Few voices in pop culture are as instantly recognizable as that of Yeardley Smith, the talented American actress best known for bringing the beloved Lisa Simpson to life on the long-running animated series The Simpsons. Beyond her iconic voice work, Smith has built an impressive career as an actress, writer, producer, and advocate, making her one of the most multifaceted performers in Hollywood.

Quick Bio

Full Name	Martha Maria Yeardley Smith
Date of Birth	July 3, 1964
Age (as of 2025)	61 years old
Place of Birth	Paris, France
Nationality	American
Profession	Actress, Voice Artist, Writer, Producer
Famous Role	Voice of Lisa Simpson in The Simpsons
Education	Saint Albans School, Washington, D.C.
Marital Status	Married to Dan Grice
Residence	Los Angeles, California
Years Active	1982–present

Early Life and Background

Yeardley Smith was born on July 3, 1964, in Paris, France, where her father worked as a journalist for United Press International. Her family moved to Washington, D.C., when she was a young child, and it was there that she spent most of her upbringing. Growing up, Smith was known for her distinct voice, which she often felt self-conscious about — a voice that would later become her greatest asset. Her mother, a paper conservator at the Smithsonian Institution, encouraged her creativity, while her father’s international career inspired a deep appreciation for storytelling and the arts. This supportive family environment helped shape her love for performance from an early age.

Age and Current Life

As of 2025, Yeardley Smith is 61 years old, yet her energy and passion for her craft remain as strong as ever. She continues to live in Los Angeles, California, where she balances a dynamic career in entertainment with personal projects and advocacy work. Even after decades in Hollywood, Smith maintains an active role both behind and in front of the camera. Her timeless enthusiasm and sense of humor have made her not only a familiar voice but also a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Education and Early Interests

From an early age, Yeardley Smith showed an interest in the arts. She attended Saint Albans School in Washington, D.C., where she was known for her creativity and quick wit. Although she initially struggled with shyness, she found confidence through acting. Smith began performing in school plays and community theater, which nurtured her love for the stage. Her passion for acting grew so strong that she decided to pursue it professionally after finishing her education. This early commitment to performance would eventually open the door to one of television’s most iconic roles.

Start of Acting Career

Yeardley Smith began her professional acting career on the stage. Her first major role came when she appeared in the play Tom Stoppard’s The Real Thing on Broadway. The experience honed her acting skills and gave her a solid foundation for screen acting. In the mid-1980s, Smith transitioned to film and television. She appeared in movies such as Heaven Help Us (1985), Maximum Overdrive (1986), and The Legend of Billie Jean (1985). Her early performances displayed her versatility and charm, even before her breakthrough as a voice actress.

Rise to Fame with The Simpsons

The turning point in Yeardley Smith’s career came in 1987 when she auditioned for a new animated sketch series on The Tracey Ullman Show. Originally, she tried out for the part of Bart Simpson but was told her voice was “too girlish.” Instead, she was cast as Lisa Simpson, a character that would define her career and become a global cultural icon. When The Simpsons spun off into its own series in 1989, Smith’s portrayal of Lisa — the intelligent, compassionate, and socially aware daughter of the Simpson family — resonated deeply with audiences. Her emotional depth and subtle humor brought Lisa to life in ways that made her one of television’s most beloved animated characters. The show became a worldwide phenomenon, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards. Through her role, Yeardley Smith helped shape one of the most influential TV series in history, and her voice became synonymous with sincerity and intellect.

Other Acting Roles and Career Highlights

While The Simpsons has defined much of her career, Yeardley Smith has worked extensively in other areas of entertainment. She has appeared in several television shows, including Dharma & Greg, Herman’s Head, and The Big Bang Theory. Her film credits include As Good as It Gets (1997) and City Slickers (1991), where her performances showcased her comedic timing and emotional range. Smith has also lent her voice to other animated projects and has taken on writing and producing roles. Over the years, she’s received critical recognition for her work, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance for The Simpsons.

