Trivia

Her maternal grandmother, Sallie Ball McCall, traced her Ball ancestors back to George Washington's mother.

Shares the same birthdate (February 2) as her good friend, New York-based actress/singer, Elaine Stritch.

One of the most popular gossip columnists of the 20th century.

Counts former Texas governor, the late Ann Richards, as a very special friend.

Favorite newspapers include: New York Times, New York Observer, New York Post, New York Sun, New York Daily News, USA Today, Washington Post, Daily Telegraph (UK), Variety, etc.

On her Manhattan office desk she keeps a Maltese Falcon statuette, a gift she received from longtime friend and University of Texas classmate, writer-director Robert Benton. Smith has worked from her East 38th Street office since 1976.

Several years ago, she claimed to have been a WWII war bride, and covers this part of her life extensively in her memoir "Natural Blonde."

Born on exactly the same date as James Dickey (of Deliverance (1972) fame).