Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Jean Smart

Jean Smart is an American actress born on September 13, 1951, in , celebrated for her versatile career spanning theater, television, and film, with seven among her accolades. The second of four children to museum curator and teacher Douglas Smart and his wife Kathleen "Kay", she was diagnosed with at age 13 and developed an early interest in through neighborhood theater activities. After graduating from Ballard High School in 1969 and earning a from the of 's Professional Actor Training Program in 1974, Smart launched her professional career at the , where she performed eight roles over three seasons from 1975 to 1978. Relocating to New York City in 1980, Smart debuted on Broadway in Piaf in 1981 and gained off-Broadway recognition in Last Summer at Bluefish Cove, marking her transition to national prominence. Her breakthrough came in television with the role of Charlene Frazier Stillfield on the CBS sitcom Designing Women from 1986 to 1991, which established her as a comedic force and earned her early Emmy nominations. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, she showcased dramatic range in guest roles, including Lana Gardner on Frasier (earning two Emmy wins in 2001 and 2002) and Martha Logan on 24, while also appearing in films such as The Brady Bunch Movie (1995), Guinevere (1999), Sweet Home Alabama (2002), and Garden State (2004). On stage, she received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Play for originating Lorraine Sheldon in the 2000 Broadway revival of The Man Who Came to Dinner. Smart's later career revitalized with Emmy-winning performances as Regina Newly on Samantha Who? (2008, one win) and supporting roles in series like Harry's Law (2011–2012), Legion (2017–2019), and Watchmen (2019). Her portrayal of aging comedian Deborah Vance in the HBO Max series Hacks (2021–present) brought critical acclaim and four consecutive Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025), contributing to her total of seven Emmys and additional honors including two Golden Globe Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and five Critics' Choice Awards. She also voiced Ann Possible in the animated series Kim Possible (2002–2007); appeared in recent films like Babylon (2022) and A Simple Favor (2018); and returned to Broadway in Call Me Izzy (2025). In her personal life, Smart married actor in 1987 after meeting on the set of ; they remained together until his death from a heart condition in March 2021 at age 71, after nearly 34 years of marriage. The couple had two sons: Connor, born in 1990, who works as a and , and Forrest, born in 2008. Following her husband's passing, Smart underwent a heart procedure in 2023 to address a congenital issue, prioritizing her health as a , and in 2025, she humorously referenced a while accepting her latest Emmy. Despite these challenges, she has continued to thrive professionally, embodying resilience in both her roles and life.

Background

Early life and education

Jean Smart was born on September 13, 1951, in , , to Douglas A. Smart and Kathleen "Kay" Smart. She was the second of four children, with two brothers, and , and one sister, Georgia. Her father worked as a high school at Ballard High School from 1953 to 1963 before transitioning to roles as a real-estate agent and curator at the ' audiovisual communications center, which exposed her to educational media and creative materials during her childhood. Smart grew up in a neighborhood where she enjoyed watching old movies, participating in neighborhood games, and staging informal plays in a neighbor's garage with her sister, fostering an early affinity for performance. At the age of 13, Smart was diagnosed with , a condition that required her to quickly learn self-management techniques, including administering her own insulin injections. The diagnosis presented immediate challenges, such as adjusting to daily monitoring and treatment in her teenage years, and it influenced family decisions, including her mother's insistence that she remain in for college to ensure access to reliable medical care. This health development shaped her approach to and , though she has since managed the condition lifelong through consistent care and advocacy efforts. Smart attended Ballard High School in , graduating in 1969, where she first developed a serious interest in through participation in school plays and dedicated study under drama teacher Earl Kelly during her senior year. She then pursued formal training at the , earning a degree in 1974 from the Professional Actor Training Program, a rigorous three-year conservatory-style curriculum that emphasized techniques, voice, movement, and on-stage experience. As one of only ten undergraduates admitted to the program, Smart appeared in dozens of productions at the UW School of Drama, honing her skills in diverse roles from classical to contemporary works. Following graduation, Smart immersed herself in 's vibrant local theater scene in the mid-1970s, performing at venues such as the Seattle Repertory Theatre, ACT Theatre, and Intiman Theatre, where she built foundational professional experience before expanding to regional opportunities.

