Bea Smith (Wentworth)

Bea Smith
Born	Australia (implied)
Occupation(s)	Prisoner, former hairdresser
Years active	2013–2016 (in series)
Known for	Character in Wentworth TV series
Notable work	Wentworth

Bea Smith is a fictional persona featured in the Australian drama series Wentworth, brought to life by actress Danielle Cormack. Debuting in the premiere episode titled "No Place Like Home" (May 2013), Bea’s narrative includes enduring abuse from her spouse Harry, avenging her daughter's death by killing Brayden Holt, and ultimately ascending to the position of top dog within Wentworth Prison. Throughout the series, she engaged in conflicts with characters such as Franky Doyle, Jacs Holt, Kaz Proctor, and Joan Ferguson. Bea remained the focal figure until her departure at the conclusion of Season 4.

Casting

Although Tammy MacIntosh was initially considered a strong candidate for the role, she did not secure it and later appeared in Season 3 portraying vigilante Kaz Proctor. The role of Bea was ultimately awarded to New Zealand actress Danielle Cormack, who expressed excitement about joining a production anticipated to achieve the acclaim of Prisoner.

Bea’s character was written out in the final episode of Season 4 after being fatally stabbed by Joan Ferguson (Pamela Rabe). The producers confirmed this exit was definitive, ruling out any return in Season 5. Executive producer Jo Porter described this choice as challenging but essential to introduce fresh characters and story arcs going forward.

Storylines

Bea was a loving wife to Harry and mother to Debbie. Despite suffering abuse and rape at Harry’s hands, she remained with him to safeguard Debbie. After an attempt to kill Harry and stage it as a suicide, Bea was taken into custody.

Upon her arrival at Wentworth, Bea experienced panic over Debbie’s wellbeing and required sedation. She suffered flashbacks of her abusive home environment, which shed light on her crime: she rendered Harry unconscious, sealed him inside his car with an exhaust hose to cause suffocation. Debbie discovered him and tried to intervene; Bea subsequently called emergency services. Bea was held on remand.

She faced accusations of murdering Meg Jackson during a prison riot but was ultimately exonerated.

In "The Velvet Curtain," encouraged by Liz, Bea begins exploring her sexuality, revealing that prior sexual encounters with Harry were without consent or pleasure.

In "Something Dies," Bea implores Jacs not to allow Franky’s gang rape but is assaulted by Jacs’ henchmen. Bea warns Franky, who retaliates by injuring Jacs. In response, Jacs orchestrates Debbie’s fatal drug overdose through her son.

In "To The Moon," devastated by Debbie’s passing, Bea attempts suicide but is prevented. Unable to attend Debbie’s funeral due to remand status, she sends a message of love via Debbie’s body.

Bea confronts Jacs over Debbie’s death and kills her using a pen. Triggering an alarm, she is escorted away as fellow inmates watch in disbelief—a stark contrast to her initial arrival at prison.

Season 2 confirms Bea’s responsibility for Jacs’ death; charges related to attempted murder of Harry are dropped, and she serves a 12-year sentence for manslaughter. Grappling with grief over Debbie and withdrawal from sedatives, she plots revenge against Brayden Holt. On Franky’s orders, Bea is attacked but forms an alliance with Simone Slater after rescuing her from Boomer. Simone warns Bea about an impending attack planned by the Holts; Maxine intervenes during the assault.

Bea prepares strategically by learning that cutting wrists prevents handcuffing, stockpiling blood thickeners, and provoking Boomer into fights to divert suspicion onto herself.

In "Into The Night," Bea defeats Franky in a fight but opts for self-inflicted harm rather than killing her; this leads to hospitalization. She escapes custody, acquires a firearm from Liz, and shoots Brayden Holt. Upon returning to H Block after arrest for Brayden’s murder, Franky declares Bea the new top dog.

Season 3 opens with Bea sentenced to life imprisonment without parole for Brayden's murder. Governor Joan Ferguson revokes privileges and confines Bea to solitary for organizing a smoke strike. A riot breaks out when Maxine sets mattresses on fire as part of Bea's plan; masked inmates take Vera hostage and free Bea from solitary confinement. Bea asserts control over Joan during exercise yard confrontations.

In "Failing Upwards," Bea negotiates riot consequences with Ferguson, secures pizza for inmates, learns of Harry's murder, and burns Boomer’s hands on a steam press.

In "Righteous Acts," under Joan's intimidation, Jodie stabs Bea during basketball.

In "Evidence," Joan orders an attack on Bea that leads to her transfer to the psychiatric ward.

During "Blood and Fire," Joan ignites Wentworth prison trapping inmates including Bea and baby Joshua inside. Bea rescues Joshua and Franky; Will Jackson assists their escape while Joan remains trapped amid the blaze.

Season 4 depicts Bea struggling with life imprisonment and emotional distress including self-harm while contending with inmates known as ‘The Freak’ and Kaz Proctor. She develops a romantic relationship with Allie Novak; Joan exploits this bond by attempting to drown Bea and nearly killing Allie through a hotshot drug injection.

Following release from prison, Bea confronts Joan wielding a screwdriver intending to kill her as retribution for Allie’s attempted murder and prevent Joan's release. Disarmed by Joan, Bea forces Joan into stabbing her multiple times, securing proof that ensures Joan remains incarcerated. Witnessed by Vera Bennett and Will Jackson, Bea lies dying—solidifying her role as the series’ tragic heroine.

Reception

Danielle Cormack was honored with an ASTRA Award and a LOGIE in 2015 for her role as Bea Smith. Prior to this, she received nominations for both LOGIE and ASTRA awards in 2014. Furthermore, Cormack was recognized with AACTA nominations in 2015 and 2016 for her performance in the same character.

Elaine Atwell commended the storyline involving Bea and Allie, referring to their relationship as "one of the most beautiful" she has ever crafted, emphasizing its emotional depth despite the presence of conflict within the plot.

The romantic connection between Bea and Allie has been identified as a major factor contributing to some viewers favoring Wentworth over Orange Is The New Black, highlighting its resonance beyond the LGBT audience and underscoring the importance of discovering love amid adversity.