---
name: "Yeardley Smith"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/yeardley-smith"
fi1m_id: "yeardley-smith"
imdb_id: "nm0810379"
tmdb_id: 5586
wikidata_id: "Q228891"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "3 July 1964"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 7
average_fi1m_score: 77
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 7
updated: "2026-10-22T03:19:50.869214+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Yeardley Smith

## Identity

Yeardley Smith

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/yeardley-smith
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** yeardley-smith
- **IMDb ID:** nm0810379
- **TMDB ID:** 5586
- **Wikidata ID:** Q228891
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeardley_Smith, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q228891, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0810379/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/5586

Actor. Born 3 July 1964 in Paris, France.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 3 July 1964, Paris, France
- **Active:** 1988–present
- **Frequently works with:** [James L. Brooks](https://film.one/person/james-l-brooks.md), [Al Jean](https://film.one/person/al-jean.md), [David Silverman](https://film.one/person/david-silverman.md), [Nancy Cartwright](https://film.one/person/nancy-cartwright.md), [Dan Castellaneta](https://film.one/person/dan-castellaneta.md), [Matt Groening](https://film.one/person/matt-groening.md), [Matt Selman](https://film.one/person/matt-selman.md), [Christine Nangle](https://film.one/person/christine-nangle.md)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 77, as actor, over 7 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 82 (2), 1990s 78 (3), 2000s 69 (2)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 73 to 67 across 4 titles
- **Score spread:** 2 at 80+, 5 at 60–79, 0 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 3 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Comedy 7, Animation 2, Drama 2, Family 1, Romance 1, Western 1
- **Screen time:** 6 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $1,020m across 3 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeardley_Smith, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q228891, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0810379/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/5586

## Coming up

- *The New Simpsons Movie* (2027-09-01), as Lisa Simpson (voice)

## Streaming the US now

- **Disney+:** [*The Simpsons*](https://film.one/tv/the-simpsons.md) (88), [*The Simpsons Movie*](https://film.one/film/the-simpsons-movie.md) (70)
- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*As Good as It Gets*](https://film.one/film/as-good-as-it-gets.md) (77)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Yeardley Smith

> Yeardley Smith gives Lisa Simpson's earnestness the urgency of a child who needs to be heard. We rate the performance warmly, with one reservation: the writers sometimes leave her too little to do.

Lisa Simpson wants somebody to listen, and Yeardley Smith makes that wish hard to dismiss. In *The Simpsons* (1989), her high, child-like voice could have been enough to establish the character and leave it there. Smith gives the earnestness an urgency that keeps it from becoming a stock delivery. We were moved by how much being heard matters to Lisa. Smith makes us attend to that need even when the writing chiefly wants her to be sensible.

Live-action work has often cast her in quirky, neurotic or awkward supporting parts. *Maximum Overdrive* (1986) and *City Slickers* (1991) belong to that early film career, but the decisive turn came with the *Simpsons* shorts in 1987. Smith read for Bart and was cast as Lisa; the series followed in 1989. Smith also voiced Lisa in the 2007 feature film. Her distinctive voice has limited other voice-over opportunities, while Lisa has kept her occupied across decades.

Nancy Cartwright gives Bart pleasure in his own defiance, and Smith makes Lisa's earnestness just as recognisable. The pairing helps explain why the programme's tenderness matters as much as its jokes: both children care about what they are doing. The writing is less rewarding when Lisa becomes the sensible one whose job is to supply the correct response. We prefer Smith when there is something awkward for Lisa to contend with, giving her more to play than good sense. The writers do not always give her that chance.

James L. Brooks's *As Good as It Gets* (1997), in which she plays Jackie Simpson, is worth seeing, though our affection for it rests chiefly with Helen Hunt and Greg Kinnear. They give Jack Nicholson's insults consequences; Smith's supporting part is not the basis of our recommendation. For her, begin with *The Simpsons*, without treating every episode as compulsory. Look for the stretches that let Lisa have difficulties of her own, rather than another assignment as the sensible one.

