Alexis Smith (hardback)

Alexis Smith

by Peter Shelley

246 pages

6x9 size

ISBN 9798887714509

Alexis Smith (June 8, 1921 – June 9, 1993) was an American star of film, television, theatre, and radio. Born in Canada, she grew up in Los Angeles and was a professional dancer. She also studied acting and was discovered in a college production by a Warner Bros. scout. Signed to a long-term contract Smith spent nine years playing supporting parts, appearing three times with Errol Flynn, twice with Humphrey Bogart, and with Cary Grant in Night And Day.  During this time, she also met fellow actor Craig Stevens whom she married in 1944 and stayed with until her death. In the 1950s and 1960s Smith freelanced, appearing in her only leading role in film in Undercover Girl for Universal, on television and in theatre in summer stock. In 1970 she was cast in the leading role in the musical Follies which earned her the Tony Award for Best Actress. The acclaim revived Smith’s career and she continued in theatre roles, films, and television including a guest spot on Cheers which earned her an Emmy Award nomination.  Her last film appearance was in Martin Scorsese’s The Age Of Innocence which was released posthumously.

Peter Shelley is a playwright, screenwriter, and author of sixteen film books. He lives in Gosford, Australia.