Liz Smith - Actor Profile

Liz Smith

Acting
Updated: May 09, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Dec 11, 1921
Birth Place: Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, England, UK

About Liz Smith

Betty Gleadle (December 11, 1921 – December 24, 2016), known by the stage name Liz Smith, was an English character actress, known for her roles in BBC sitcoms, including as Annie Brandon in I Didn't Know You Cared (1975–1979), the sisters Bette and Belle in 2point4 Children (1991–1999), Letitia Cropley in The Vicar of Dibley (1994–1996) and Norma Speakman ("Nana") in The Royle Family (1998–2000, 2006). She also played Zillah in Lark Rise to Candleford (2008) and won the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for the 1984 film A Private Function.

Liz Smith Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Liz Smith reflects a strong mix of popular and critically appreciated roles. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Liz Smith's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 70% of Liz Smith's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains An Evening with Lily Savage, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Liz Smith Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Liz Smith's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Liz Smith has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2010 The Royle Family: Behind the Sofa Self Super Hit Similar →
2008 City of Ember Granny Average Similar →
2006 The Magic Flute The Old Papagena Average Similar →
2005 Keeping Mum Mrs. Parker Hit Similar →
2005 Oliver Twist Old Woman Hit Similar →
2005 Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit Mrs. Mulch (voice) Hit Similar →
2005 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Grandma Georgina Hit Similar →
2004 Nero Soothsayer Average Similar →
2002 A Good Thief Lizzie Hit Similar →
2001 The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby Peg Sliderskew Super Hit Similar →
2000 Donovan Quick Granny Average Similar →
2000 A Christmas Carol Joyce Hit Similar →
1999 A Christmas Carol Mrs. Dilber Hit Similar →
1999 Tom's Midnight Garden Mrs Willows Average Similar →
1999 Alice in Wonderland Miss Lory Average Similar →
1998 Wife of Bath Hag Hit Similar →
1998 Anthrakitis Dolly Super Hit Similar →
1997 Keep the Aspidistra Flying Mrs Meakin Average Similar →
1996 An Evening with Lily Savage Self - Audience Member Super Hit Similar →
1996 Secrets & Lies Woman with Cat Super Hit Similar →
1995 Haunted Old gypsy woman Average Similar →
1994 Doggin' Around Mrs. Thompson Hit Similar →
1991 Nona Anyula Super Hit Similar →
1990 Sing! Sesame Street Remembers Joe Raposo and His Music Self Super Hit Similar →
1990 Drowning in the Shallow End Agent Hit Similar →
1989 The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover Grace Hit Similar →
1989 Apartment Zero Mary Louise McKinney Hit Similar →
1989 Words of Love Gran Super Hit Similar →
1988 We Think the World of You Millie Average Similar →
1988 High Spirits Mrs. Plunkett Average Similar →
1988 Jake's Journey Witch Hit Similar →
1987 When We Are Married Mrs Northrop Hit Similar →
1987 Little Dorrit Mrs. Bangham Average Similar →
1984 A Private Function Mother Hit Similar →
1984 A Christmas Carol Mrs. Dilber Super Hit Similar →
1983 Separate Tables Miss Meacham Hit Similar →
1982 Crystal Gazing Lady in Pub Hit Similar →
1982 Mike Leigh: Making Plays Self (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
1982 Britannia Hospital Maisie Average Similar →
1981 The French Lieutenant's Woman Mrs. Fairley Hit Similar →
1980 Sir Henry at Rawlinson End Lady Phillipa of Staines Hit Similar →
1979 Agatha Flora Average Similar →
1977 The Testing of Eric Olthwaite Mrs. Bag Super Hit Similar →
1977 The Duellists Fortune Teller Hit Similar →
1976 The Hunchback of Notre Dame La Falourdel Average Similar →
1976 It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet Mrs. Dodds Super Hit Similar →
1975 It's a Lovely Day Tomorrow Vi Bell Super Hit Similar →
1973 Jack Point Mrs. Matthews Super Hit Similar →
1973 Hard Labour Mrs. Thornley Hit Similar →
1971 Bleak Moments Pat's Mother Average Similar →

Liz Smith - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Liz Smith?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Liz Smith is "An Evening with Lily Savage" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Liz Smith acted in?

Liz Smith has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Liz Smith?

Other notable films include "Anthrakitis", "Sing! Sesame Street Remembers Joe Raposo and His Music", and "Words of Love".

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