This Legend Aged Gracefully and Made History as the Oldest Tony Award Winner at 90 — Here’s How She Looks Today

Before achieving acclaim in Hollywood, this future star navigated a humble beginning—holding jobs like working behind the counter of a deli to make ends meet. She had no idea that those modest steps, driven by unwavering determination and a deep passion for the craft, would one day lead her to surpass her peers and receive one of the most prestigious awards in entertainment.

Best known to many for her performance in the 1996 blockbuster “Twister,” this seasoned actress has spent decades honing her craft in theaters. Her dedication to the stage and screen has shaped her into one of the most respected figures in the industry, a true icon recognized for her depth, grace, and resilience through the years.

A Path Built on Passion
Born on November 3, 1930, in Topeka, Kansas, she grew up in a home where storytelling and performance were woven into everyday life. Her father worked for the phone company, but in the evenings, he brought Bible stories to life through church plays. These moments sparked her earliest interest in acting—where she saw performance not as showmanship, but as something deeply spiritual and meaningful.

She fondly recalled those early days, explaining that although the productions weren’t intended to entertain, she found herself completely engaged. Rehearsals became her favorite pastime, and before long, she was filling in for missing actors during the shows, having already memorized everyone’s lines just from watching.

Her father eventually handed her a costume from the Old Testament plays and cast her in central roles. Those early performances filled her with an indescribable joy. She once said, “That was the beginning of everything.” At 18, she married Wesley Smith, a teacher, and soon the couple made their way to New York City, where dreams were big but money was tight.

While auditioning for roles, she supported herself by working the counter in a deli and checking coats at the Russian Tea Room. These jobs weren’t glamorous, but they helped sustain her while she chased something greater. Even when she got her first acting break, she briefly considered adopting a stage name, thinking it might boost her visibility in the competitive world of theater.

In the end, she kept the name Lois Smith—a choice that mirrored her no-nonsense approach and personal integrity. The simplicity of her name matched her belief in the work itself, not the glitz surrounding it. She wasn’t chasing attention; she was chasing truth through her characters, and that dedication made her stand out.

In 1955, her career reached a turning point when she appeared in *LIFE* Magazine, featured alongside rising stars like Jayne Mansfield. At the time, she shrugged off the exposure, remarking, “Someone must’ve had the idea to group us all together.” Still, the moment marked her as one to watch in the world of American theater.

For the cover, she wore a dramatic red stage dress and faced the camera with confident poise. The magazine described her look as one of “pale-faced intensity,” contrasting with the more glamorous styling of her fellow starlets. At 25, she was the oldest among the featured actresses—many of whom were still teenagers—and she carried a quiet wisdom that set her apart.

Years later, reflecting on that shoot, she was the only one still actively working in the industry. Her longevity wasn’t the result of calculated career planning—it stemmed from a deep, almost instinctual love for acting. She once admitted with a laugh, “I don’t think I’ve ever been much of a planner. I just keep going wherever the work leads.”

During that era, she told a reporter she hadn’t yet fulfilled all her dreams on stage—not because she sought acclaim, but because she hoped one day to play Nina in *The Seagull*. As fate would have it, she would later perform in Chekhov’s masterpiece, but by then, she had aged into the role of the formidable Madame Arkadina instead.

Her stage résumé eventually included works by legendary playwrights like Harold Pinter, Eugene O’Neill, and Sam Shepard. And on screen, she captivated audiences with roles in films such as *Minority Report* and *Lady Bird*. In an era when women were expected to preserve their youth at all costs, she chose to embrace the natural aging process, letting her silver hair shine proudly.

Celebrating Authenticity and Endurance
As she grew older, she didn’t fret over vanity. When her hair began to turn white on top, she allowed it to remain that way. “Nature just decided to gray me like this,” she once said. “And honestly, I loved how it looked. It felt honest.”

Earlier in her career, she had the opposite problem—looking far too young for her actual age. At just 22, she played a teenage girl in her Broadway debut. Casting directors were often shocked by her youthful appearance, something she later joked about often in interviews and on stage.

Once, while preparing for a TV skit on *The Loretta Young Show*, a director remarked she didn’t seem old enough to deliver a certain line convincingly. With a grin, she ad-libbed, “Why don’t we just say I’m anywhere between 15 and 100?” She loved the quip so much, she used it in interviews for years afterward.

Since her first appearance on Broadway in 1952, her career has never paused. That same year, she transitioned to film with a debut in *East of Eden*. As decades passed, she collaborated with titans of the stage and learned from every encounter—lessons she often shared in talks, podcasts, and backstage conversations with younger performers.

During a 2020 episode of *Stagecraft*, she reflected on her experience with *The Inheritance* and upcoming roles in Wes Anderson’s *The French Dispatch*. She said the greatest education came not just from performing, but from observing. “You can learn everything just by watching others work,” she said. That same year, she would reach a historic milestone.

A Historic Honor
Although first nominated for a Tony in 1990 and again in 1996, she finally won her first at the age of 90. The honor came for her portrayal of Margaret in *The Inheritance*, a role that required immense emotional depth. It also made her the oldest actor ever to receive a Tony Award for acting.

Her performance as a caregiver to AIDS patients resonated deeply with audiences. She had been part of the production from its earliest days, joining during its development phase. The play drew inspiration from *Howards End*, and during her acceptance, she quoted its iconic line: “Only connect.”

Critics were effusive. Ben Brantley of *The New York Times* called her role “quietly brilliant.” She stood out among seasoned contenders, triumphing over heavyweights like Jane Alexander and emerging stars from acclaimed productions. It was a moment that underscored not just her talent, but her unmatched endurance.

Before her, Cicely Tyson had held the title as the oldest Tony winner at 88. Lois reflected on the physical demands of live theater, noting that in *The Inheritance*, she didn’t take the stage until later in the show and performed just three nights a week. Still, she laughed, “If someone asks me to do eight shows a week now… what will I say?”

Despite joking about retirement, she kept working, appearing on red carpets and in films well into her 90s. In 2024, she wowed festival audiences at SXSW with her role in *The Uninvited*, playing Helen, a mysterious figure at a Hollywood gathering. The complexity of the role fascinated her—“Is she sick? Or something else?”

When asked what advice she’d offer young actors, she smiled and gave the same answer she always had: “Be on time, and enjoy yourself.” In 2023, fans marked her 93rd birthday by sharing photos from her early career beside current ones, celebrating a legacy that spans over 140 screen and stage roles.

Lois Smith’s remarkable journey continues to uplift and motivate audiences worldwide. Her legacy isn’t just one of awards or roles—it’s a testament to the enduring power of staying true to one’s craft, aging with grace, and always showing up ready to create something meaningful.