Yeardley Smith - The Voice Behind Lisa Simpson
Yeardley Smith, you know, is perhaps one of those famous faces that you might not immediately recognize, yet her voice is, in some respects, known by millions across the entire world. She is, as a matter of fact, the truly distinctive sound behind Lisa Simpson, a character on the very long-running and widely watched television program, "The Simpsons." For over three decades, she has been the person giving life to this beloved animated figure, making her a household name, or at least a household sound, for generations of viewers.
Her work as Lisa Simpson is, quite literally, a cornerstone of popular culture, but her professional journey is much more varied than just this single, iconic role. She has, you know, also appeared in a good number of movies, various television productions, and even live stage performances. Just recently, she also found a new life partner, a person who used to be a detective, whom she met at an event related to "The Simpsons," which is, you know, a pretty unique way to connect with someone.
Ms. Smith's story begins, actually, far from the bright lights of Hollywood or the animated world of Springfield. She was, you know, born in Paris, France, and then spent her younger years growing up in Washington, D.C. After she completed her formal training at a drama school, she started her professional career as an actor in the early 1980s, setting the stage, so to speak, for the remarkable path she would follow.
Table of Contents
- Who is Yeardley Smith?
- Yeardley Smith's Acting Path
- How Did Yeardley Smith Get Her Start?
- Yeardley Smith - Beyond the Booth
- What's Yeardley Smith's Personal Side Like?
- Yeardley Smith's Financial Picture
- What Awards Has Yeardley Smith Received?
- What is Yeardley Smith's Net Worth?
- The Public Face of Yeardley Smith
Who is Yeardley Smith?
Yeardley Smith, whose full birth name is Martha Maria Yeardley Smith, is, you know, a well-known American performer, an individual who also creates art, and someone who writes. She was born on the third day of July in 1964, making her a summer child, so to speak. She is, of course, most widely recognized for providing the voice of Lisa Simpson, a character she has portrayed for a very long time on "The Simpsons."
Her beginnings are, you know, quite interesting, starting in a different country altogether. She first arrived in the world in Paris, France. However, her upbringing, where she spent her formative years, was primarily in Washington, D.C., located in the United States. She is, in fact, the daughter of some rather interesting people. Her father, Joseph Yeardley Smith, was, you know, a well-regarded editor for obituaries at The Washington Post for many years. Her mother, Martha Mayor, was, you know, someone who worked to preserve paper documents for the Freer and Sackler Galleries, which are part of the Smithsonian Institution, a very respected place.
She began her professional acting life after finishing her studies at a drama school in 1982. This was, you know, the beginning of a career that would see her take on a variety of roles, though one would certainly stand out more than any other. She is, pretty much, a voice specialist, someone who uses her vocal abilities to bring characters to life, which is a rather unique skill to have.
Personal Details and Bio Data of Yeardley Smith
| Full Name | Martha Maria Yeardley Smith |
| Born | July 3, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Paris, France |
| Raised In | Washington, D.C., USA |
| Occupation | Actress, Artist, Writer, Voice Specialist |
| Known For | Voice of Lisa Simpson (and Maggie Simpson) on The Simpsons |
| Parents | Joseph Yeardley Smith (father), Martha Mayor (mother) |
| Spouse | Former detective (name not specified in source) |
| Estimated Net Worth (as of 2019) | $65 million |
| Estimated Salary (as of 2019) | Around $300k |
| Age (as of early 2019) | 54 years |
Yeardley Smith's Acting Path
The acting path for Yeardley Smith, you know, really started to take shape after she completed her formal education in drama. She became a professional performer in 1982, which means she's been working in the entertainment business for quite a while now. Before she became the iconic voice we all recognize, she was, in fact, busy performing in various places, honing her abilities.
She has, as a matter of fact, spoken about her early days performing in regional theaters around the Washington, D.C., area. These were, you know, important steps in her development as an actor, giving her a chance to work on her craft in front of live audiences. It's interesting to consider how these experiences shaped her before she moved on to bigger stages.
After her time in D.C., she made the move to New York City, which is, you know, a major hub for theater. It was there that she made her very first appearance on Broadway, which is a pretty big deal for any performer. This debut was in a play called "The Real Thing," which was written by Tom Stoppard and put on by a well-known director, Mike Nichols. This, you know, really shows the caliber of work she was doing even early on in her career.
Following her stage work, Ms. Smith, you know, made a number of appearances on television. These were, you know, different roles that she took on before she eventually landed the part that would change her career forever. These experiences, in a way, prepared her for the unique demands of voice acting and the sustained commitment required for a long-running series like "The Simpsons."
How Did Yeardley Smith Get Her Start?
So, how did Yeardley Smith actually get her start in the performing world? Well, it began, as we know, after she finished her drama school training in 1982, which set her on a professional course. She wasn't just, you know, handed a big role right away; she worked her way up through various opportunities.
