The actress had spent 25 years working at San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theatre as a director.
The organisation released a statement, reading: “’It is with great sorrow that we share that Melissa Smith, longtime Director of the Conservatory, passed away on September 7, 2021.
“So many have been touched by her talent, generosity, intellect, grace, and wonderful sense of humor. She will be greatly missed.”
Before taking on this role at the conservatory, she had shaped the organisation’s Master of Fine program.
