Sandra Smith is a distinguished American actress who left a significant mark on the television industry during the 1960s and 1970s. Best known for her guest appearances in iconic series and her steady work in soap operas, she became a recognizable face for millions of viewers. Her ability to portray complex and strong characters allowed her to work alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood.
In this article, we explore the life and career of this talented performer who remains a favorite among classic television enthusiasts.
Who is Sandra Smith?
Sandra Smith is a retired American television and stage actress who gained fame for her versatile performances in various genres. She is most remembered by science fiction fans for her role as Dr. Janice Lester in the final episode of the original Star Trek series, titled “Turnabout Intruder.” In this memorable role, she had the unique challenge of portraying a character who swaps bodies with Captain James T. Kirk. Beyond this, she was a regular on the popular soap opera Guiding Light and appeared in numerous drama and crime series throughout her active years in the industry.
Sandra Smith Age – How Old is She?
As of January 2026, Sandra Smith is 85 years old. She was born on June 27, 1940, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She grew up during a time when television was becoming the primary source of entertainment for American households, which likely influenced her decision to pursue a career in the performing arts. Although she retired from professional acting in the mid-1970s, her work continues to be celebrated today through digital streaming and television reruns, keeping her legacy alive for new generations of fans.
Sandra Smith Biography / Wiki Table
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Sandra Smith |
| Date of Birth | June 27, 1940 |
| Birthplace | Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA |
| Age (as of 2026) | 85 Years |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Retired Actress |
| Years Active | 1958–1975 |
| Most Famous Role | Dr. Janice Lester in Star Trek |
| Notable Work | Guiding Light, The Interns, Columbo |
Early Life and Background
Sandra Smith was born and raised in Minneapolis, a city with a rich cultural and theatrical history. Growing up in the Midwest, she discovered her passion for acting at an early age. She was known to be an ambitious young woman who sought out opportunities to perform in local plays and school productions.
Her background in a supportive environment allowed her to hone her skills before she eventually moved to larger entertainment hubs to seek professional work. Her early life was defined by a steady dedication to the craft of storytelling through performance.
Sandra Smith Education
Sandra Smith took her professional training very seriously. She attended the Carnegie Institute of Technology, which is now known as Carnegie Mellon University, in Pittsburgh. This institution is famous for its rigorous drama program and has produced many legendary actors.
During her time there, she studied the fundamentals of acting, stage presence, and character development. This solid educational foundation provided her with the tools necessary to transition from stage work to the demanding world of television and film, where she quickly found success.
Sandra Smith Profession
Sandra Smith’s profession was that of a professional actress working across stage, film, and television. She began her career in the late 1950s, appearing in programs like Naked City. She was part of the transition of television from black-and-white to color, appearing in some of the most influential shows of the era. Her profession required great range, as she moved from the dramatic world of daytime soaps to the high-stakes environment of primetime crime dramas. She was highly respected by her peers for her professionalism and her deep understanding of every script she handled.
Sandra Smith Movies and TV Shows
Sandra Smith had a very busy career, appearing in some of the most famous shows in television history. While she did act in the film Teenage Doll, her primary success was on the small screen. She is most famous for playing Dr. Janice Lester in the final episode of the original Star Trek. Additionally, she spent years on the soap opera Guiding Light as Julie Conrad Bauer. Her ability to work in different genres allowed her to guest star in popular shows like Columbo, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, and The Rockford Files. Her filmography represents a golden age of American television storytelling.
Notable Filmography
- Star Trek: “Turnabout Intruder” (Dr. Janice Lester)
- Guiding Light: Regular series role as Julie Conrad Bauer
- The Interns: Series regular as Dr. Lydia Thorpe
- Columbo: “The Greenhouse Jungle” (Cathy Goodland)
- Gunsmoke: Multiple guest roles
- Teenage Doll: Film role as Lori
Career Journey
The career journey of Sandra Smith is a testament to the “Golden Age” of television. She first gained major attention for her role as Julie Conrad Bauer on the soap opera Guiding Light in the early 1960s. Her success there led to a recurring role in the series Our Private World. However, her most enduring contribution to pop culture remains her role in Star Trek. Following this, she co-starred in the medical drama The Interns and guest-starred in classics like Columbo, Hawaii Five-O, and The Rockford Files. She chose to step away from acting in 1975, leaving behind a diverse and impressive body of work.
Sandra Smith Family
While Sandra Smith kept much of her personal life private, it is known that she was once married to the famous actor and bodybuilder Steve Reeves. They were married in 1955, but the marriage ended in divorce the following year.
| Relation | Name |
| Ex-Husband | Steve Reeves (m. 1955–1956) |
| Place of Residence | United States |
| Siblings/Parents | Not Publicly Detailed |
Sandra Smith Net Worth
Estimating the net worth of a retired actress from the 1970s can be complex. During her peak years, Sandra Smith was a successful working actress who appeared in dozens of television episodes and stage plays.
Her earnings from her long tenure on Guiding Light and her various guest spots on major network shows likely provided her with a comfortable lifestyle. While she is not often cited in modern “celebrity wealth” lists, most estimates for veteran performers of her status suggest a net worth in the range of $1 million to $2 million.
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