Beth Smith

The suburban mother caught between a genius father and a chaotic multiverse.

Bethany Smith (née Sanchez) is one of the main characters of the American animated television series Rick and Morty and the resulting franchise. Created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, Beth is a veterinarian who specializes in horse surgery. In the first three seasons she is struck with a deep sense of dissatisfaction with her life, stemming from her belief that she has "settled" in her marriage, family, and job, leading her to accept her father into her household after he abandoned her as a teenager. Known for her selfish and humorous personality, alcoholism, and abrasiveness when criticized, the character has been well received. She is the level-headed and assertive daughter of mad scientist Rick Sanchez, mother of Morty and Summer Smith, wife of Jerry Smith, and grandmother of Maria, Naruto, Thoolie, and Morty Smith Jr.

Quick Facts

Series: Rick and Morty
Creator: Justin Roiland; Dan Harmon
Designer: Justin Roiland
Affiliation: Space Beth: Galactic Revolution
Last: Beth Prime: "Look Who's Cronenberging Now" (2018); "Rickmurai Jack" (cameo; 2021)
Spouse: Jerry Smith (husband); Space Beth (wife)
Family: Rick Sanchez (father); Diane Sanchez (mother)
Children: Summer Smith (daughter); Morty Smith (son)

Lore & Background

Following Rick and Morty abandoning the latter's original reality in the first season episode "Rick Potion #9", a new Beth identical to the original is introduced, Beth C-131; the original Beth Prime is subsequently shown to be ruling a post-apocalyptic wasteland with the original Jerry and Summer in the third season episode "The Rickshank Rickdemption" and the Rick and Morty comic series arc "Look Who's Cronenberging Now", before dying of illness before the events of the sixth season premiere "Solaricks".

Following the events of "The ABC's of Beth", in which Beth confronts sharing her father's sociopathy, Rick creates a clone of Beth and sends one of the pair to space; it is left ambiguous as to whether the newly dubbed Space Beth is the clone or the original following the official introduction of the character in "Star Mort Rickturn of the Jerri". The character description for Space Beth in the Pocket Mortys update that accompanied the Adult Swim release of the episode initially identifies her as Clone Beth, despite the episode itself not confirming whether or not she or Beth is the clone; both Beths and Jerry later form a throuple in the sixth-season episode "Bethic Twinstinct".

In "Rickmurai Jack", Rick's original Beth, Beth C-137, is revealed to have been killed as a child along with her mother Diane, with Rick having spent the following decades scouring the multiverse for their killer, eventually electing to move in with the adult version of Beth and her family from his target's native reality. The character is voiced by Sarah Chalke, and portrayed by Whitney Avalon in a promotional music video for the third season.

Reader's Guide

Beth Smith originates from Earth Suburbia but operates within infinite dimensions. Initially portrayed as insecure and dependent on Rick's validation, her personality evolves into one of quiet strength. She often acts as the family's stabilizer when Rick's antics spiral out of control. Her key relationships include a strained but enduring marriage to Jerry and a protective bond with Summer. Over time, she challenges Rick more frequently, demanding accountability for his actions. This dynamic shifts from passive acceptance to active confrontation in later story arcs. Across the multiverse, Beths vary wildly in capability. Some lead galactic governments while others remain unaware of portals. The primary Beth's evolution shows her reclaiming agency from her father's shadow. She utilizes veterinary skills and mechanical aptitude to solve problems Rick creates.

Did You Know?

She became pregnant with her daughter Summer at age 17, which prevented her from becoming a 'real' surgeon.
Rick abandoned this Beth when she was 15, yet she still views him more favorably than her mother.
In 'Bethic Twinstinct', Beth and Jerry start a polyamorous relationship with Space Beth after ingesting Venusian wine (love potion).