Martha Smith
| Guest Actor – Quincy, M.E. | |
|---|---|
| Name | Martha Smith |
| Character | Dianne Johnson |
| Episode Title | Go Fight City Hall – To the Death! |
| Air Date | October 3, 1976 |
| Year | 1976 |
| Other Notable Roles | Animal House, Scarecrow and Mrs. King |
| External Links | IMDb |
Martha Smith
Martha Anne Smith (born October 16, 1952) is an American actress, former model, and real estate broker, best known to Quincy, M.E. fans for portraying Dianne Johnson — the central victim in the 1976 pilot episode, Go Fight City Hall – To the Death!
Early Life
Smith was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and graduated from Michigan State University with a focus in psychology. She is fluent in both French and Italian.
Role on Quincy, M.E.
In the pilot episode of Quincy, M.E., titled "Go Fight City Hall – To the Death!" (aired October 3, 1976), Smith played Dianne Johnson, a young woman found dead under suspicious circumstances. Her death triggers Dr. Quincy's first televised forensic investigation. The episode served as a strong foundation for the show's theme of challenging official narratives through science and moral conviction.
This marked one of Smith’s earliest credited television roles, helping to launch her career in Hollywood.
Career Highlights
Before acting, Smith gained fame as Playboy’s Playmate of the Month for July 1973. Her exposure in modeling led to television opportunities throughout the 1970s.
She appeared in several hit series including:
- Happy Days
- Taxi
- Charlie's Angels
- Fantasy Island
- Dallas
- Swamp Thing
Her breakout film role came in 1978’s National Lampoon's Animal House as Barbara "Babs" Jansen. She later starred as Agent Francine Desmond on CBS’s hit series Scarecrow and Mrs. King (1983–1987).
Later Work
Smith transitioned into real estate in the mid-1990s, becoming a successful broker in Southern California. She was later featured on HGTV’s Selling L.A. and continues to work in both real estate and occasional film projects.
Personal Life
She was married to Noel Blanc (son of voice actor Mel Blanc) from 1977 to 1986. In 2000, she married Keith England.
Selected Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Quincy, M.E. (pilot) | Dianne Johnson |
| 1978 | National Lampoon's Animal House | Barbara "Babs" Jansen |
| 1982 | Days of Our Lives | Sandy Horton |
| 1983–1987 | Scarecrow and Mrs. King | Agent Francine Desmond |
| 2006 | Loveless in Los Angeles | Andrea |
| 2009 | The Seduction of Dr. Fugazzi | Kitty Carloff |
| 2018 | A Futile & Stupid Gesture | Tour Guide |
Notable Facts
- Fluent in French and Italian.
- Her role as Dianne Johnson on Quincy, M.E. was among her first TV performances.
- She helped shape the show's early narrative as a victim whose story uncovered corruption and motivated Quincy's pursuit of justice.
- Known for blending a public acting career with real estate entrepreneurship in Los Angeles.
External Links
- Martha Smith on Wikipedia
- Martha Smith on IMDb
- Dianne Johnson character page on TVmaze
- Playboy Profile – Martha Smith
Categories
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