People
Liz Smith
Acting · follow into films and chains
Biography
Betty Gleadle (December 11, 1921 – December 24, 2016), known by the stage name Liz Smith, was an English character actress, known for her roles in BBC sitcoms, including as Annie Brandon in I Didn't Know You Cared (1975–1979), the sisters Bette and Belle in 2point4 Children (1991–1999), Letitia Cropley in The Vicar of Dibley (1994–1996) and Norma Speakman ("Nana") in The Royle Family (1998–2000, 2006). She also played Zillah in Lark Rise to Candleford (2008) and won the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for the 1984 film A Private Function.
Notable films
Where to start
Highlights from credits and KinoChain journeys.
The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover
Appears in a KinoChain journey
The Duellists
Appears in a KinoChain journey
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
As Grandma Georgina
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
As Mrs. Mulch (voice)
Takin' Over the Asylum
As Harriet
The French Lieutenant's Woman
As Mrs. Fairley
Keeping Mum
As Mrs. Parker
High Spirits
As Mrs. Plunkett
Chains
KinoChain journeys
Public chains that pass through their films — or name them as a bridge.
The Neat Lawn Hides the Ear
A chain of films where the picket fence, the drawing room and the operating theatre keep their surfaces immaculate while something unspeakable breathes undernea...
7 films
The Rivalry Within: How Feuds Shape the Soul
From duelling magicians to warring chefs, explore how rivalry reveals our deepest fears and desires. A cinematic journey through competition, obsession, and the...
8 films
Rewinding the Reel: How VHS Championed British Independents
From Thatcher's Britain to the video shop era, discover how VHS gave gritty, daring British films a second life and a devoted audience.
9 films
Topics
Explore by topic
Related people
Collaborators & neighbours
Acted
Keeping Mum
2005 · Mrs. Parker
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
2005 · Mrs. Mulch (voice)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
2005 · Grandma Georgina
Takin' Over the Asylum
1994 · Harriet
The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover
1989 · Grace
High Spirits
1988 · Mrs. Plunkett
A Private Function
1984 · Mother
A Christmas Carol
1984 · Mrs. Dilber
Britannia Hospital
1982 · Maisie
The French Lieutenant's Woman
1981 · Mrs. Fairley
The Duellists
1977 · Fortune Teller