Who is the oldest person to win a Tony Award?

In a theater industry that constantly celebrates new talent, Lois Smith proved that decades of dedication can still deliver a first. At 90 years old, Smith became the oldest person to ever win a Tony Award for acting, making history at the 74th Tony Awards in 2021.

Her win wasn’t just about breaking records—it was a deeply personal triumph rooted in passion, perseverance, and a love for storytelling that has defined her seven-decade career.

🎭 Lois Smith’s Historic Tony Win

The Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play was awarded to Lois Smith for her role as Margaret in The Inheritance, a two-part epic play inspired in part by E.M. Forster’s Howards End. The production explores themes of legacy, grief, and queer identity in modern-day New York.

Smith’s portrayal of Margaret, a character that bridges generational trauma and hope, earned rave reviews and solidified her place in Tony Award history.

🗓 A Moment 70 Years in the Making

Although her Tony win came in 2021, Lois Smith had long been a respected name in both stage and screen. Before this, she was nominated twice for a Tony:

• The Grapes of Wrath (1990)
• Buried Child (1996)

Despite decades of acclaimed work, it took until age 90 for her to finally take home Broadway’s highest honor—showcasing that recognition can come later in life, even in an industry often dominated by youth.

💬 A Speech That Spoke to Legacy

In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Smith touched on her lifelong love for live theatre and reflected on how The Inheritance’s themes echo the emotional depth of Howards End, a novel she has long cherished. It was a powerful moment that reminded viewers why she’s revered as one of America’s great character actresses.

🎬 Beyond Broadway: A Storied Career

While Smith’s Tony win was monumental, it’s just one highlight in a prolific career. She’s appeared in over 50 films and numerous television roles, including:

• Twister
• Lady Bird
• Minority Report
• The Americans
• True Blood

She has consistently delivered layered, authentic performances across mediums, never chasing fame, but always honoring the work.

🏆 A Record-Breaking Legacy

Lois Smith’s record as the oldest acting Tony Award winner adds a unique chapter to the history of the Tony Awards. While older winners in other categories have existed—such as producers and directors—Smith holds the record for the oldest person to win a Tony for acting.

Her achievement surpasses prior records in this category, though official archival comparisons are limited due to changing award structures over time.

📣 Why Her Win Still Matters in 2025

As the 2025 Tony nominations spotlight a new wave of emerging stars like Sadie Sink and Sarah Snook, Smith’s 2021 win remains an inspiring reminder: excellence in theater doesn’t expire with age. Her career, culminating in this long-overdue recognition, challenges ageism and broadens what’s possible in the performing arts.

Final Word: More Than Just the Oldest Tony Winner

Yes, Lois Smith is the oldest person to win a Tony Award, but her story is bigger than a number. It’s about staying committed to craft, embracing roles that matter, and proving that passion doesn’t fade. In an industry obsessed with the next big thing, her legacy is proof that sometimes, the most meaningful milestones are the ones that come last.