40 Facts About Yeardley Smith

Early Life and Background

Yeardley Smith, best known as the voice of Lisa Simpson, has a fascinating background that shaped her into the versatile artist she is today.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born Martha Maria Yeardley Smith on July 3, 1964, in Paris, France, her father worked as a correspondent with UPI. By age two, her family moved to Washington, D.C., where she grew up.

2. Unique Name: Pronounced "Yard-lee," her first name often led to teasing during her childhood due to its unusualness.

3. Shy and Introverted: Despite her extroverted persona, Yeardley described herself as shy and introverted, especially as a child.

Career Beginnings

From a young age, Yeardley showed a passion for acting, which led her to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

4. Early Career: She began acting as a teenager at a local dinner theater, playing "Tinkerbell" in a musical adaptation of Peter Pan.

5. Education: After high school, she apprenticed at the Arena Stage before moving to New York City for bigger opportunities.

6. Broadway Debut: She understudied the role of "Debbie" in Tom Stoppard's The Real Thing on Broadway, later taking over the part for eight months.

Transition to Film and Television

Yeardley's talent soon caught the attention of filmmakers and television producers, leading to various roles.

7. Film Debut: She made her film debut in 1985 with Heaven Help Us and followed it up with roles in The Legend of Billie Jean and Maximum Overdrive.

8. Move to Los Angeles: In 1986, she moved to Los Angeles and took a recurring role in the television series Brothers.

The Simpsons and Iconic Role

Yeardley's most iconic role came when she joined the cast of The Simpsons.

9. Auditioning for The Simpsons: Initially auditioning for Bart Simpson, her high-pitched voice landed her the role of Lisa Simpson.

10. The Tracey Ullman Show: She voiced Lisa Simpson on The Tracey Ullman Show for three seasons before the character was spun off into The Simpsons in 1989.

11. Primetime Emmy Award: For her work as Lisa Simpson, Yeardley received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance in 1992.

Other Television Roles

Yeardley continued to showcase her versatility through various television roles.

12. Herman's Head: She played Louise on Herman's Head for three seasons, demonstrating her range in television roles.

13. Dharma & Greg: Yeardley had recurring appearances as Marlene on Dharma & Greg, further showcasing her sitcom skills.

14. Murphy Brown: She made guest appearances on Murphy Brown, Empty Nest, and Mama's Family, highlighting her adaptability.

Film Appearances

Beyond television, Yeardley also made her mark in films.

15. City Slickers: She appeared in City Slickers, a comedy film that showcased her acting skills beyond voice work.

16. Just Write: She starred in Just Write, exploring different facets of her acting career.

17. Toys: Her role in Toys demonstrated her ability to handle both comedic and dramatic parts.

18. As Good as It Gets: Her appearance in As Good as It Gets further solidified her position as a versatile actress.

Personal Projects and Interests

Yeardley has pursued various personal projects and interests outside of acting.

19. Off-Broadway Show: In 2004, she performed her own off-Broadway one-woman show titled More at the Union Square Theatre in New York City.

20. Waiting for Ophelia: She starred in and served as executive producer for the independent comedy Waiting for Ophelia, which premiered at the Phoenix Film Festival in April 2009.

21. Philanthropy: Actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, she advocates for animal rights and supports organizations like PETA.

22. Children's Book Author: Yeardley wrote a children's book titled I, Lorelei, published by HarperCollins in February 2009.

23. Painting: During the first season of Herman's Head, she taught herself to paint by copying other artists, showcasing her artistic side.

24. Marchez Vous: In 2011, she launched a women's shoe line called Marchez Vous, reflecting her entrepreneurial spirit.

Podcasting and New Media

Yeardley has embraced new media, particularly podcasting, to reach new audiences.

25. Podcasting: She co-hosts the true-crime podcast Small Town Dicks, delving into gripping stories of crime in small towns.

26. Small Victories Podcast: Additionally, she hosts her own podcast called Small Victories, discussing small but meaningful triumphs in life and sharing inspiring stories.

Awards and Recognition

Yeardley's work has earned her numerous awards and recognition.

27. Awards and Recognition: Beyond her Emmy Award, she has received multiple awards and nominations for her exceptional voice acting as Lisa Simpson.

Personal Life

Yeardley's personal life has seen its share of ups and downs, but she remains a resilient figure.

28. Personal Life: She has been married twice: first to actor Christopher Grove from 1990 to 1992, and then to Daniel Erickson from 2002 to 2008. She married Detective Dan Grice in 2022.

29. Health Issues: Yeardley has been open about her struggles with bulimia during her teenage years, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness.

30. Political Views: A lifelong Democrat, she has been vocal about her political views, including advocating for gun control and gay rights.

Legacy and Impact

Yeardley's contributions to entertainment and beyond have left a lasting legacy.

31. The Simpsons Ride: In 2008, she voiced Lisa Simpson in The Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood, further cementing her association with the character.

32. Harmontown Appearance: She made a special guest appearance on Harmontown in 2019, showcasing her ability to adapt to different media formats.

33. Jensen and Holes: The Murder Squad Guest: Yeardley appeared as a special guest on Jensen and Holes: The Murder Squad in January 2020, highlighting her interest in true crime stories.

34. I Said No Gifts Guest: She made a special guest appearance on I Said No Gifts in June 2021, demonstrating her willingness to engage with various audiences.

35. The Adam Carolla Show Guest: Yeardley appeared as a special guest on The Adam Carolla Show in March 2022, further expanding her reach in the entertainment industry.

Family and Personal Traits

Yeardley's family background and personal traits have also played a role in shaping her career.

36. Family Background: Her father, J.Y. Smith, was a longtime obituary writer for The Washington Post and passed away in 2006.

37. Height and Physical Appearance: Standing at 5'3" (1.60 m), she has often been described as having a distinctive look and child-like nasal tones.

38. Core 6 The Simpsons Performers: Among the core six performers of The Simpsons, Yeardley is the youngest, having joined the cast at a relatively young age.

39. Unique Voice Characteristics: Her high-pitched voice was initially considered too high for the role of Bart Simpson but proved perfect for Lisa Simpson, showcasing her unique vocal abilities.

40. Legacy and Impact: With over three decades of voicing Lisa Simpson, Yeardley has left an indelible mark on television history, making her one of the most recognizable voices in the entertainment industry.

Yeardley Smith's Lasting Impact

Yeardley Smith's journey from a shy child to a celebrated actress and voice artist is truly inspiring. Best known for voicing Lisa Simpson on The Simpsons, her unique talents have left an indelible mark on television history. Beyond her iconic role, Yeardley has showcased her versatility through various acting gigs, writing, painting, and even launching a shoe line. Her dedication to philanthropy, especially animal rights, adds another layer to her multifaceted career. With over three decades in the industry, Yeardley continues to captivate audiences and inspire new generations. Her story is a testament to perseverance, creativity, and the power of embracing one's unique voice. Whether through her acting, writing, or philanthropic efforts, Yeardley Smith remains a beloved figure in entertainment, proving that true talent knows no bounds.