Linda Smith

Linda Helen Smith (29 January 1958 – 27 February 2006) was an English comedian and comedy writer. She was born in Erith, Kent, and educated at Erith College of Technology and the University of Sheffield. Smith began her career in theatre before transitioning to comedy, performing in a double act called Token Women and later Tuff Lovers. She became a full-time solo stand-up comedian in 1986, winning the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year in 1987. Her career flourished with appearances on national radio and television panel shows such as 'The News Quiz', 'Just a Minute', 'I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue', and 'QI'. She also starred in her own Radio 4 sitcom, 'Linda Smith's A Brief History of Timewasting'. From 2004 until her death, she served as president of the British Humanist Association. In 2002, she was voted 'Wittiest Living Person' by listeners of BBC Radio 4's 'Word of Mouth'. Smith died of ovarian cancer at the age of 48. Her legacy includes tributes, a collection of her work at the University of Kent, and an annual lecture in her honour.