
Out of her hundreds of TV appearances, Martha Smith is perhaps best known as "Francine Desmond", intelligence agent (and nemesis of star Kate Jackson) on the CBS series "Scarecrow and Mrs. King" (1983). Raised in Farmington, MI, Martha--an honor student with a mention in "Who's Who of American Students"--enrolled in Michigan State University at 17 to study psychology. She soon became an in-demand model and spokeswoman, whose travel demands uprooted her from her studies. She was "discovered" by a scout for "Playboy" magazine, selected as a centerfold (Miss July 1973) and promptly sent back on the road on press junkets. That road led to California. With the support of Universal Studios Contract Department, Martha honed her thespian skills in workshops while appearing in featured TV roles ("How the West Was Won" (1978), "Quincy M.E." (1976), "Charlie's Angels" (1976), etc.). Her first major film role was in the comedy blockbuster Animal House (1978), where her "Barbara 'Babs' Jansen" character, a devious cheerleader, was arch-rival to John Belushi's "Bluto". Shortly after, she shared star billing with Debbie Allen in the CBS pilot Ebony, Ivory and Jade (1979) (TV), which marked her professional singing/dancing debut.

Animal House
1978 · as Barbara Sue 'Babs' Jansen

Broadcast News
1987 · as Aaron's Soundwoman

A Futile and Stupid Gesture
2018 · as Tour Guide

Hotel
2003 · as Mrs. Moyer

To the Moon, Alice
1991 · as Heather Morgan

Where Are They Now?: A Delta Alumni Update
2003 · as Barbara 'Babs' Jensen

Loveless in Los Angeles
2007 · as Andrea

Blood Link
1982 · as Hedwig

Animal House: The Inside Story
2008 · as Self

Ebony, Ivory and Jade
1979 · as Maggie 'Ivory' David

The Winds of Autumn
1976 · as Maydell's Girl

The Seduction of Dr. Fugazzi
2009 · as Kitty Carloff

Alex and the Doberman Gang
1980 · as Susan Hamilton