Personal life

Smart married actor in 1987, and the couple remained together for 34 years until his unexpected death from a heart condition in March 2021. The loss profoundly affected Smart emotionally, marking a challenging period as she navigated single parenthood. The couple had two sons: Connor, born in October 1989, and Forrest, adopted from in May 2009 at 10 months old. Smart has described family life as dynamic, particularly after becoming a to her teenage son Forrest and adult son Connor following Gilliland's death, noting that the responsibilities helped her prioritize her health and well-being, including undergoing a heart procedure in 2023 to address a and an later that year. In summer 2025, she broke her knee but continued her professional commitments, humorously referencing the injury during her Emmy acceptance speech in September 2025. Smart has lived with since her diagnosis at age 13, and she has publicly discussed the evolution of her management over nearly five decades, including advances in insulin delivery and monitoring that have improved daily life. In a before the U.S. Senate, she highlighted how better control of her condition enabled her pregnancies and emphasized ongoing research needs for a cure. She advocates for diabetes awareness through volunteering with (formerly ) and the . Smart is a dedicated philanthropist, supporting the due to her father's death from the disease; she has served as a celebrity champion, spoken at fundraisers like the 2004 Rita Hayworth Gala, and appeared in their annual reports. In 2016, she received the Philanthropic Advocate Award from eWomen Network for her humanitarian efforts. Her commitment to LGBTQ+ rights earned her the National Equality Award from the in 2024, inspired in part by the painful loss of a friend to AIDS. In January 2025, amid devastating wildfires, Smart publicly urged television networks to forgo airing awards shows and donate the associated revenue to wildfire victims and first responders. A longtime resident of , Smart purchased a home in Encino with Gilliland in 2002 and later acquired property in Toluca Lake, balancing her family responsibilities with a grounded lifestyle in the city.

Career

1975–1999: Theater roles and

After graduating from the University of Washington's Professional Actor Training Program in 1974 with a BFA in theater, Jean Smart launched her professional acting career in the mid-1970s amid 's vibrant regional theater scene. She performed with prominent local companies, including the Seattle Repertory Theatre in productions such as (1976–1977) and , as well as and Intiman Theatre, building a strong foundation in ensemble work and contemporary drama. Smart's early breakthrough came in 1975 at the in Ashland, where she debuted professionally and appeared in eight roles over three years, developing her skills through demanding repertory seasons. Notable performances included Mary Tyrone in Eugene O'Neill's , Josie Hogan in , Lady Elizabeth Grey in Shakespeare's (1977), and Queen Margaret in (1978). These roles at the prestigious festival, known for its rigorous Shakespearean focus, honed her versatility in verse and heightened language, earning critical notice for her poise and emotional depth in both comedic and tragic parts. In 1980, Smart relocated to to pursue East Coast opportunities, landing her first major role as Lil in Jane Chambers's landmark lesbian drama Last Summer at Bluefish Cove at the Circle Repertory Theatre. Her portrayal of the resilient, closeted character garnered acclaim for its authenticity and vulnerability, earning her the for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play. The following year, in 1981, she made her debut as in Pam Gems's biographical play Piaf at the Plymouth Theatre, a supporting role that showcased her ability to embody historical figures with glamour and intensity; she received Drama Desk and Tony Award nominations for Featured Actress in a Play. Throughout the 1980s, Smart continued regional theater work, including the Los Angeles premiere of Steve Metcalfe's Strange Snow (1985–1986) at the Coast Playhouse, where she played Martha, a role highlighting her skill in intimate, character-driven dramas about aftermath. Limited engagements followed due to her growing commitments, but these stage experiences solidified her reputation as a multifaceted performer adept at both and classical works. Smart transitioned to television in the early 1980s with guest appearances on series such as The Facts of Life (1984), Newhart (1985), and Remington Steele (1985), often playing quirky, memorable supporting characters that hinted at her comedic timing. She gained more visibility with recurring roles in short-lived sitcoms, including Reggie (1983), based on the Fargo comic strip, and the second season of Teacher's Only (1983) on NBC, where she portrayed a fellow educator alongside Lynn Redgrave. These early TV credits provided steady work while allowing her to balance theater. In 1986, Smart achieved her television breakthrough as Charlene Frazier Stillfield in the CBS sitcom Designing Women, created by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason. As the sweet-natured, somewhat naive Memphis hairdresser and one of four Southern interior designer sisters, Smart's Charlene embodied wide-eyed optimism and heartfelt loyalty, often delivering punchy one-liners amid the show's feminist commentary on Southern culture and gender dynamics. The series, which premiered to strong ratings and ran for seven seasons, popularized the archetype of the witty, resilient Southern woman in prime-time comedy, influencing later shows like The Golden Girls spin-offs and modern ensembles. Smart starred as Charlene through the first five seasons (1986–1991), contributing to the ensemble's chemistry with co-stars , , and , and appearing in 115 episodes. Her character's arc evolved from bubbly ingénue to confident family woman, including storylines on , ambitions, and social issues like and , which amplified the show's cultural impact during the . The role earned Smart early recognition for her comedic precision, including a 1991 Q Award nomination from Viewers for for Best Supporting Actress in a Quality Comedy Series, reflecting audience appreciation for her endearing performance. She departed after the fifth season to prioritize family, as she and her husband, actor , welcomed their first child, son Connor, in 1989; her exit was written as Charlene moving to with her husband.

