Elizabeth Smart Bio, Age, Height, Husband, Kidnapped, Net Worth
Elizabeth Smart Biography
Elizabeth Ann Smart is an American child safety activist and kidnap survivor born on November 3, 1987, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She grew up in a devout Latter-day Saints family with four brothers and a sister. Elizabeth attended Bryant Middle School and East High School, later studying music at Brigham Young University with a harp performance major.
At age 14, Elizabeth endured one of the most publicized abductions in U.S. history. On June 5, 2002, she was taken at knife-point from her bedroom by Brian David Mitchell and his wife Wanda Barzee. Smart was held captive for nine months in remote locations before police rescued her on March 12, 2003 in Sandy, Utah, following a tip from someone who recognized her and her captors.
After her rescue, Elizabeth chose to share her story publicly and became a powerful voice for survivors of kidnapping and sexual violence. She testified at her captors’ trials and later founded the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, promoting child safety, crime prevention, and support for victims.
Elizabeth also co-authored books, including the New York Times bestseller My Story, and collaborated with the U.S. Department of Justice on survivor resources like You’re Not Alone.
Moreover, she works as a commentator for ABC News and frequently speaks on child protection issues. Elizabeth married Matthew Gilmour in 2012 and they now live in Park City, Utah, with their three children.
In early 2026, she gained renewed attention with the Netflix documentary Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart, which revisits her abduction, recovery, and advocacy journey.
Elizabeth’s life exemplifies resilience, courage, and dedication to helping others overcome trauma and pursue healing.
Elizabeth Smart Age 2026 | How Old Is Elizabeth Smart?
Elizabeth Smart is 38 years old as of 2026, reflecting decades of advocacy since her rescue. She was born on November 3, 1987, in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Smart became nationally known after her 2002 kidnapping at age 14 and her subsequent rescue in 2003. Today, she continues her work as a child safety activist, author, and commentator, using her experience to help others.
Elizabeth Smart Height | How Tall is Elizabeth Smart?
Elizabeth Smart stands 5 feet 6 inches tall (168 cm), which reflects an average adult female height. Moreover, her height complements her confident public presence. As an author, activist, and motivational speaker, she often appears at national events and interviews. Additionally, her poised appearance supports her advocacy work. Overall, Elizabeth Smart’s height matches her strong and inspiring personality in public life.
Elizabeth Smart Religion | What faith is Elizabeth Smart?
Is Elizabeth Smart still Mormon?
Elizabeth Smart practices The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). She grew up in a deeply religious household in Utah, where faith shaped daily life. Moreover, Elizabeth often credits her religious beliefs with helping her endure captivity. After her rescue, she continued practicing her faith while redefining personal spirituality. However, she also emphasizes individual choice, healing, and compassion. Today, Elizabeth Smart’s religion remains an important influence, while her advocacy focuses on resilience, recovery, and survivor empowerment.
Elizabeth Smart Husband | Who is Elizabeth Smart’s Husband?
Elizabeth Smart has been married to Matthew Gilmour since September 2009. Matthew works in business and supports Elizabeth’s advocacy and public speaking work. Moreover, the couple built a strong partnership rooted in shared values and family life. Together, they live in Park City, Utah, where they raise their three children. She often references Matthew’s support in interviews, noting his role in helping her balance advocacy, motherhood, and public appearances with confidence and care.
Elizabeth Smart Children | Kids, Names & Family Details
Elizabeth Smart and her husband Matthew Gilmour have three children together. Their oldest daughter is Lily Pearl Gilmour, born in 2012. Next is their son, Harrison Smart Gilmour, born in 2014. Moreover, they welcomed a second daughter, Ellie Mae Gilmour, in 2016. Elizabeth often shares how motherhood enriches her life and strengthens her advocacy work. Together, the family lives in Park City, Utah, where they focus on community, compassion, and child safety.
Elizabeth Smart Family | Parents, Siblings & Early Life
Are Elizabeth Smart’s Parents still Married?
Elizabeth Smart was born to Ed Smart and Lois Smart in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her father worked in real estate and construction, while her mother focused on family life. Moreover, Elizabeth grew up with four brothers: Michael, Clayton, Jeremy, and Matthew Smart. However, Ed and Lois Smart divorced in 2006. The separation followed years of strain after Elizabeth’s abduction. Additionally, Ed Smart later came out as gay, which contributed to the divorce. Despite this change, the family maintained mutual respect and continued supporting Elizabeth together.
Elizabeth Smart Netflix Documentary | Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart Overview & Insights
What is the story of Elizabeth Smart on Netflix?
Netflix released Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart on January 21, 2026, a documentary that revisits the 2002 abduction of Elizabeth when she was 14 years old. The film chronicles her nine‑month captivity, her rescue, and the emotional journey afterward. It features Elizabeth’s own voice and reflections, along with interviews from family, investigators, and those closest to the case. Moreover, the documentary explores the search efforts, psychological impact, and community response to one of America’s most publicized missing‑person cases.
The series also highlights Elizabeth’s resilience and healing, emphasizing hope and strength for survivors. Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart is now streaming on Netflix, offering a personal and powerful account of her experience and advocacy work.
Elizabeth Smart Kidnapped | Who Kidnapped Elizabeth Smart?
Elizabeth Smart was abducted at age 14 from her Salt Lake City home on June 5, 2002, at knifepoint by Brian David Mitchell and his wife Wanda Barzee. The captors forced her into remote camps and moved her across Utah and San Diego County over nine months. Mitchell claimed religious motives, threatened her life, and repeatedly abused her during captivity.
Meanwhile, her younger sister’s memory of the abductor’s voice helped authorities identify him and issue a police sketch, which prompted a tip. This lead led to her rescue on March 12, 2003, in Sandy, Utah, when bystanders spotted her disguised with a veil and reported it to police.
Since her rescue, Elizabeth became a respected advocate for child safety and survivors, founding the Elizabeth Smart Foundation and sharing her story to support others facing trauma. Her experience is also highlighted in the Netflix documentary Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart.
Elizabeth Smart’s Foundation | Mission, Programs & Impact on Child Safety
The Elizabeth Smart Foundation promotes child safety, prevention education, and survivor support across the United States. Founded by Elizabeth Smart after her 2002 kidnapping and rescue, the foundation focuses on education, awareness, and empowerment. Moreover, it offers school programs, workshops, and community events to teach children and families how to stay safe and recognize danger. The foundation also partners with law enforcement and policymakers to improve missing‑person protocols. In addition, it provides resources for survivors and caregivers, including counseling tools and advocacy training. Through partnerships and public speaking, the Elizabeth Smart Foundation strengthens communities and helps prevent future abductions.
Elizabeth Smart’s Book & Author | My Story and Other Works
Elizabeth Smart co‑authored the bestselling memoir My Story, which details her abduction and recovery journey. She wrote it to inspire healing and resilience. Moreover, she contributed to other books and resources on trauma, faith, and survival. Her writing blends personal experience with guidance for survivors and caregivers. Therefore, her work as an author extends beyond memoir, offering insight and hope through storytelling and advocacy.
Elizabeth Smart Net Worth 2026 | How Much Is Elizabeth Smart Worth?
Elizabeth Smart has an estimated net worth of around $3 million to $5 million as of 2026, reflecting earnings from speaking engagements, book sales, and media appearances. She co‑authored My Story and other books that contribute to her income. Moreover, she works as a commentator and advocate, which adds to her financial foundation. While her primary focus remains advocacy and child safety, her public work also supports her professional livelihood.
