- Confessed to never having watched his performance in The Princess Bride (1987) due to the painful experience involved in filming the role. His character required him to wear colored contact lenses and, unknown to Smith and the costume department at the time, he was actually allergic to the lens solution used. This meant that Smith was in constant pain and discomfort throughout filming, hence why he was so reluctant to relive the memory.
- Original choice to direct Wayne's World (1992).
- Was a friend of the British group Queen.
- Attended Oxford University in England, UK
- British comedian and director who came to prominence as part of the team of Not the Nine O'Clock News (1979). Frequently collaborated with fellow comedian Griff Rhys Jones with whom he was partner in the production company Talkback.
- Was out of work when asked if he wanted to be in a new offbeat comedy series "Not the Nine O'Clock News".
- Went to Oxford to read experimental psychology but at 20 became president of the Oxford Debating Society and decided not to take his degree.
- According to Matthew Robinson on the "Doctor Who - Resurrection Of The Daleks" DVD, he was originally offered the part of Stein (subsequently played by Rodney Bewes).
- Originally wanted to be a director.
- He owned a greyhound Valid Reason.
- News obituaries of Mel Smith revealed that he had been a gambler.
- For a time he lived with Fleet Street journalist Angela Pitts.
- Was associate director of the Crucible at Shefield but resigned in 1977.
- Originated the role of Wilbur Turnblad in London's West End production of Hairspray in 2007 at the Shaftesbury Theatre.
- At one time owned a third share in the race horse Cloud Walker.
- Spent three years with "Not the Nine 'O Clock News".
- Used to run a commercial radio company with Griff Rhys Jones.
- Was president of the dramatic society and toured America and Canada with the Oxford and Cambridge Drama Group with "As You Like It".
- He was quite slim when he when he played cricket and rugby at university. When he stopped playing he put on weight.
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