2000–2019: Television roles and acclaim

In 2000, Smart returned to in a of and Moss Hart's The Man Who Came to Dinner at the American Airlines Theatre, where she portrayed the glamorous magazine writer Lorraine Sheldon opposite Nathan Lane's Sheridan Whiteside. Her performance earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Play, marking a significant comeback to the stage after focusing on television in the 1990s. Transitioning back to television, Smart took on recurring dramatic roles that showcased her ability to portray authoritative figures. She appeared as Chief Deputy Mayor Martha Skanté on the crime drama from to , contributing to the show's exploration of urban policing challenges. From to 2004, she played the romantic interest Lana Gardner in multiple episodes of NBC's , winning two consecutive for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in and for her witty and layered portrayal. In 2006 and 2007, Smart embodied the resilient First Lady on Fox's thriller , a role that earned her a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series in 2006 and highlighted her shift toward intense dramatic work. Smart balanced drama with comedy in the late 2000s, starring as the sarcastic mother Regina Newly on ABC's Samantha Who? from 2007 to 2009, for which she received the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Series in 2008. She also made a notable as network executive Martha O'Donnell on NBC's Studio 60 on the in 2007, adding to her repertoire of behind-the-scenes media characters. Later series included her role as hospital board member Mrs. Langston on TNT's HawthoRNe (2010–2011), the no-nonsense lawyer Margaret Prince on NBC's (2011–2012), and the therapist Dr. Amy Newman on NBC's About a Boy (2014–2015). In animation, she voiced the eccentric homemaker Pickles Oblong on The WB's in 2001 and the supportive Dr. Ann Possible throughout Disney's from 2002 to 2007. On film, Smart continued to build her profile with supporting roles that emphasized her comedic timing and emotional depth, such as the mayor Stella Kay Perry in the romantic comedy Sweet Home Alabama (2002) and the quirky mother Carol in Zach Braff's Garden State (2004). Her performance as the aging entertainer Harper Sloane in the independent drama Guinevere further demonstrated her dramatic range, earning critical notice for its poignant depiction of lost youth. Throughout the decade, Smart's versatility allowed her to move beyond her earlier typecasting in comedy, embracing authoritative and complex dramatic characters that garnered increasing acclaim, including additional Emmy recognition for her work on FX's Fargo as crime boss Floyd Gerhardt in 2015.

