Denzil Smith Biography: Age, Height, Net Worth, Ethnicity, Parents, Movies

Denzil Leonard Smith is an Indian film, stage, and television actor of Anglo-Indian heritage, widely recognized as a versatile character performer.

He has appeared in more than 60 films and over 50 plays, with notable screen credits including The Lunchbox, Brahman Naman, Viceroy’s House (as Muhammad Ali Jinnah), and Christopher Nolan’sTenet.

Denzil Smith
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name: Denzil Leonard Smith
Stage Name: Denzil Smith
Born: 6 November 1960 (age 65 years old)
Place of Birth: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Nationality: Indian
Ethnicity: Anglo-Indian
Height: 1.8 m
Religion: Christianity
Parents: Benjamin John Smith, Kathleen Maude Shepherd
Siblings: Cheryl Roy-Smith, Lionel Smith
Spouse: Carissa Hickling (m. 2017)
Relationship: Married
Occupation: Actor
Net Worth: $1 million–2 million

Early Life and Education

Denzil Smith came into the world on 6 November 1960 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, to parents Benjamin John Smith, a civil servant and customs officer with a deep interest in music and the arts, and Kathleen Maude Shepherd.

He has an older sister, Cheryl Roy-Smith, and a younger brother, Lionel Smith. His father passed away when he was 11.

He completed his schooling at St. Andrews High School in Bandra and studied English literature at the University of Mumbai (RD National College).

He is of Anglo-Indian origin, and his religion is Christianity.

Career

Denzil Smith began his professional life in advertising as a film executive under Alyque Padamsee at Lintas before turning fully to acting in 1988.

He made his stage debut with Pearl Padamsee’s production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses and soon became associated with Naseeruddin Shah’s Motley Productions, appearing in works such as Waiting for Godot and The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial.

He later collaborated extensively with Lilette Dubey’s PrimeTime Theatre on productions including Gauhar, August: Osage County, and Sammy, which toured internationally.

He also performed in the musical The Merchants of Bollywood across the UK, Europe, and Asia.

On screen he debuted in the early 2000s and built a steady career as a character actor.

Key film roles include a Tibetan monk in Paap (2003), supporting parts in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011) and its sequel, Mr. Shroff in The Lunchbox (2013), a professor in Brahman Naman (2016), Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Viceroy’s House (2017), and Sanjay in Tenet (2020).

Television credits include the Emmy-winning Delhi Crime, Beecham House, Mind the Malhotras, and P.O.W. – Bandi Yuddh Ke, for which he received critical recognition.

He continues to work across film, streaming platforms, and theatre while also producing through StageSmith Productions.

Awards and Nominations

  • Indian Television Academy Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role — P.O.W. – Bandi Yuddh Ke (2017)

Social Media

  • Instagram Handle: @denzilsmithofficial

Personal Life

Denzil Smith, 65 years old and 1.8 m tall, has been married to Carissa Hickling since 2017.

No public details are available regarding children. He maintains a relatively private personal life centered on his family and long-standing commitment to theatre and film in Mumbai.

Net Worth

Denzil Smith has an estimated net worth of approximately $1–2 million, built through a sustained career in theatre, Indian and international films, television series, voice work, and production activities.

Filmography

  • Paap (2003)
  • The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
  • The Lunchbox (2013) — Mr. Shroff
  • The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015)
  • Brahman Naman (2016)
  • Viceroy’s House (2017) — Muhammad Ali Jinnah
  • Badla (2019)
  • Tenet (2020) — Sanjay
  • Dybbuk (2021)

What People Ask

What is Denzil Smith’s ethnicity?

Denzil Smith’s ethnicity is Anglo-Indian.
What does Denzil Smith do?

Denzil Smith is an actor.
What is Denzil Smith’s nationality?

Denzil Smith is Indian.
How tall is Denzil Smith?

Denzil Smith stands at 1.8 m.
Does Denzil Smith have siblings?

Yes, Denzil Smith’s siblings are Cheryl Roy-Smith and Lionel Smith.
What religion does Denzil Smith practice?

Denzil Smith practices Christianity.
Where is Denzil Smith from?

Denzil Smith was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
How old is Denzil Smith?

Denzil Smith is 65 years old.
Who are Denzil Smith’s parents?

Denzil Smith’s parents are Benjamin John Smith and Kathleen Maude Shepherd.
What is Denzil Smith’s net worth?

Denzil Smith has an estimated net worth of $1 million–2 million.
Is Denzil Smith married?

Yes, Denzil Smith is married. Denzil Smith has been married to Carissa Hickling since 2017.
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