Yeardley Smith as a Producer and Writer

Beyond acting, Yeardley Smith has made her mark as a producer and writer. She co-created and co-hosts the hit true-crime podcast Small Town Dicks, where she explores real-life crime stories alongside detectives. The podcast has gained millions of listeners for its thoughtful and empathetic storytelling. Smith has also been involved in producing independent films and has written personal essays and scripts that reflect her wit and insight. Her creative ventures beyond acting reveal her depth as a storyteller and her commitment to meaningful content creation.

Physical Appearance and Personal Style

Yeardley Smith stands at approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall and is known for her expressive face, bright smile, and confident presence. Her distinctive voice, combined with her lively personality, makes her instantly recognizable. She often appears in elegant yet understated fashion choices, preferring a polished and classic look that complements her personality. Whether on the red carpet or behind a microphone, Smith carries herself with grace, humor, and authenticity — qualities that make her stand out both as a performer and as a person.

Personal Life and Relationships

Yeardley Smith has had an interesting journey in her personal life. She has been married twice; her current husband is Dan Grice, a former detective she met under unusual circumstances — when he was assigned as her security detail during a public event. The two married in 2019, and she often shares her happiness and gratitude for their relationship.

Outside of her marriage, Smith is deeply passionate about animal welfare and personal growth. She has been open about her struggles and triumphs, using her platform to encourage authenticity and emotional honesty.

Philanthropy and Advocacy

In addition to her entertainment career, Yeardley Smith is committed to philanthropy and advocacy. She supports causes related to animal rights, education, and mental health awareness. Through her podcast and social initiatives, she promotes empathy, justice, and understanding. Her activism is rooted in the same compassion that defines Lisa Simpson — the character who has become a voice for reason, intelligence, and kindness for millions around the world.

Legacy and Influence in Entertainment

The legacy of Yeardley Smith is undeniable. As the voice of Lisa Simpson, she has inspired generations of viewers, especially young women, to embrace intelligence, independence, and compassion. Her ability to infuse depth and humanity into an animated character has made Lisa one of the most iconic figures in television history. Smith’s influence extends beyond her role on The Simpsons — she has shown that voice actors can be just as vital and celebrated as on-screen performers. Her long-standing success proves her versatility and dedication to storytelling in all its forms.

Recent Projects and Future Plans

In recent years, Yeardley Smith has continued to explore new creative paths. Her podcast Small Town Dicks remains a popular true-crime series, and she continues to work on The Simpsons, which shows no signs of slowing down even after more than 35 years. She’s also expressed interest in developing more projects behind the camera, focusing on production and writing. As she looks to the future, Smith remains dedicated to her craft and passionate about telling stories that matter.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Yeardley Smith is far more than just the voice of Lisa Simpson. She is an accomplished actress, writer, producer, and advocate who has made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Her journey from a shy child with a unique voice to an international icon of intelligence and humor is nothing short of inspiring. Through her work on The Simpsons and beyond, she continues to remind audiences that authenticity, talent, and perseverance are the true measures of success. Yeardley Smith stands as a shining example of how one voice — both literally and figuratively — can change the world.

FAQs

Who is Yeardley Smith?
Yeardley Smith is an American actress, writer, and producer, best known as the voice of Lisa Simpson from the hit animated series The Simpsons.

Where was Yeardley Smith born?
She was born in Paris, France, and later raised in Washington, D.C., where she began her journey into acting.

How old is Yeardley Smith?
As of 2025, Yeardley Smith is 61 years old, continuing to work actively in film, television, and voice acting.

What is Yeardley Smith famous for?
She is world-famous for voicing Lisa Simpson, one of the most iconic and intelligent animated characters in TV history.

Is Yeardley Smith married?
Yes, Yeardley Smith is married to Dan Grice, a former detective whom she met during a public appearance in 2014.

Has Yeardley Smith acted outside of The Simpsons?
Yes, she has appeared in films like City Slickers and As Good as It Gets, and several TV shows and stage plays.

Does Yeardley Smith have other projects?
She co-hosts the popular true-crime podcast Small Town Dicks, where she explores real-life stories with detectives.

What makes Yeardley Smith unique?
Her distinctive voice, intelligence, and compassion have made her one of the most beloved and respected talents in Hollywood.

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