Lois Smith (born November 3, 1930) is a veteran American actress, renowned for her extensive career as a character actress in theater and film.

An Actors Studio alumna, she made her big-screen debut in *East of Eden* (1955). Her film career gained momentum with memorable roles, notably as Patty, Jack Nicholson's sister, in Bob Rafelson's *Five Easy Pieces* (1970), a role that earned her widespread acclaim.

Smith became a reliable and distinctive presence in dozens of films, specializing in complex and often enigmatic female characters. Among her most significant performances are roles in *Fried Green Tomatoes* (1991), *Twister* (1996) as Aunt Meg, *Minority Report* (2002), and more recently *Lady Bird* (2017) and *The French Dispatch* (2021). With her quiet intensity and ability to lend depth to every role, Smith is celebrated for her versatility and her lasting contribution to American cinema.