Alexis Smith (June 8, 1921 - June 9, 1993)

Alexis Smith was a graceful lady who always came across with a tremendous amount of confidence. She appeared in 55 films between 1940 and 1993. Her final film The Age of Innocence was released posthumostly. One of her more notable films was The Philadelphians which was released in 1959. In the film Alexis appeared along side Paul Newman, Barbara Rush, Brian Keith, Robert Vaughn, Adam West and Billie Burke. On television she appeared on "The Star and the Story", "Stage 7", "The 20th Century-Fox Hour", "On Trial", "Robert Montgomery Presents", "Lux Video Theatre", "Schlitz Playhouse of Stars", "The United States Steel Hour", "Adventures in Paradise", "The Defenders", "Marcus Welby, M.D.", "The Love Boat", "Hothouse", "The David Frost Show", "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" and "Cheers." It was her performance on "Dallas" though that will stick out in my mind forever. On the popular prime time soap she appeared as Lady Jessica Farlow Montford, the sociopathic sister of oil baron Clayton Farlow played by Howard Keel. When she was first introduced in March of 1984 she arrived for Clayton's pending wedding to family matriarch Ellie Ewing (Barbara Bel Geddes). By the end of the season Jessica's disturbed side is revealed and she takes Miss Ellie hostage. After a little suspense and a lot of wonderful drama and dialogue Jessica is committed and Miss Ellie returns to Southfork. During her first run Alexis appeared in seven episode. Six years later in 1990 she returned for four more episodes and this time around she murdered four people while trying to murder her brother Clayton. She is eventually caught by Bobby Ewing (Patrick Duffy) and there is a wonderful scene between Duffy, Bel Geddes, Keel and Alexis. Even though she was a totally evil character she was also a "wonderful" character. The Clayton Farlow character was somewhat one dimensional that it was nice giving him a sister. Unfortunately she turned out to be a maniac murderer. Alexis Smith had an incredible amount of confidence and elegance. She brought great beauty and great power to the scene.

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