2020–present: Hacks and return to Broadway

Smart's portrayal of Laurie Blake, also known as Judy Anderson, in the 2019 HBO miniseries Watchmen earned her a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series in 2020, marking a significant resurgence in her dramatic television work. In 2020, she took on the role of the formidable crime boss Lorraine Lyon in the fourth season of FX's anthology series Fargo, delivering a performance noted for its commanding presence and dry wit amid the show's Midwestern noir setting. The following year, Smart appeared as the supportive yet complex Helen Fahey in HBO's limited series Mare of Easttown, contributing to the ensemble's critical success in exploring grief and community in a Pennsylvania suburb. Smart achieved a late-career breakthrough with her leading role as Deborah Vance, a legendary but embattled comedian grappling with irrelevance in an industry dominated by youth, in the Max dark comedy series Hacks, which premiered in May 2021. Created by , , and , the series follows Vance's evolving mentorship with young writer Ava Daniels (), blending sharp satire on , fame, and comedy's cutthroat dynamics with poignant character development that showcases Vance's resilience and vulnerability. Hacks received widespread critical acclaim, holding a 99% approval rating on across its first three seasons for its incisive humor and Smart's transformative performance, often praised for humanizing a character who embodies both the glamour and grit of . Season 1 focused on Vance's desperate reinvention through edgy material, earning Smart her first Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series; Season 2 delved into her national tour and personal reckonings, securing her second win; Season 3 explored her post-cancellation struggles and industry blacklisting, with Smart earning a third Emmy in 2024. Season 4, which premiered on April 10, 2025, shifted to Vance's presidential ambitions and comedic evolution, maintaining the show's blend of and emotional depth while concluding major arcs around her legacy. In May 2025, renewed Hacks for a fifth and final season, with production beginning that September in , allowing Smart to wrap her signature role on a high note. Beyond Hacks, Smart reflected on her tenure as the enigmatic psychologist Melanie Bird in FX's (2017–2019), crediting the role in a 2025 interview with reigniting her passion for complex, genre-bending characters and influencing her approach to authority figures in later projects. In film, she portrayed gossip columnist Elinor St. John in Chazelle's 2022 epic , a satirical depiction of early 20th-century Tinseltown excess that highlighted her knack for acerbic, era-defining supporting turns. Smart lent her voice as the narrator in Max's 2025 animated adaptation of E.B. White's , bringing warmth and gravitas to the classic tale of friendship and loss starring and . That same year, she voiced the divine figure of in the comedy Too Good, infusing the character with wry, omnipotent humor. Marking her return to Broadway after a 25-year absence since her last appearance in 2000, Smart starred in the one-woman play Call Me Izzy at , premiering in June 2025 and running through August 24. Written by and directed by Sarna Lapine, the production cast Smart as Izzy, a reclusive writer whose internal monologues reveal themes of isolation, creativity, and redemption, earning praise for her tour-de-force versatility in a role that demanded emotional range from humor to heartbreak. The limited 12-week engagement was briefly interrupted in July when Smart suffered a injury, but she resumed performances, underscoring her commitment to live theater. Among other milestones, Smart hosted on September 28, 2024, delivering sketches that playfully nodded to her Hacks persona and earning acclaim for her timing and charisma. Her Emmy triumphs for Hacks continued with a fourth win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series at the 77th on September 14, 2025, where she humorously referenced her recent broken knee—sustained that summer and still healing—while accepting the award on crutches, channeling Deborah Vance's indomitable spirit. This victory coincided closely with her 74th birthday on September 13, which she celebrated the next day with cake alongside castmates, tying the personal milestone to her professional peak. Smart's trajectory since 2020 exemplifies overcoming ageism, as she has articulated in reflections on roles that defy stereotypes of , transforming from underutilized talent to a multifaceted lead celebrated for her depth and relevance at 74.

Acting credits and accolades

Television

Jean Smart gained prominence with her role as Charlene Frazier-Stillfield, a naive , in the sitcom Designing Women from 1986 to 1991. She portrayed Lana Gardner, Frasier's high school crush turned real estate agent, in a recurring capacity on NBC's Frasier from 2000 to 2001. In the series , she played , the resilient First Lady, across seasons 5 and 6 from 2006 to 2007. Smart embodied Regina Newly, the sharp-witted mother, in ABC's Samantha Who? from 2007 to 2009. She took on the complex role of Laurie Blake, an FBI agent and former vigilante, in 's Watchmen miniseries in 2019. Currently, Smart stars as Vance, a Las Vegas comedian, in HBO Max's Hacks since 2021.

Film

Smart appeared as Stella Kay Perry, the mayor's wife, in the romantic comedy in 2002. In Garden State (2004), she played Carol, the mother of the protagonist's love interest. Her performance as Elinor St. John, a , in Damien Chazelle's (2022) showcased her dramatic range.

Theater

Early in her career, Smart performed in multiple productions at the from 1975 to 1978, including roles in and . She made her Broadway debut as in Pam Gems's Piaf in 1981. In the 2000 Broadway revival of and Moss Hart's The Man Who Came to Dinner, Smart starred as Lorraine Sheldon, earning a Tony Award nomination. In 2025, she returned to in the solo play Call Me Izzy by Jamie Wax, portraying the titular Isabelle "Izzy" Scutley, a resilient in an abusive marriage.

