I directed before I was even in television; I directed in the theatre for seven years, so that was my trade anyway. But in the UK, I've given up any hope of being considered a director.

He also starred as property dealer Tom Craig in ITV drama Muck and Brass and guest starred on The Goodies episode Animals. Smith was born and brought up in Chiswick over the fish and chip shop. Paramount Pictures considered this film the outstanding comedy of the year but when the producers left Paramount for another studio Paramount withdrew its support for the film.

Melvin Kenneth "Mel" Smith (born 3 December 1952) is an English comedian writer film director producer and actor.