Alexis Smith
Alexis Smith, born Gladys Smith, on June 8, 1921, in Penticton, British Columbia, Canada, was a Canadian-American actress who achieved success in both film and theater. Known for her elegance, poise, and versatile performances, Smith enjoyed a career that spanned several decades, making a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Smith began her career on Broadway in the early 1940s, gaining attention for her role in the play "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." Her success on stage led to a contract with Warner Bros. Pictures, where she made her film debut in 1941's "Here Comes Mr. Jordan." She quickly established herself as a talented and versatile actress, appearing in a variety of genres, including musicals, comedies, dramas, and film noir.
In the 1940s and 1950s, Smith made notable contributions to the film noir genre. Her roles in films like "The Two Mrs. Carrolls" (1947) and "Whiplash" (1948) showcased her ability to portray complex and alluring characters, adding depth to the noir atmosphere. While she may not have been as closely associated with the genre as some of her contemporaries, her performances in these films demonstrated her versatility and range as an actress.
Outside of film, Smith continued to shine on stage and television. She returned to Broadway throughout her career, starring in productions such as "Follies" and "Platinum." On television, Smith made numerous appearances, including guest roles on popular shows like "The Twilight Zone" and "Dallas."
Over the course of her career, Alexis Smith worked with many renowned directors and actors, including Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable, and Bette Davis. Her filmography includes notable films such as "Night and Day" (1946), "Conflict" (1945), and "The Young Philadelphians" (1959).
Off-screen, Smith had a private personal life. She was married to actor Craig Stevens from 1944 until her death in 1993. They were known for their strong and enduring partnership.
Alexis Smith's talent, elegance, and versatility made her a respected and admired actress in both film and theater. Her contributions to various genres, including film noir, showcased her ability to bring depth and complexity to her characters. Smith's legacy lives on through her memorable performances and her enduring impact on the entertainment industry.
Smith began her career on Broadway in the early 1940s, gaining attention for her role in the play "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." Her success on stage led to a contract with Warner Bros. Pictures, where she made her film debut in 1941's "Here Comes Mr. Jordan." She quickly established herself as a talented and versatile actress, appearing in a variety of genres, including musicals, comedies, dramas, and film noir.
In the 1940s and 1950s, Smith made notable contributions to the film noir genre. Her roles in films like "The Two Mrs. Carrolls" (1947) and "Whiplash" (1948) showcased her ability to portray complex and alluring characters, adding depth to the noir atmosphere. While she may not have been as closely associated with the genre as some of her contemporaries, her performances in these films demonstrated her versatility and range as an actress.
Outside of film, Smith continued to shine on stage and television. She returned to Broadway throughout her career, starring in productions such as "Follies" and "Platinum." On television, Smith made numerous appearances, including guest roles on popular shows like "The Twilight Zone" and "Dallas."
Over the course of her career, Alexis Smith worked with many renowned directors and actors, including Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable, and Bette Davis. Her filmography includes notable films such as "Night and Day" (1946), "Conflict" (1945), and "The Young Philadelphians" (1959).
Off-screen, Smith had a private personal life. She was married to actor Craig Stevens from 1944 until her death in 1993. They were known for their strong and enduring partnership.
Alexis Smith's talent, elegance, and versatility made her a respected and admired actress in both film and theater. Her contributions to various genres, including film noir, showcased her ability to bring depth and complexity to her characters. Smith's legacy lives on through her memorable performances and her enduring impact on the entertainment industry.
QUOTES:
“When a person is judged, his or her accomplishments should be considered first. The performance of a person’s life must be focused upon. The chronological is of minor consequence. Years are like dollar signs. They indicate a preoccupation with numbers. People are not numbers.”
“When they tell me one of my old movies is on TV, I don’t look at it.”
"There are so many more interesting things to think about than whether Ida Lupino or Jane Wyman got the roles I should have gotten."
— Alexis Smith
TRIVIA:
In her final years she and husband Craig Stevens lived in the West Hollywood house formerly owned by Loretta Young. The living room still had the big white doors that Young had used for her entrances on her TV series.
A star of Hollywood's Golden Age, neither she nor husband Craig Stevens were ever awarded a "star" on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Signed by Warner Brothers after being seen in a college drama production, she was subsequently billed as "The Dynamite Girl" and "The Flame Girl" in promotional articles.
In her final years she and husband Craig Stevens lived in the West Hollywood house formerly owned by Loretta Young. The living room still had the big white doors that Young had used for her entrances on her TV series.
A star of Hollywood's Golden Age, neither she nor husband Craig Stevens were ever awarded a "star" on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Signed by Warner Brothers after being seen in a college drama production, she was subsequently billed as "The Dynamite Girl" and "The Flame Girl" in promotional articles.
In her final years she and husband Craig Stevens lived in the West Hollywood house formerly owned by Loretta Young. The living room still had the big white doors that Young had used for her entrances on her TV series.
