Lois Smith Makes History as the Oldest Tony Winner at 90

At an age when many would have long since retired, Lois Smith was just making history. In a career that has spanned over seven decades, the revered actress reached a new pinnacle at 90 years old by winning her first competitive Tony Award, becoming the oldest performer ever to do so. Her journey to that moment was not a calculated climb to fame, but a lifelong devotion to the craft of acting itself. Smith, familiar to movie audiences from films like “Twister” and “Lady Bird,” has always considered the stage her true home.

Born in Kansas in 1930, her love for performance was kindled early by her father, who directed biblical plays at their local church. She fondly recalls knowing all the lines and stepping in during rehearsals, a experience that ignited a lasting passion. As a young woman, she moved to New York with her husband and took on humble jobs like working in a deli to support herself while auditioning. She briefly considered adopting a more glamorous stage name but decided against it, preferring the simple honesty of her married name, Lois Smith.

Her persistence paid off with a Broadway debut in 1952 and a film debut in “East of Eden” shortly after. A 1955 LIFE Magazine cover featured her alongside other young starlets like Jayne Mansfield, but Smith was the one who would enjoy the most enduring career. She never chased stardom but was instead driven by a desire to tackle great roles, from the works of Chekhov to those of Sam Shepard and Tony Kushner. She also chose to age naturally, embracing the graceful silvering of her hair as a part of her identity.

Her historic Tony win was for her “quietly brilliant” performance in the two-part epic “The Inheritance,” where she played the sole female role, a caregiver at an AIDS shelter. In her acceptance speech, she reflected on the power of live theater, quoting E.M. Forster’s motto, “Only connect.” This victory was a testament to a philosophy centered not on fame, but on connection and artistic integrity. Smith continues to act and grace red carpets, her remarkable journey serving as an inspiring example of a life dedicated to passion and authenticity.