How did Shelley Smith die? Model-turned-actress who achieved game show fame on 'The $10,000 Pyramid' was 70
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Shelley Smith, a model who transitioned into acting, died at the age of 70 on Tuesday, August 8. She was with her husband, Michael Maguire, and her twins, Nicholas and Miranda, at the time of her death.
Maguire shared the heartbreaking news in an emotional Facebook video just days after he had informed about Smith's hospitalization after an episode of cardiac arrest.
How did Shelley Smith die?
Smith died just days after her hospitalization due to a cardiac arrest on August 5. She breathed her last at the Hollywood Presbyterian Church in Hollywood, California, surrounded by her family.
"My dear, sweet angel Shelly Smith passed peacefully yesterday at 2:20 PM. Her children, Nicky and Miranda Nathan and I were at her side and holding her hand and kissing her head and singing to her and telling her how much we loved her," wrote Maguire in the Facebook post.
He added, "Shelley lived an incredible life! We are all heartbroken, but we are also so fortunate to have been touched by this beautiful, intelligent, compassionate and incredible soul. Life is so short. Make every second count and fill every second with love."
Shelley Smith's career in modeling and acting
Born in Princeton, New Jersey, in 1952, Smith's journey led her from Connecticut College to the fashion industry during the early 1970s. Her modeling career graced the pages of prestigious magazines like Vogue and Mademoiselle, culminating in a 1981 appearance on the cover of Harper's Bazaar.
Soon, she ventured into acting, debuting in 1979 with the TV movie, 'Mirror, Mirror', where she starred alongside Janet Leigh of 'Psycho' fame.
In the same year, Smith achieved a significant milestone by securing a lead role in the show, 'The Associates', which revolved around a group of young lawyers practicing at a Wall Street firm.
Later, she appeared in shows like 'Magnum, P.I.' (1980), 'Simon & Simon' (1981), and 'For Love and Honor' (1983). However, her most prominent television recognition came when she showcased her intellect on game shows, particularly excelling on 'The $10,000 Pyramid'.
Shelley Smith struggled with fertility and founded the Egg Donor Program
While her professional life was marked by accomplishments, Smith faced personal challenges alongside her then-husband, Reid Nathan, as they sought to become parents. Tragedy struck when their son Justin was born in 1989 and sadly passed away after just three days.
Eventually, in March 1995, Smith found joy as she welcomed her twins, Nicholas and Miranda. Their birth was the result of combining her brother's sperm with a donor's eggs, marking a significant turning point in her tumultuous journey toward motherhood.
While navigating her own challenges with fertility, Smith dedicated herself to supporting other couples facing similar issues and, in 1991, founded the Egg Donor Program, a meaningful endeavor that reflected her commitment to assisting those dealing with fertility difficulties.
