Liz Smith, American journalist and author

Mary Elizabeth Smith (February 2, 1923 – November 12, 2017) was an iconic American gossip columnist and a true trailblazer in entertainment journalism. Renowned for her insightful wit and extensive network of sources, she was affectionately and fittingly dubbed "The Grand Dame of Dish." Her remarkable career spanned decades, during which she masterfully blended society news, celebrity gossip, and political commentary, establishing herself as an unparalleled authority in the realm of high-profile reporting.

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Smith began her professional life in public relations before embarking on a groundbreaking career in journalism. She quickly made her mark, evolving the traditional gossip column into a more sophisticated and often syndicated platform. Her unique approach involved not just reporting on the lives of the rich and famous but also providing context and a distinctive voice, making her a trusted, albeit sometimes feared, chronicler of the powerful.

Throughout her prolific career, Smith graced the pages of some of America's most prestigious publications. Her widely read columns were a staple in the New York Daily News, a prominent New York City tabloid, where her reports on Broadway, Hollywood, and socialite circles became essential reading for a vast urban audience. She also contributed significantly to The Washington Post, bringing her unique blend of celebrity and political insights to a national readership, and shared her engaging perspectives with readers of Cosmopolitan magazine, a leading women's publication, further diversifying her reach and influence across various demographics.

Beyond print, Mary Elizabeth Smith seamlessly transitioned her commentary and reporting to the burgeoning world of television. She brought her distinct charm and insider knowledge to major networks, including Fox, where she often appeared on various news and entertainment programs, providing witty takes on current events and celebrity happenings. Her presence on E!, a network primarily focused on entertainment and pop culture, solidified her status as a mainstream authority on celebrity goings-on. Furthermore, her contributions to WNBC, the flagship station of NBC in New York City, allowed her to connect directly with a vast local audience, offering her take on the city's social and entertainment scene, from theatre premieres to high-society galas.

From 1995 to 2005, Smith continued to captivate readers with her column for Newsday, a major Long Island-based newspaper. This decade-long tenure further cemented her enduring relevance and adaptability in a rapidly changing media landscape, proving her ability to connect with audiences even as journalism evolved. Her legacy is one of transforming the public perception of gossip journalism, elevating it from mere rumor to an often-cited, meticulously reported, and culturally significant form of media. She passed away at the age of 94, leaving behind an indelible mark on the world of celebrity reporting and an archive of columns that provide a unique social history of her era.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mary Elizabeth Smith

Who was Mary Elizabeth Smith?
Mary Elizabeth Smith was an influential American gossip columnist, famously known as "The Grand Dame of Dish." She dedicated her career to entertainment journalism, covering celebrity news, society events, and political figures with a distinctive blend of wit, insight, and an unparalleled network of sources.
Why was she known as "The Grand Dame of Dish"?
This moniker was bestowed upon her due to her long-standing, authoritative, and sophisticated presence in the field of celebrity gossip. It highlighted her pioneering role in elevating the genre, providing well-researched, engaging, and often influential content rather than mere sensationalism, earning her deep respect within the media industry.
Which major publications did Mary Elizabeth Smith write for?
Her prolific print career included writing widely read columns for prominent newspapers like the New York Daily News and The Washington Post. She also regularly contributed her distinctive perspective to the popular women's magazine, Cosmopolitan, reaching a diverse readership.
What were her contributions to television?
Mary Elizabeth Smith extended her media presence to television, appearing on networks such as Fox and E!, where she provided insightful commentary on entertainment news and pop culture. She also contributed to WNBC, connecting with a New York-centric audience on the city's social and celebrity happenings.
When did Mary Elizabeth Smith work for Newsday?
She wrote her popular column for Newsday for a significant decade, from 1995 to 2005. This long tenure further underscored her enduring relevance and adaptability in the evolving media landscape during her later career.