Voice and animation

Smart voiced Helen Ventrix in the episode "See No Evil" of Batman: The Animated Series in 1993. She provided the voice for Pickles Oblong, the eccentric mother, in the animated series The Oblongs in 2001. From 2002 to 2007, she voiced Dr. Ann Possible, Kim's intelligent mother, in Disney's Kim Possible. In Netflix's Big Mouth, she has voiced the character Depression Kitty since 2018. In 2025, Smart narrated the HBO Max animated miniseries Charlotte's Web. That same year, she voiced God in the short film Too Good.

Accolades

Jean Smart is a seven-time Primetime Emmy Award winner, with her victories spanning guest, supporting, and lead roles in comedy series, marking her as one of the most awarded performers in . Her accolades reflect a career resurgence in the 2020s, particularly through her portrayal in Hacks, which earned her four Emmy wins, two Golden Globe wins, three , and three wins plus a nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy Series at the 2026 Critics' Choice Awards, and a nomination for Best Actress in a Series at the 2026 AACTA International Awards for her role as Deborah Vance, establishing it as a pinnacle of her recognition. Earlier honors include Emmy wins for Frasier and Samantha Who?, alongside nominations for prestigious theater awards and a Grammy nod for narration work. In 2022, she received a star on the for her television contributions.

Primetime Emmy Awards

Smart's Emmy achievements highlight her versatility in comedy, with seven wins out of 14 nominations. She won two Guest Actress in a Series awards for in 2000 and 2001, recognizing her recurring role as Lana Gardener. In 2008, she secured Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Series for Samantha Who? as Samantha's mother, Peggy. Her Hacks role as Deborah Vance yielded four Outstanding Lead Actress in a Series wins in 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025, contributing to the series' 11 total Emmys and underscoring a dominant streak in the category. Nominations include Outstanding Supporting Actress in a for in 2020. These awards, concentrated in the (three wins) and (four wins), illustrate her enduring impact on television .

Other Television Awards

Smart has earned two Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy for Hacks in and 2025, with nominations in , 2024, and 2026. She received three Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series for Hacks in , , and 2025. Additionally, she won three Critics' Choice Television Awards: Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for Watchmen in 2020 and Best Actress in a Comedy Series for Hacks in , , and 2025. The Hacks also secured SAG Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series in and , further highlighting the show's collective acclaim.

Theater Honors

In theater, Smart was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her role as Lorraine Sheldon in the 2000 revival of The Man Who Came to Dinner in 2001. She was nominated for a for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play for Last Summer at Bluefish Cove in 1981, an production that also earned her Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle recognition in its 1983 staging. These early honors, from the 1980s and 2000s, affirm her foundational stage work before her television prominence.

Additional Recognition

Smart received a Grammy Award nomination in 2016 for Best Spoken Word Album for narrating Patience and Sarah alongside . In 2016, she was honored with the Philanthropic Advocate of the Year Award by eWomenNetwork for her humanitarian efforts. Her overall tally includes 46 wins and 56 nominations across major ceremonies, with the representing a peak driven by Hacks' critical and awards success.

