Dodie Smith

Date of Birth: May 3, 1896

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: November 24, 1990

Biography

Dorothy Gladys “Dodie” Smith was a renowned English novelist and playwright, best known for her children’s novel “The Hundred and One Dalmatians” and her coming-of-age novel “I Capture the Castle.” Born on May 3, 1896, in Whitefield, Lancashire, England, Smith grew up in a theatrical family, which significantly influenced her writing career. She attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and initially pursued acting before transitioning to playwriting and novel writing. Her first play, “Autumn Crocus,” became a success in 1931, opening doors for a series of successful plays throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Smith’s fame skyrocketed with the publication of “The Hundred and One Dalmatians” in 1956, which was later adapted into several successful Disney films. Her memoirs and other literary works have also been celebrated for their wit, charm, and insightful observations on life and society. Dodie Smith passed away on November 24, 1990, in Uttlesford, Essex, England, leaving behind a lasting legacy in both the literary and theatrical worlds.

5 Interesting Facts about Dodie Smith

1. Dodie Smith wrote “The Hundred and One Dalmatians” while living in the United States due to her opposition to World War II.

2. She was one of the first women to graduate from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).

3. Smith was a passionate animal lover and owned nine Dalmatians throughout her life.

4. Her novel “I Capture the Castle” has been praised by numerous authors, including J.K. Rowling.

5. Dodie Smith was also a screenwriter; she adapted some of her own plays for the screen.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dodie Smith

1. “I write to give myself strength. I write to be the characters that I am not. I write to explore all the things I’m afraid of.”

2. “Noble deeds and hot baths are the best cures for depression.”

3. “Writers do not write what they know. They write what they wonder about.”

4. “There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well.”

5. “The family you come from isn’t as important as the family you’re going to have.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Dodie Smith is estimated to be around $3 million, primarily from book sales and royalties from adaptations of her works.