Elaine Smith (actress)
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Elaine Smith | |
|---|---|
| Born | 23 April 1962 Largs, North Ayrshire, Scotland |
| Occupations | Television actress, school teacher |
| Notable work | Daphne Clarke in Neighbours |
| Spouse | Jonathan Biggins |
| Children | 2 |
Elaine Smith (born 23 April 1962) is a Scottish-Australian former actress, known for her role as Daphne Clarke in the Australian soap opera Neighbours from 1985 until 1988.
Smith was born in Largs, Scotland. Her family moved to Perth, Western Australia when she was young.[1]
Career
Smith auditioned for a guest role in new series Neighbours in 1984.[2] However her appearance, particularly her short spiky hair, caught the attention of the casting director and she was cast as regular character Daphne Lawrence.[2] Smith continued in the role until 1988.[3] Prior to this she had a small guest role in soap opera Sons and Daughters in 1984 as a flight attendant.
After leaving Neighbours, Smith guested as Jenny Rose in an episode of The Flying Doctors.[4] She starred in the 1991 miniseries Ratbag Hero as Mum, alongside Cameron Nugent and Marcus Graham.[5] In 1992, Smith joined the main cast of the revamped Flying Doctors series R.F.D.S. as Dr Sissy Wetherall.[6] Subsequent credits include State Coroner, Always Greener, and Home and Away.[3] She made two guest appearances in All Saints in August 2005 and March 2006.[3][7]
Smith later earned a teaching degree and became a Year 3 teacher at a Sydney primary school.[8] In 2025, Smith revealed that she had declined offers from Neighbours producers to either return as a ghost or a twin. She decided to retire from acting and is a private tutor for neurodiverse children.[9]
Personal life
Smith was in a relationship with her Neighbours co-star Peter O'Brien.[4]
She is married to actor and writer, Jonathan Biggins. The couple met while performing together in a Melbourne play.[10] Smith and Biggins have twin daughters, who were born in February 2000.[10]
