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Alexis Smith

Radiating aristocratic sophistication and beauty, Alexis Smith started her career on the stage and some argued that was the medium where she left her most lasting impression. However, the imposing Canadian-born starlet was featured in a number of notable motion pictures during her 1940s and '50s heyday, including "The Constant Nymph" (1943), "Night and Day" (1946), "Of Human Bondage" (1946), and "The Woman in White" (1948). She was often cast as rather aloof, upper-class characters, though her image softened somewhat following an appearance in the Bing Crosby musical "Here Comes the Groom" (1951). When opportunities became scarce for her in the late 1950s, Smith concentrated on stage work and, with careful preparation, opened up a whole new chapter in her career. Although she had done summer stock at various times in her life, Smith's sensational turn on Broadway in Stephen Sondheim's musical "Follies" (1971-72) gave her a major third act boost and a Tony Award for Best Actress. She continued in productions like "The Women" (1973), "Summer Brave" (1975), and "Platinum" (1978), while also accepting the occasional movie or television assignment. Remembered fondly by fans of both film and live theatre, the glamorous Smith was able to move beyond the limitations of contract player casting and took steps to ensure that she had sufficient opportunities to display her abilities as both an actress and a singer/dancer.