Tony Award Winner Lois Smith Joins Time-Travel Drama Outside of Cleveland

Veteran actress Lois Smith, known for her Tony Award-winning performance in The Inheritance, has joined the cast of Colin West’s upcoming feature film “Outside of Cleveland.” The actress will portray Marjorie, the grandmother of the film’s protagonist Max in this time-travel drama that explores themes of regret, choice, and self-discovery.

Smith brings an extraordinary legacy to the project, with her first on-screen role dating back to 1955 when she appeared opposite James Dean in “East of Eden.” Her impressive filmography includes memorable performances in “Five Easy Pieces,” “Twister,” “Minority Report,” “Dead Man Walking,” “Ladybird” and “The French Dispatch,” showcasing her remarkable range across genres and decades.

The film follows Max, a jingle writer in Chicago who questions where his life went. When his parents sell his childhood home outside of Cleveland, he drives back to help them pack, only to wake up in the winter of 2009 as an 18-year-old. Back in his senior year, he reconnects with his neighbor Ellie, who encourages him to write his own songs, leading Max to wonder whether he has been sent back to change his past or to say goodbye to it.

A Personal Tribute to West’s Grandmother

West named Smith’s character after his own grandmother, who passed away in 2012. The director emphasized the deeply personal nature of the role and why Smith was the perfect choice to bring it to life. He needed someone who could embody both toughness and warmth, qualities his grandmother possessed in abundance.

“Lois’s character is named after my own grandmother who passed away in 2012. She was someone who always told me the truth, even when I didn’t always want to hear it. This is the same role that Marjorie fills in our film,” said West.

“She isn’t there to comfort Max or make things easier; she’s there to tell him the truth. The character needed to be tough yet warm, and Lois embodies that. She had such a wonderful attitude throughout, and she brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion. Having a legend like her bring my grandmother’s spirit to the screen means more to me than I can say,” said West.

Producers Praise Smith’s Authenticity

The film’s producers Dan Erdman, Chad Simpson, Heather Francis and Drew Johnson expressed their enthusiasm about securing Smith for the role in a joint statement. They highlighted how the character demands someone who can convey emotional weight with real authenticity, making Smith an ideal choice for this pivotal moment in the narrative.

“Colin wrote such a beautiful character in Marjorie. There’s an immediate familiarity to her: that combination of a grandmother’s warmth and wisdom. It’s a pivotal moment in the film, and we needed someone who could convey its emotional weight with real authenticity,” said the producers in a joint statement.

“Lois was a dream choice, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have her,” the producers added.

Smith’s Distinguished Career Across Stage and Screen

Smith’s theatrical accomplishments extend well beyond her Tony win. She received Tony nominations for her performances in “The Grapes of Wrath” and “Buried Child,” demonstrating her ability to tackle challenging dramatic material across different eras. In 2017, Smith starred as the title character in Michael Almereyda’s “Marjorie Prime,” earning Gotham and Independent Spirit nominations for best supporting actress among other accolades.

Her television credits showcase remarkable versatility, ranging from “Law & Order: Organized Crime” to “Ray Donovan,” “The Americans” and “True Blood.” This diverse body of work demonstrates Smith’s ability to adapt to different formats and genres while maintaining the authenticity and depth that define her performances.

Casting Director Celebrates Industry Icon

Casting director Findley Davidson praised Smith’s enduring commitment to her craft. At 95 years old, Smith continues to work non-stop across theater, TV and film, maintaining a schedule that would challenge performers decades younger. Davidson noted that while the term “icon” is overused in the industry, it fits Smith perfectly, reflecting her extraordinary longevity and consistent excellence.

West’s Vision for the Time-Travel Drama

West drew inspiration from his own experiences when developing the film. A few winters ago, he found himself back in Ohio, helping his parents pack up his childhood home. Sleeping in his old bedroom, he felt the distance between the 18-year-old kid he used to be and the person he’d become, an experience that became the foundation for the screenplay.

“Outside of Cleveland” is produced by Brain Scratch Productions, 1515 Films and Sub_Sequential Pictures. The film joins several independent projects currently in post-production, including Mercedes Bryce Morgan’s “Kate Might Die,” which features Awkwafina, Anthony Ramos, Ken Jeong and Zosia Mamet.

The casting of Smith represents a significant achievement for the independent production, bringing gravitas and emotional depth to a story that explores universal themes of identity, regret, and the paths not taken. Her portrayal of Marjorie promises to anchor the film’s emotional core, providing the truth-telling presence that guides Max through his unexpected journey back in time.