* Norwood Smith; Actor and Singer

Norwood Smith, a retired actor, died Tuesday at Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo. He was 84.

Smith was born on April 18, 1915, in San Francisco.

He later attended UCLA and studied geology. He wanted to begin a career in opera, but his plans were delayed while he served in the Army during World War II. He returned from the African front after attaining the rank of major.

In 1946, he starred in his own radio show in Hollywood titled “Norwood Smith Sings.” He also had the starring role in a show on CBS, “American Rhapsody.” This was the beginning of his 47-year show business career.

He left Hollywood for New York and became a leading man in Broadway musicals. One of his favorite roles, according to his son Rick Scott, was starring as Daddy Warbucks in “Annie” for 3 1/2 years on Broadway.

His wife to be, Elizabeth, was a secretary for a producer. The two met and later married on Jan. 9, 1971, in Greenwich, Conn.

He also toured the country in the national companies of “Showboat” and “Applause,” and he replaced Robert Alda in “Guys and Dolls.” He starred on Broadway in “Can Can,” “Silk Stockings,” and “The Music Man,” in which he succeeded Robert Preston.

He was a favorite on the summer and winter stock circuits, starring in most of the leading stock theaters.

Smith co-starred and danced with Gene Kelly in a tour of “Take Me Along.” He also shared billing with Carol Burnett, Eva Gabor, Ann Blythe, Betsy Palmer and Carol Laurence.

In the early 1980s, the Smith family moved to Camarillo from New York.

Back on the West Coast, Smith appeared on television in several soap operas and series. Before his retirement, he also played starring roles in “Annie” and “The King and I” at the Lobero Theater in Santa Barbara in the early 1990s.

Smith was a member of St. Columba’s Episcopal Church in Camarillo. He enjoyed ushering, lecturing and singing with the YAHWEH’s people at church.

In addition to his son Rick Smith of Oxnard, he is survived by his wife of 28 years, Elizabeth, brother Harry Smith of Rancho Cucamonga, one granddaughter, and one great granddaughter.

Memorial services are scheduled at 2 p.m. on Monday at St. Columba’s.

Arrangements are under the direction of Pierce Bros. Griffin Mortuary in Camarillo.