smith's big break came in 1984 when she received a Bafta for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Maggie Smith's mother in the film "A Private Function". She went on to appear in a number of films, including "The Curse of the Pink Panther" and "The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover".
In the 1990s, Smith became a household name with her portrayal of Letitia Cropley in the series "The Vicar of Dibley" and Nana in "The Royle Family". She continued to act well into her 80s, appearing in films such as "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit".
Smith published her autobiography, "Our Betty", in 2006 and moved into a retirement home in north London. She continued to act, appearing in the BBC's "Lark Rise to Candleford" and announcing her retirement in 2008 at the age of 87.
Despite her success, Smith remained humble and grounded, crediting her talent and good fortune for her achievements. She passed away on Christmas Eve 2016 at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy as one of Britain's most beloved and enduring actresses.
