Liz Smith: The Grande Dame of Dish

A Gossip Columnist Extraordinaire

Liz Smith, fondly known as "The Grande Dame of Dish," was an American gossip columnist who left an indelible mark on the world of journalism and entertainment. With a career spanning over five decades, Smith's self-titled gossip column, which was syndicated in over 60 newspapers, became the go-to source for insider information on Hollywood's elite.

A Humble Beginning

Born on February 2, 1923, in Fort Worth, Texas, Smith graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in journalism in 1949. She began her career as a typist, proofreader, and reporter, eventually working her way up to become a news producer for Mike Wallace at CBS Radio and later for NBC TV.

The Rise to Fame

Smith's big break came in the late 1950s when she worked as a ghostwriter for the Cholly Knickerbocker gossip column, syndicated in the Hearst newspapers. In the early 1960s, she went on to become the entertainment editor for Cosmopolitan and Sports Illustrated, working under the legendary Helen Gurley Brown. Her wit, charm, and ability to extract juicy gossip from Hollywood's A-listers made her a darling of the industry.

A Career Highlight: The Liz Smith Column

On February 16, 1976, Smith launched her self-titled gossip column, which quickly became a staple in over 60 newspapers, including the New York Daily News, New York Post, and Newsday. With her column, Smith solidified her position as the queen of gossip, dishing out scoop after scoop on Hollywood's elite. Her sharp wit, clever wordplay, and unparalleled access to the rich and famous made her column a must-read for millions.

Television Appearances

Smith's charismatic personality and quick wit made her a natural on television. She appeared on Fox, E!, and WNBC, becoming a regular fixture on the Manhattan social scene. Her exposure on television only added to her column's popularity, making her a household name.

Philosophical Contributions and Beliefs

Throughout her career, Smith remained true to her journalistic ethos, believing that gossip should be fun, rather than hurtful or malicious. She famously said, "I don't think I've ever written anything that hurt anyone's feelings. I've written things that maybe embarrassed people, but I've never written anything that hurt anyone's feelings."

Awards and Honors Smith's contributions to journalism and entertainment were recognized with several awards, including the prestigious Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

Smith's personal life was marked by her fierce independence and dedication to her craft. She never married, preferring to focus on her career, and was known for her close friendships with Hollywood luminaries like Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra.

Legacy and Impact

Liz Smith's impact on modern society cannot be overstated. She helped shape the way we consume celebrity news and gossip, paving the way for future generations of gossip columnists and entertainment journalists. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence the media landscape today.

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Smith was known for her iconic trademark phrase, "Only in New York, kids, only in New York."
• She was a long-time resident of the legendary Manhattan apartment complex, the Dakota.
• Smith was a vocal supporter of several charitable organizations, including the Actors' Fund of America and the Starkey Hearing Foundation.

A Lasting Legacy

Liz Smith's passing on November 12, 2017, marked the end of an era in journalism and entertainment. However, her legacy lives on through her columns, which continue to delight and entertain readers to this day. As the grande dame of dish, Smith leaves behind a body of work that is unparalleled in the world of gossip and entertainment journalism.