She spent time, as a matter of fact, performing in regional theaters in Washington, D.C., which is, you know, a good place to gain experience. These early roles allowed her to develop her skills and presence on stage. From there, she made the significant move to New York, a city that, you know, offers many more chances for actors.
Her Broadway debut in "The Real Thing" was, you know, a pretty important milestone. Working with someone like Mike Nichols, a very respected director, suggests that even early on, her talent was recognized. She then, you know, took on various roles in television, building up her resume and getting more exposure before the big opportunity came knocking. This progression, from regional theater to Broadway and then television, is, you know, a fairly typical path for many performers.
Yeardley Smith - Beyond the Booth
While many know Yeardley Smith primarily for her voice work, especially as Lisa Simpson, her life, you know, extends far beyond the recording booth. She is, as a matter of fact, a person with a rich personal life, including her relationships and her own thoughts on her public and private self. It's quite interesting to consider how someone so recognizable by voice can, you know, maintain a sense of privacy.
One of the more recent pieces of news about her personal life is, you know, her marriage. She met her husband, who was, as a matter of fact, a former detective, at an event related to "The Simpsons" in Oregon. This is, you know, a rather charming story of how personal connections can happen in unexpected places, even at fan gatherings for a television show. It seems, too, that she recently tied the knot, and her and her husband have, you know, quite the unique story of how they came to be together.
Before this, Ms. Smith was, you know, married previously. She and her former partner were separated in 1992, with the reason given as "irreconcilable differences," which is, you know, a common way to describe situations where people just can't make things work out. This shows, in a way, that her life has had its share of ups and downs, just like anyone else's.
In a 1997 interview with a publication called The Daily Targum, Ms. Smith, you know, shared some insights into her own personality. She mentioned that she sees herself as a rather shy person. However, she also said that she has an "extroverted persona" which she can, you know, call upon when she needs to, particularly in her professional life. She also described herself as a "private actress," meaning she prefers to keep her personal life somewhat separate from her public image, which is, you know, understandable for someone in her position.
What's Yeardley Smith's Personal Side Like?
So, what is Yeardley Smith's personal side like, beyond the characters she plays? Well, as a matter of fact, she's shared some thoughts on this herself. She has, you know, described herself as someone who is naturally quiet, which might surprise some given her very public role. Yet, she also possesses, you know, a more outgoing side that she can use when necessary, especially for her work.
Her relationships are, you know, a part of her personal story. She was previously married, and that partnership ended in 1992. More recently, she found love again, meeting her current husband, who used to be a detective, at a "Simpsons" event. This kind of meeting is, you know, pretty memorable and shows that life can bring surprises. She has, you know, talked about her life both within and outside the animated world, suggesting she has a perspective on balancing these different aspects of her existence.
The fact that she considers herself a "private actress" is, you know, quite telling. It means she makes a conscious effort to keep her personal affairs somewhat out of the public eye, even though her voice is recognized by so many. This desire for personal space is, you know, something many public figures seek, and it seems Ms. Smith has managed to maintain a good degree of it.
Yeardley Smith's Financial Picture
Many people are, you know, often curious about the financial standing of well-known personalities, and Yeardley Smith is no exception. Her long and successful career, particularly her enduring role on "The Simpsons," has, as a matter of fact, certainly contributed to her financial well-being. It's, you know, a testament to the value of consistent work in a popular and lasting production.
As of 2019, which is the most recent information available, the estimated wealth of actress Yeardley Smith was, you know, quite substantial. Her net worth, which is what she has accumulated over time, was thought to be around sixty-five million dollars. This figure, you know, places her among the higher earners in the entertainment business, especially for a voice performer.
In terms of her yearly earnings, her salary was, you know, estimated to be about three hundred thousand dollars. This amount, as a matter of fact, reflects her ongoing contribution to "The Simpsons" and likely other projects she takes on. It's, you know, a good indicator of the consistent income she receives for her specialized skills and long-standing role.
What Awards Has Yeardley Smith Received?
So, what awards has Yeardley Smith actually received for her work? While the source text doesn't list a comprehensive collection of her accolades, it does, you know, highlight a very significant one. She won a Primetime Emmy for her voice work, which is, you know, a highly respected award in the television industry.
Winning an Emmy for voice work is, you know, a pretty big achievement, as it recognizes the skill and artistry required to bring animated characters to life purely through sound. This award, as a matter of fact, underscores the quality of her performance as Lisa Simpson, a role that, you know, requires a lot of emotional range and consistency.
What is Yeardley Smith's Net Worth?
Many people, you know, often wonder about the financial details of public figures. So, what is Yeardley Smith's net worth? As of 2019, her estimated total wealth was, you know, around sixty-five million dollars. This figure, as a matter of fact, represents her accumulated earnings and assets from her long career in acting.
Her salary, which is what she earns on a regular basis, was, you know, estimated to be about three hundred thousand dollars annually around the same time
Yeardley Smith - Actress, Writer, Artist
Yeardley Smith attends the 25th annual EMA Awards hosted by the
The Simpsons 500th Episode Ultimate Fan Challenge Kick Off Photos and