## Biography

Yeardley Smith is an American actress best known for voicing Lisa Simpson (and, in earlier episodes, Maggie Simpson) on the animated series *The Simpsons* (1989–present).

Born Martha Maria Yeardley Smith on 3 July 1964 in Paris, France, she began acting after drama school in 1982. She moved to New York City in 1984 and appeared in the Broadway production of Tom Stoppard's *The Real Thing*. Her film debut came in 1985 with *Heaven Help Us*, followed by roles in *The Legend of Billie Jean* (1985) and *Maximum Overdrive* (1986). She relocated to Los Angeles in 1986.

In 1987 Smith was cast as Lisa Simpson for the shorts on *The Tracey Ullman Show*; the role continued when the series launched in 1989. She received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance in 1992. Other credits include the sitcom *Herman's Head* (as Louise), recurring roles on *Dharma & Greg* and *Dead Like Me*, and film appearances in *City Slickers* (1991) and *As Good as It Gets* (1997).

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.*

## On Fi1m (7)

- *The Big Bang Theory* (2007), Fi1m 68, as Sandy — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-big-bang-theory.md)
- *The Simpsons Movie* (2007), Fi1m 70, as Lisa Simpson (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/the-simpsons-movie.md)
- *Sports Night* (1998), Fi1m 82, as Malory Moss — [page](https://film.one/tv/sports-night.md)
- *As Good as It Gets* (1997), Fi1m 77, as Jackie Simpson — [page](https://film.one/film/as-good-as-it-gets.md)
- *City Slickers* (1991), Fi1m 76, as Nancy — [page](https://film.one/film/city-slickers.md)
- *The Simpsons* (1989), Fi1m 88, as Lisa Simpson / Maggie Simpson (voice) — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-simpsons.md)
- *Murphy Brown* (1988), Fi1m 77, as Phoebe Cramer — [page](https://film.one/tv/murphy-brown.md)

