Happy Birthday actor Yeardley Smith

Born: July 3, 1964 in Paris, France

Married to:
Daniel Erickson (18 May 2002 – 8 September 2008) (divorced)
Christopher Grove (1990 – 1992) (divorced)

Best known as the voice of “Lisa Simpson” on the TV show The Simpsons (1989)

QUOTES:

Actually, you wouldn’t believe how many people come up to me and say ‘This is my fantasy: to be in bed with Lisa Simpson and have her say “Oh more, more!”‘ What is the matter with you people? This is sick! — on the Australian talk show “Denton”.

It’s usually character stuff that I’m offered unless they want a real offbeat leading role. Most of the time, I’m everybody’s best friend. Or their annoying friend. It’s like the story of my life. I will never get to play the Cinderella roles.

In my dreams, I was Rita Hayworth, Kim Basinger. I just wanted to be that long, tall drink of water with flowing blond hair and large blue eyes and cheekbones you could actually see – you know, be that. And I wasn’t, so I hated myself. I’d beat myself up, tear myself to shreds. Now I’ve made peace with it. I don’t mind it at all; I’d rather be who I am. It’s comfortable. It’s me. I got weary of putting so much energy into hating myself”.

Being a part of “As Good as It Gets” was a great job for me. It was fun taking a bit of a break from playing Lisa Simpson and doing real actual live-action camera work. I enjoyed having the honor of working with Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Greg Kinnear. And especially that cute little dog. Overall, I enjoyed working on the film, and I wish I at least got an Oscar nomination.