Yeardley Smith

In her almost three-and-a-half-hour interview, Yeardley Smith describes her childhood in Washington, DC and her early interest in theater. She talks about performing at regional theaters in DC before moving to New York and making her Broadway debut in Tom Stoppard’s The Real Thing directed by Mike Nichols. Smith then touches on various television appearances she made before landing the role of “Lisa Simpson” on the original incarnation of The Simpsons: bumpers before commercials of The Tracey Ullman Show. She shares stories of The Simpsons’ transition to a half-hour show, working with her castmates, notable guest stars, and her relationship with “Lisa Simpson.” Smith talks about other memorable projects she's appeared in, including Herman’s Head, The Legend of Billie Jean, and City Slickers, and other career pursuits including launching a shoe line, writing a young adult novel, and writing and performing a one-woman show. She concludes by sharing her greatest career achievements, advice for aspiring actors, and how she would like to be remembered. Jenni Matz conducted the interview on November 21, 2016 in North Hollywood, CA.

In her one-hour, remote TheirStory follow-up interview Smith shares how she adjusted to life during the COVID-19 pandemic, discusses hosting her podcast, Small Town Dicks, and talks about her YouTube cooking/game show, Oil & Water. She also explains how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted production on The Simpsons, speaks of how politicians continue to bring "Lisa Simpson" into politics, contemplates how many seasons The Simpsons may run, talks of being an ally and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and comments on what she's most looking forward to when the pandemic ends. Jenni Matz conducted the interview on April 20, 2021.