## Complete filmography (88)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *The New Simpsons Movie* (2027), as Lisa Simpson (voice)
- *Yellow Mirror* (2026), as Lisa Simpson (voice)
- *Simpsley* (2026), as Lisa (voice)
- *Extreme Makeover: Homer Edition* (2026), as Lisa Simpson (voice)
- *Fortnite x The Simpsons* (2025), series, as Lisa Simpson (voice)
- *The Simpson: Yellow Planet* (2025), as Lisa Simpson
- *The Simpsons: O C'mon All Ye Faithful* (2024), as Lisa Simpson (voice)
- *The Simpsons Funday Football* (2024), as Lisa Simpson (voice)
- *Possessions* (2024), as Dr. Young
- *Snack Shack* (2024), Executive Producer
- *Who Are You People* (2023), as Sarah
- *The Simpsons Meet the Bocellis in "Feliz Navidad"* (2022), as Lisa Simpson (voice)
- *Welcome to the Club* (2022), as Lisa Simpson (voice)
- *When Billie Met Lisa* (2022), as Lisa Simpson (voice)
- *The Simpsons in Plusaversary* (2021), as Lisa Simpson (voice)
- *The Simpsons | Balenciaga* (2021), as Lisa
- *The Good, the Bart, and the Loki* (2021), as Lisa Simpson (voice)
- *Gossamer Folds* (2020), as Phyllis · Producer
- *Alone* (2020), Executive Producer
- *Dear Class of 2020* (2020), as Lisa Simpson
- *Love & Debt* (2019), as Allison Joy
- *All Square* (2018), as Beaches · Producer
- *Miles* (2017), as Mrs. Armstrong
- *Planet of the Couches* (2016), as Lisa Simpson (voice)
- *Fresh Off the Boat* (2015), series, as Marie
- *Mom* (2013), series, as Enid
- *Tug* (2013), as Mom
- *The Mindy Project* (2012), series, as Dr. Carolyn King — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-mindy-project.md)
- *FOX 25th Anniversary Special* (2012), as Lisa Simpson (voice) (uncredited)
- *8* (2012), as Nancy F. Cott
- *New Year's Eve* (2011), as Maude
- *Revenge* (2011), series, as Phyllis
- *The Chaperone* (2011), as Miss Miller
- *Hot in Cleveland* (2010), series, as Margaret
- *High School* (2010), as Computer Skills Teacher
- *Virginia* (2010), as Mrs. Whitaker · Executive Producer
- *The Wishing Well* (2009), as Mary Williams
- *Waiting for Ophelia* (2009), as Caitlin O'Malley
- *The Big Bang Theory* (2007), series, as Sandy — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-big-bang-theory.md)
- *The Simpsons Movie* (2007), as Lisa Simpson (voice) — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/film/the-simpsons-movie.md)
- *Mad Men* (2007), series, as Nurse Mary — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/mad-men.md)
- *Back By Midnight* (2005), as Veronica
- *The Simpsons: Christmas 2* (2004), Actor
- *Phil of the Future* (2004), series, as Mandy Teslow
- *The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror* (2003), as Lisa Simpson (voice)
- *The Simpsons: Christmas* (2003), as (archive footage)
- *Dead Like Me* (2003), series, as Penny
- *CyberWorld* (2000), as Lisa Simpson (voice)
- *Strong Medicine* (2000), series, as Real Estate Agent
- *The Simpsons: Too Hot For TV* (1999), Actor
- *Family Guy* (1999), series, as Lisa Simpson (voice) — Fi1m 63, [page](https://film.one/tv/family-guy.md)
- *Becker* (1998), series, as Ruby
- *Sports Night* (1998), series, as Malory Moss — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/sports-night.md)
- *As Good as It Gets* (1997), as Jackie Simpson — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/as-good-as-it-gets.md)
- *Toothless* (1997), as Gatekeeper
- *The Wonderful World of Disney* (1997), series, as Gatekeeper
- *Teen Angel* (1997), series, as Miss Gross
- *Dharma & Greg* (1997), series, as Marlene
- *Smart Guy* (1997), series, as Ms. Rawlings
- *Just Write* (1997), as Lulu
- *Jingle All the Way* (1996), as Woman Who Flirts with Howie (uncredited)
- *Nash Bridges* (1996), series, as Stevie Strong
- *We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story* (1993), as Cecilia (voice)
- *Sesame Street's 25th Birthday: A Musical Celebration* (1993), as Lisa Simpson (voice) (segment "Monster in the Mirror") (uncredited)
- *Toys* (1992), as Researcher
- *Likely Suspects* (1992), series, Actor
- *Herman's Head* (1991), series, as Louise Fitzer
- *City Slickers* (1991), as Nancy — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/film/city-slickers.md)
- *Sydney* (1990), series, Actor
- *The Simpsons* (1989), series, as Lisa Simpson / Maggie Simpson (voice) — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-simpsons.md)
- *The Simpsons: Family Therapy* (1989), as Lisa Simpson (voice)
- *Ginger Ale Afternoon* (1989), as Bonnie
- *Silence Like Glass* (1989), Actor
- *Listen to Me* (1989), as Cootz
- *Murphy Brown* (1988), series, as Phoebe Cramer — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/tv/murphy-brown.md)
- *Three O'Clock High* (1987), as Cheerleader
- *The Tracey Ullman Show* (1987), series, as Lisa Simpson (voice)
- *Square One Television* (1987), series, as Jane Rice-Burroughs
- *Mathnet* (1987), series, as Jane Rice Burroughs
- *Maximum Overdrive* (1986), as Connie
- *The Legend of Billie Jean* (1985), as Putter
- *Heaven Help Us* (1985), as Cathleen
- *Mom's on Strike* (1984), as Jenny
- *Tales from the Darkside* (1984), series, as Betty Ann Cooper / Good Time Rita
- *Brothers* (1984), series, as Louella Waters
- *ABC Afterschool Special* (1972), series, as Jenny
- *A Bobby Thing*, Producer
- *The Shepherd*, Executive Producer

