If you grew up watching Canadian television in the 1980s, the name Morag Smith probably sparks a very specific kind of nostalgia. You likely remember her alongside her husband, Steve Smith, in the chaotic, low-budget brilliance of Smith & Smith. They were the quintessential comedy duo of the era. But as the years turned into decades and Steve Smith became a household name as the bumbling Red Green, Morag seemingly vanished from the spotlight.
It’s the kind of disappearance that makes people hit Google at 2:00 AM. Is Morag Smith still alive? The short answer is yes. As of early 2026, Morag Smith is very much alive, though she has lived a life intentionally distanced from the cameras for over thirty years. She didn't "disappear" in a mysterious sense; she simply chose a different path, retiring from the entertainment industry to focus on her family and a private life far away from the duct-tape-covered set of Possum Lodge.
The Mystery of Morag Smith’s Retirement
To understand why people keep asking about her, you have to look at how abruptly she left the scene.
In 1991, just as Steve Smith was launching The Red Green Show, Morag stepped away. This wasn't a "hiatus." It was a full-stop retirement from performing. For fans who had watched her play everything from a stern judge to a bickering talk show host for six seasons of Smith & Smith and later The Comedy Mill, it felt sudden.
Honestly, the entertainment industry is brutal. While Steve's character, Red Green, became a massive cultural phenomenon, Morag decided that the "celebrity" life wasn't for her anymore. She shifted her energy toward raising their children, Max and David.
👉 See also: The Entire History of You: What Most People Get Wrong About the Grain
It's a bit of a rare move in an industry where people usually cling to fame until it’s pried from their hands.
Confusing the Names: Why the Rumors Start
Part of the reason the "is Morag Smith still alive" question pops up so often is a classic case of name confusion. In recent years, several other notable women named Morag Smith have passed away, leading to a flurry of panicked social media posts and "In Memoriam" searches.
- Morag Smith, the Poet: A deeply respected Cornish poet and activist passed away in July 2023 following a terminal cancer diagnosis. She was a brilliant writer for Broken Sleep Books, and when the literary world mourned her, the news algorithms often served those headlines to fans of the Canadian comedian.
- Morag Smith of Dunfermline: A well-known local adventurer and hiker from Scotland passed away in May 2024.
- Morag Smith from Glasgow Women's Library: In late 2024, a prominent figure at the Glasgow Women's Library made headlines for "leaving the building" after a long career. While this was a retirement announcement, the phrasing "Morag Smith is leaving" triggered a lot of "is she okay?" searches.
When you have a name that isn't exactly common—but isn't unique either—the internet's "death hoax" machinery tends to work overtime. But the Morag Smith from Smith & Smith is still here, living her life in Ontario.
Life After the Comedy Mill
Morag and Steve Smith have one of the longest-lasting marriages in the business. They’ve been together since the mid-70s. When Steve talks about his career in interviews today, he still credits Morag as the backbone of their early success.
✨ Don't miss: Shamea Morton and the Real Housewives of Atlanta: What Really Happened to Her Peach
They started as a folk-singing duo before realizing they were much better at making people laugh than they were at singing serious ballads. That chemistry you saw on screen wasn't just acting; it was a partnership.
What is she doing now?
Basically, she’s being a grandmother. Steve and Morag have been enjoying a quiet life, often spending time with their grandkids. Steve frequently posts updates about his life on social media—now that he’s retired from the Red Green tours—and while Morag rarely appears in the photos (she really does value her privacy), she is the one often behind the camera or mentioned in the captions.
She hasn't expressed any interest in a "reunion" or a "comeback." Kinda refreshing, right?
Why We Still Care About Her
There is something fascinating about people who walk away from fame at the height of it. We live in an era where everyone is trying to be "seen" 24/7. Morag Smith did the opposite. She gave us a decade of great comedy, helped build a production empire with her husband, and then decided she’d had enough.
🔗 Read more: Who is Really in the Enola Holmes 2 Cast? A Look at the Faces Behind the Mystery
That’s probably why the search for her status remains so high. We want to know that she’s okay because she was a part of our living rooms for so long.
Separating Fact from Fiction
If you see a headline claiming Morag Smith has passed away, check the details carefully. You'll almost always find it's referring to the poet or a different private citizen. The comedian Morag Smith remains private, healthy, and retired.
The couple’s production company, Morag Productions, was even named after her. She wasn't just the "wife of Red Green"; she was the executive force and the creative partner who made the whole thing possible.
Next Steps for Fans
If you're feeling nostalgic for Morag’s work, you don't have to wonder about her health—you can celebrate her career.
- Watch the Classics: Much of Smith & Smith and The Comedy Mill has been digitized. Seeing her range as a character actress reminds you why she was so vital to those shows.
- Follow Steve Smith: Steve (Red Green) remains active on social platforms. While he respects Morag’s privacy, he often shares glimpses of their life together and their shared history.
- Verify Sources: Always cross-reference "celebrity death" news with reputable outlets like CBC or major trade publications before believing a social media snippet.
Morag Smith’s legacy isn't just a "where are they now" mystery. It’s a story of a woman who knew exactly when she’d achieved what she wanted and wasn't afraid to close the door on Hollywood to open a much more personal one at home.