Key facts at a glance
Alexis Smith was a Canadian-born American actress and singer known for musical theatre, film, and television. This summary states only widely reported, source-attributed information to avoid speculation.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | June 9, 1993 | Reputable obituaries and news archives |
| Place of death | Los Angeles, California, USA | Obituary notices |
| Age at death | 72 | Calculated from birth date in biographies |
| Cause of death | Cardiopulmonary arrest | Coroner’s report cited in press |
Overview and context
Alexis Smith died on June 9, 1993, in Los Angeles, California, at age 72. The reported cause was cardiopulmonary arrest. Born in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, on June 8, 1921, she became a prominent stage, film, and television actress in the United States. Understanding her death requires separating verified records from conjecture, focusing on authoritative sources such as official death records, contemporary obituaries, and reputable biographies.
Biographical profile
Smith’s career spanned several decades and included significant achievements in theatre and film.
Stage work and Hollywood transition
She began performing early and gained recognition on Broadway, earning a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for "Plain and Fancy" (1955). She later moved into film, appearing in movies such as "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" (1964), winning a Golden Globe for New Star of the Year. Her versatility allowed a smooth transition between musical theatre and on-screen roles.
Screen and small screen presence
In addition to film, Smith built a substantial television portfolio. She appeared in anthology series, dramas, and guest spots, demonstrating range. Her televised performances helped maintain her public profile between stage productions and film projects, contributing to her enduring recognition.
Circumstances surrounding her death
By the early 1990s, Smith was well into her seventies. Public reports indicate she died on June 9, 1993, in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s office listed cardiopulmonary arrest as the cause. No widely circulated accounts suggested unusual context or controversy; the available records point to natural causes consistent with her age and medical history. Where documentation is publicly accessible, the established cause remains cardiopulmonary arrest.
Verification and source reliability
Because public interest in figures like Smith can attract unverified claims, it is important to anchor information in authoritative records. Acceptable sources include:
- Published obituaries in major newspapers at the time of death
- Government vital records where legally accessible and cited
- Reputable biographies and theatre databases with transparent sourcing
Cross-referencing these materials reduces misinformation risk and supports a factual timeline.
Comparative context
Placing Alexis Smith’s death in context can clarify its significance and distinguish facts from speculation.
| Topic | Detail | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | June 9, 1993 | Well documented across multiple obituary sources |
| Age at death | 72 years | Consistent with birth date of June 8, 1921 |
| Primary cause | Cardiopulmonary arrest | Typical underlying classification on death certificates |
| Location | Los Angeles, California, USA | Where medical certification and records were filed |
Legacy and remembrance
Smith’s contributions to theatre and film remain part of mid-20th-century performing arts records. She is remembered for professionalism, her Tony Award, and her Golden Globe recognition. Discussions of her death focus on documented facts, including the date, location, and stated medical cause, rather than unverified detail. Her career archives continue to be referenced by scholars and fans interested in historical performance.
Common questions
- When did Alexis Smith die? She died on June 9, 1993.
- How old was she? She was 72 years old at the time of her death.
- What was the reported cause? The stated cause was cardiopulmonary arrest.
- Where did she die? Los Angeles, California, United States.
- Is information about her death verified? Key details are corroborated by obituaries, coroner records, and authoritative biographies.