Phyllis Smith

Phyllis Smith garnered widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Phyllis Lapin on the Emmy-winning television series The Office, a role specifically developed for her while she was working as a casting associate for the show. From 2005 to 2013, Smith’s nuanced performance and signature deadpan delivery contributed significantly to the show’s comedic success and cultural impact throughout its eight-season run. Her work on the series earned her, alongside her castmates, two prestigious Screen Actors Guild Awards for ‘Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series’ in consecutive years, 2006 and 2007, solidifying her reputation as a formidable comedic actress. Following her celebrated run on The Office, Smith seamlessly diversified her acting portfolio, making a significant impact in both animated feature films and dramatic television.

In 2015, she lent her distinctive voice to the critically acclaimed Pixar animated film Inside Out, portraying the beloved character Sadness. Her performance was widely celebrated, earning her an Annie Award for ‘Outstanding Achievement, Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production’ in the same year. Demonstrating her impressive versatility, Smith then transitioned into a more dramatic role as Betty Broderick-Allen in the Netflix original series The OA, starring in the series from 2016 to 2019. Smith continued her acclaimed voice acting career by reprising her iconic role as Sadness in the highly anticipated Pixar sequel, Inside Out 2, released in 2024, which once again captivated audiences and critics alike globally.

With a proven track record of critical acclaim and popular appeal in projects ranging from network television staples to Oscar-winning animated features and acclaimed streaming series, Smith remains a distinguished and versatile figure in the entertainment landscape, consistently delivering memorable performances that resonate with audiences worldwide.