[3] In the third episode of Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew, she stated that her father died as a result of a drinking problem, and that while he was absent during much of her childhood, she was still devastated by his death.

Her breakthrough came when her naturally blonde hair was dyed red, giving her a strong resemblance to 1940s and 1950s movie star Rita Hayworth.

[8] Smith was cast in her first film role in Paul Mazursky's Faithful, on a referral from Robert De Niro that stemmed from her Casino auditions.

Smith appeared as a cast member during the second season of the VH1 television show Celebrity Rehab, which depicted her 16-year struggle with opiate and alcohol addiction.

That same year, Smith and other alumni of Celebrity Rehab appeared as panel speakers to a new group of addicts at the Pasadena Recovery Center.

[10] In a January 2010 TV Guide story on Celebrity Rehab, Dr. Drew Pinsky stated she was living with her mother in Los Angeles, and "doing stupendous work ... She's someone who reaches out and is an inspiration and of service to other patients.