Yeardley Smith Net Worth

Yeardley Smith’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Life and Career of Lisa Simpson’s Voice

Introduction: Unveiling Yeardley Smith

Yeardley Smith, a name synonymous with the iconic voice of Lisa Simpson, is far more than just a voice actress. She is a multifaceted talent with a career spanning acting, writing, comedy, and even painting. This article delves into the life and career of Yeardley Smith, exploring her financial success, early life, the defining role of Lisa Simpson, and her various ventures in television, film, stage, and podcasts.

Yeardley Smith’s Net Worth and Salary: The Financials

Yeardley Smith has amassed a significant fortune throughout her career. Her net worth is estimated to be around $85 million, a testament to her long-standing success in the entertainment industry. A substantial portion of her earnings comes from her role as Lisa Simpson on the long-running animated series “The Simpsons.” According to the latest contracts, the principal voice actors, including Smith, earn approximately $300,000 per episode. This translates to a yearly income of around $7 million per season, contributing significantly to her overall wealth.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born Martha Maria Yeardley Smith on July 3, 1964, in Paris, France, Smith’s early life was marked by international travels and exposure to diverse environments. Her father, Joseph Smith, worked for United Press International, while her mother, Martha, was a paper conservator for the Smithsonian Institution. In 1966, the family relocated to Washington, DC, where Joseph became the first official obituary editor for the Washington Post. Smith’s upbringing provided her with a unique perspective that would later influence her creative endeavors.

The Simpsons: The Role of a Lifetime

In 1987, Yeardley Smith landed the role that would define her career: the voice of Lisa Simpson in the animated shorts featured on “The Tracey Ullman Show.” When the shorts were spun off into their own series in 1989, “The Simpsons” became a cultural phenomenon. Smith’s portrayal of the intelligent, saxophone-playing Lisa resonated with audiences of all ages. Her distinct voice and ability to capture Lisa’s wit and emotional depth earned her critical acclaim, including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance in 1992. Despite her fame as Lisa Simpson, Smith has maintained a relatively low profile, a characteristic she has often expressed appreciation for.

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Television Career Beyond The Simpsons

While “The Simpsons” remains her most iconic role, Yeardley Smith has had a prolific career in television. Before the animated series took off, she appeared in the final two seasons of the sitcom “Brothers” from 1987 to 1989. She also made guest appearances on various shows, including “Tales from the Darkside,” “Mama’s Family,” “Square One Television,” and “Murphy Brown.” Following the success of “The Simpsons,” Smith continued to take on television roles, showcasing her versatility as an actress. She played Louise Fitzer on “Herman’s Head” from 1991 to 1994, and she also appeared in the television film “Toothless” and sitcoms like “Smart Guy” and “Teen Angel.” Moreover, she had guest roles in series such as “Sports Night” and “Nash Bridges.” From 1997 to 2002, Smith had a recurring role as Marlene on “Dharma & Greg.” In the 2000s, she continued to appear on television, with guest roles on shows like “Becker,” “Dead Like Me,” “Phil of the Future,” “Strong Medicine,” and “Mad Men.” She also appeared in the Hallmark Channel film “The Wishing Well.” In 2010, Smith had a guest appearance on “The Big Bang Theory,” and since then, she has been featured on “Hot in Cleveland,” “Revenge,” “The Mindy Project,” “Fresh Off the Boat,” and “Mom.”

Yeardley Smith’s Film Career: From Big Screen to Supporting Roles

Yeardley Smith’s film career began in 1985 with her debut in “Heaven Help Us.” She appeared in “The Legend of Billie Jean” later that year. In 1986, she played Connie in Stephen King’s horror film “Maximum Overdrive.” A year later, she had a brief role in the teen comedy “Three O’Clock High.” Her biggest year on the big screen was in 1989 when she appeared in three films: “Listen to Me,” “Silence Like Glass,” and “Ginger Ale Afternoon.” Smith then appeared in the 1991 comedy Western “City Slickers,” where she gained attention for her role as a pregnant checkout girl named Nancy. In 1992, Smith appeared in Barry Levinson’s “Toys,” and in 1993 she voiced Cecilia Nuthatch in the animated film “We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story.” In 1996, Smith made an uncredited appearance in the Christmas family comedy “Jingle All the Way.” She had bigger roles the following year in “Just Write” and “As Good as it Gets.” After these roles, she took a break from the big screen. She returned in 2007 to voice Lisa Simpson in “The Simpsons Movie.” In the following years, she appeared in the comedies “Tug” and “High School” and the drama “Virginia.” Smith was also in three films in 2011: the crime comedy “The Chaperone,” the romantic comedy “New Year’s Eve,” and the coming-of-age musical dramedy “Spork.” Her recent film credit includes the 2016 film “Miles,” where she played Mrs. Armstrong.

Stage Career: A Theatrical Journey

Smith’s professional acting career began on stage in 1982, before her television and film successes. She appeared in several plays in Washington, DC, before moving to New York City in 1984. There, she acted in the Broadway production of Tom Stoppard’s “The Real Thing.” She later moved to Los Angeles and appeared in productions of “Living on Salvation Street,” “Boys and Girls/Men and Women,” and “How the Other Half Loves.” In 2004, she returned to New York City to star in her own off-Broadway one-woman show, “More.” The play, directed by Judith Ivey, explored her personal life and her feelings about the success of “The Simpsons.” Smith subsequently performed the play in Los Angeles.

Podcasts and Entrepreneurship: Small Town Dicks and Beyond

In 2017, Yeardley Smith ventured into the podcasting world by co-hosting “Small Town Dicks” with actress Zibby Allen. The podcast focuses on true crime stories in small towns across the United States. Allen left the show in 2019 due to legal disputes with Smith over ownership and profit rights. Smith has continued to be involved in podcasting, making guest appearances on shows like “Harmontown” and “The Adam Carolla Show.”

Personal Life: Relationships, Marriage, and More

Smith’s personal life includes several marriages. She married actor Christopher Grove in 1990, but they divorced two years later. She married Daniel Erickson in 2002, and they divorced in 2008. In 2022, she married Dan Grice, her co-host from “Small Town Dicks.” They met when Grice was a detective hired to protect Smith at a “Simpsons” mural unveiling in Springfield, Oregon, in 2014. Their podcast has gained significant popularity, with over 50 million downloads.

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Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Yeardley Smith

Yeardley Smith’s career is a testament to her versatility and enduring talent. From her iconic role as Lisa Simpson to her work in film, television, stage, and podcasts, Smith has proven herself to be a significant figure in the entertainment industry. Her financial success, her diverse range of roles, and her entrepreneurial spirit all contribute to her lasting legacy. As she continues to pursue new creative endeavors, her contributions will undoubtedly be celebrated for years to come.