LIZ SMITH

Mary Elizabeth 'Liz' Smith (1923–2017) was an American gossip columnist nicknamed 'The Grand Dame of Dish' who became a trusted voice on fame through her syndicated column in the New York Daily News. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, she rose from modest beginnings to interview icons like Sinatra, Hepburn, and Madonna, blending wit and kindness into her celebrity coverage. She died in New York City at age 94 and also championed literacy, raising nearly $40 million for Literacy Partners.