## Gallery

- ![Yeardley Smith](https://film.one/media/person/61797/gallery-c94f6017c2c2.jpg) Yeardley Smith — Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/Yeardley_Smith_by_Gage_Skidmore.jpg/1280px-Yeardley_Smith_by_Gage_Skidmore.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![photo 2012 Pop Culture Geek taken by Doug Kline If you're interested in higher resolution versions of my images, contact me via my profile page.](https://film.one/media/person/61797/gallery-4292a2c4ae26.jpg) photo 2012 Pop Culture Geek taken by Doug Kline If you're interested in higher resolution versions of my images, contact me via my profile page. — The Conmunity -  Pop Culture Geek from Los Angeles, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a1/Simpsons_500th_Episode_Marathon_-_Al_Jean%2C_Nancy_Cartwright%2C_and_Yeardley_Smith_%286804833518%29.jpg/1280px-Simpsons_500th_Episode_Marathon_-_Al_Jean%2C_Nancy_Cartwright%2C_and_Yeardley_Smith_%286804833518%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![photo 2012 Pop Culture Geek taken by Doug Kline If you're interested in higher resolution versions of my images, contact me via my profile page.](https://film.one/media/person/61797/gallery-4f4f1d6bdb9b.jpg) photo 2012 Pop Culture Geek taken by Doug Kline If you're interested in higher resolution versions of my images, contact me via my profile page. — The Conmunity -  Pop Culture Geek from Los Angeles, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/Simpsons_500th_Episode_Marathon_-_Yeardley_Smith%2C_Nancy_Cartwright%2C_and_Al_Jean_%286804833706%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![photo 2012 Pop Culture Geek taken by Doug Kline If you're interested in higher resolution versions of my images, contact me via my profile page.](https://film.one/media/person/61797/gallery-d521c1eddb49.jpg) photo 2012 Pop Culture Geek taken by Doug Kline If you're interested in higher resolution versions of my images, contact me via my profile page. — The Conmunity -  Pop Culture Geek from Los Angeles, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/89/Simpsons_500th_Episode_Marathon_-_Yeardley_Smith_%28Lisa_Simpson%29_%286804832450%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Yeardley Smith](https://film.one/media/person/61797/gallery-55968131a93a.jpg) Yeardley Smith — Image via TMDB
- ![photo 2012 Pop Culture Geek taken by Doug Kline If you're interested in higher resolution versions of my images, contact me via my profile page.](https://film.one/media/person/61797/gallery-85d0c6d976c9.jpg) photo 2012 Pop Culture Geek taken by Doug Kline If you're interested in higher resolution versions of my images, contact me via my profile page. — The Conmunity -  Pop Culture Geek from Los Angeles, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cb/Simpsons_500th_Episode_Marathon_-_Yeardley_Smith_%28Lisa_Simpson%29_%286950945117%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![photo 2012 Pop Culture Geek taken by Doug Kline If you're interested in higher resolution versions of my images, contact me via my profile page.](https://film.one/media/person/61797/gallery-61f3e3238cc8.jpg) photo 2012 Pop Culture Geek taken by Doug Kline If you're interested in higher resolution versions of my images, contact me via my profile page. — The Conmunity -  Pop Culture Geek from Los Angeles, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/13/Simpsons_500th_Episode_Marathon_-_Yeardley_Smith_and_Nancy_Cartwright_%286804834100%29.jpg/1280px-Simpsons_500th_Episode_Marathon_-_Yeardley_Smith_and_Nancy_Cartwright_%286804834100%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/yeardley-smith