Elaine C Smith, born August 2, 1958, in Baillieston, Glasgow, is a Scottish actress, comedian, writer, and political activist best known for her iconic role as Mary Nesbitt in the long-running BBC sitcom Rab C. Nesbitt. She began her career as a drama teacher before transitioning into television in the 1980s with appearances on Naked Video and City Lights, which established her as one of Scotland’s most recognisable comedic talents. Over the years, Smith has enjoyed success on stage as well, starring in productions such as Calendar Girls and The Steamie, while also touring regularly with her own one-woman shows. She later became a central cast member in the hit BBC Scotland sitcom Two Doors Down, further cementing her status as a staple of Scottish television. Smith’s career spans over four decades, combining humour, heart, and a deep commitment to Scottish culture and identity.

Filmography

• 2025Govan Fair Queen — Linda
• 2024Broono — Mrs. Brown
• 2024Damaged — Elizabeth Walsh
• Mayflies — Barbara
• Sister Boniface Mysteries — Jeanie McIntyre
• Two Doors Down — Christine
• 2014Scotland In A Day
• 55 Degrees North — Irene McGinley
• Celebrity Mastermind
• 1999Coming Soon — Paisley Johnson
• Coming Soon
• 199733-1 Before the Off — Manageress
• Hububb
• 1992Rab C. Nesbitt Live — Mary Nesbitt
• Rab C. Nesbitt — Mary Nesbitt
• 1988Rab C. Nesbitt: Seasonal Greet — Mary Nesbitt
• City Lights — Irene
• Naked Video
• 1984End of the Line — Annemarie

Appearances as themselves (8)

• 2025Being Stanley Baxter — Self
• 2025City Lights: Pure Dead Brilliant — Self
• 2022Ooh the Banter! — Self (archive footage)
• The Weakest Link — Self - Contestant
• 2010Gerard Kelly: A Celebration — Self
• The Alan Titchmarsh Show — Self
• Space Cadets — Self
• Question Time — Herself - Panellist