Biography
Betty Gleadle (December 11, 1921 – December 24, 2016), known by the stage name Liz Smith, was an English character actress, known for her roles in BBC sitcoms, including as Annie Brandon in I Didn't Know You Cared (1975–1979), the sisters Bette and Belle in 2point4 Children (1991–1999), Letitia Cropley in The Vicar of Dibley (1994–1996) and Norma Speakman ("Nana") in The Royle Family (1998–2000, 2006). She also played Zillah in Lark Rise to Candleford (2008) and won the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for the 1984 film A Private Function.
Acted in 112
2000s
- 2008
46Flick
Ma
- 2006
The Magic Flute
The Old Papagena
- 2005
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Different Faces, Different Flavors
Movie
Dead Cool
Liz
- 2004
Imperium: Nero
Sacrilega · 2 episodes
- 2003
Between The Sheets
TV
Anna Spud
Gran
- 2001
Treasure
Voices · 13 episodes
The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby
Peg Sliderskew
The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby
Peg Sliderskew · 2 episodes
- 2000
Donovan Quick
Granny
A Christmas Carol
Joyce
The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones: Espionage Escapades
Delfina
1990s
- 1999
Oliver Twist
Sally · 4 episodes
- 1998
Wife of Bath
Hag (voice)
The Royle Family
Norma 'Nana' Speakman · 10 episodes
- 1997
- 1996
Karaoke
Mrs Baglin · 3 episodes
- 1995
The Queen's Nose
Grandma · 6 episodes
Crapston Villas
Delia (voice) · 20 episodes
- 1994
Doggin' Around
Mrs. Thompson
Pirates
Gran · 18 episodes
Takin' Over the Asylum
Harriet · 6 episodes
- 1993
Pretty Princess
regina madre
- 1992
- 1991
- 1990
Cluedo
Mrs. White · 6 episodes
Drowning in the Shallow End
Agent
1980s
- 1989
Apartment Zero
Mary Louise McKinney
Bert Rigby, You're a Fool
Mrs. Rigby
Words of Love
Gran
Young Charlie Chaplin
Mrs. Greenwood · 1 episode
- 1988
Jake's Journey
Witch
- 1987
When We Are Married
Mrs Northrop
Imaginary Friends
Milly Munger · 3 episodes
Valentine Park
Mrs. Giles · 12 episodes
On the Palm
Mrs Slatterthwaite
- 1986
Worlds Beyond
Mrs Watts · 1 episode
Harem
Mrs. Pendleton
- 1985
All in Good Faith
Annie Freeman · 1 episode
Mann's Best Friends
Mrs. Anstruther · 6 episodes
- 1984
- 1983
Fanny Hill
Mrs. Jones (uncredited)
Separate Tables
Miss Meacham
- 1982
Crystal Gazing
Lady in Pub
Britannia Hospital
Maisie
- 1981
- 1980
Sir Henry at Rawlinson End
Lady Phillipa of Staines
Murder Rap
Elfie
1970s
- 1979
- 1977
The Testing of Eric Olthwaite
Mrs. Bag
The Stick Up
Hotel Manageress
Nicholas Nickleby
Peg Sliderskew · 2 episodes
Spend Spend Spend
Keith's Granny
- 1976
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
La Falourdel
It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet
Mrs. Dodds
Ripping Yarns
Mrs. Bag · 1 episode
- 1975
Keep an Eye on Albert
Mrs. Oxfam
It's a Lovely Day Tomorrow
Vi Bell
I Didn't Know You Cared
Annie Brandon · 27 episodes
Breath
Mrs. Pritchett
- 1974
Taking Leave
Confused Lady
No, Honestly
May · 1 episode
Village Hall
Mrs Whalley · 1 episode
Bedtime Stories
Miss Long · 1 episode
- 1973
Jack Point
Mrs. Matthews
Hard Labour
Mrs. Thornley
- 1972
Bleak Moments
Pat's Mother
- 1970
Leo the Last
Raving Tenant (uncredited)
1960s
- 1969
In Loving Memory
Hilda Pardoe · 2 episodes
Appearances16
2020s
- 2026
2010s
- 2010
The Royle Family: Behind the Sofa
Self
2000s
- 2007
- 2005
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Designer Chocolate
Self
- 2002
1990s
- 1998
- 1996
An Evening with Lily Savage
Self - Audience Member
- 1993
- 1990
Night of 100 Stars III
Self
Sing! Sesame Street Remembers Joe Raposo and His Music
Self
1980s
- 1986
- 1982
Mike Leigh: Making Plays
Self (archive footage)
1970s
- 1978