References

  1. [1]
    Smart, Jean Elizabeth (b. 1951) - HistoryLink.org
    Mar 4, 2024 · Stage, film, and television actress Jean Elizabeth Smart was born in Seattle on September 13, 1951, to Douglas A. Smart (1917-2003), a high ...
  2. [2]
    Jean Smart Wins Her 4th 'Hacks' Emmy, Thanks Hannah Einbinder
    Sep 14, 2025 · Jean Smart has won her 4th Emmy for her role of Deborah Vance in Hacks, and her 7th Emmy overall. As her name was announced on the Emmy Awards ...
  3. [3]
    Jean Smart | School of Drama | University of Washington
    Biography. Jean Smart attended Ballard High School and graduated from the University of Washington Professional Actor Training Program (BFA) in 1974. Smart ...
  4. [4]
    Jean Smart — The Movie Database (TMDB)
    Jean Elizabeth Smart (born September 13, 1951) is an American actress. She has received numerous accolades including five Primetime Emmy Awards.
  5. [5]
    Jean Smart Biography, Celebrity Facts and Awards - TV Guide
    Best known for her role as Charlene Frazier Stillfield in "Designing Women․"; Originated the role of Lorraine Sheldon in the 2000 Broadway production "The Man ...
  6. [6]
    Jean Smart Biography | Broadway Buzz
    Her television credits include Legion, Dirty John, 24, Samantha, Who?, Style and Substance, High Society, Designing Women, The District, Harry's Law, as well as ...
  7. [7]
    Jean Smart | Keynote Speaker | AAE Speakers Bureau
    Sep 16, 2025 · Jean Elizabeth Smart is an American actress. After beginning her career in regional theater in the Pacific Northwest, she appeared on Broadway ...
  8. [8]
    Jean Smart's 2 Children: All About Sons Connor and Forrest
    Aug 29, 2024 · Smart and Gilliland were married for nearly 34 years before the actor died at the age of 71, following a “brief illness," in March 2021.Missing: personal | Show results with:personal
  9. [9]
    All About Jean Smart's Kids: Meet Connor And Forrest
    Jun 4, 2024 · “Hacks” star Jean Smart and her late husband, Richard Gilliland, were married 30 years and share sons Connor and Forrest.
  10. [10]
    Single Parenthood Made Jean Smart Think Differently About Her ...
    Sep 11, 2023 · After losing her husband unexpectedly to a heart condition in 2021, the Hacks star has faced her own health scares this year, undergoing a heart ...Missing: personal marriage
  11. [11]
    Jean Smart Pokes Fun at Her Broken Knee After Her Emmys 2025 Win
    Sep 14, 2025 · At Emmys 2025, the Hacks star won the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, beating out Nobody Wants This' Kristen Bell, The ...
  12. [12]
    Jean Smart Never Went Away | The New Yorker
    Jun 20, 2021 · The star of “Hacks” and “Mare of Easttown” discusses loss, one-liners, and forty years onscreen. By Rachel Syme June 20, 2021
  13. [13]
    Jean Smart - Emmy-Award Winning Actress with Type 1 - Diabetes UK
    Smart was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 13 and reportedly learned to administer her own insulin injections shortly after her diagnosis.Missing: challenges | Show results with:challenges
  14. [14]
    From the UW to Emmy-winning roles, Jean Smart won't let herself be ...
    As a student in the UW's Professional Actor Training Program, Jean Smart played a cornucopia of characters in dozens of productions at the UW School of Drama.Missing: exposure | Show results with:exposure
  15. [15]
    Jean Smart opens up about losing her husband Richard Gilliland
    Jun 20, 2021 · Jean Smart's husband, Richard Gilliland, died unexpectedly on March 18, 2021, of a heart condition at 71.
  16. [16]
    Jean Smart Recalls Losing Her Husband of 35 Years - People.com
    May 16, 2024 · When asked to describe how "devastating" Gilliland's unexpected death from a heart condition was for their family, Smart refers to it as "the ...
  17. [17]
    Who are Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland's children? - The US Sun
    Mar 26, 2021 · Connor Douglas Gilliland is Jean and Richard's first child. ... He was born on October 25, 1989, just two years after the couple wed after meeting ...Missing: names | Show results with:names
  18. [18]
    Jean Smart Says Single Parenthood Helped Her Prioritize Health
    Sep 12, 2023 · Jean Smart started prioritizing her health when she became a single mom after her husband, Richard Gilliland, died in 2021.Missing: children | Show results with:children
  19. [19]
    International stars who live with type 1 diabetes | Breakthrough T1D
    Jean Smart, actor​​ Jean credits her T1D with helping her begin her acting career. “My mother insisted that I stay in Seattle for college,” she told The New ...
  20. [20]
    JDRF and Hundreds of Children Testify Before Senate on Need for ...
    Jul 10, 2013 · Smart discussed advances in diabetes care since she was diagnosed almost 50 years ago, and her hopes for the future: "What I really pray for is ...
  21. [21]
    10 Celebrities Living With Type 1 Diabetes - Everyday Health
    Jean Smart​​ Smart, who was 13 when she was diagnosed, has volunteered with Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and the ...
  22. [22]
    [PDF] 2022 - alzheimer's association® annual report
    Jun 30, 2022 · Jean Smart. Emmy-winning actor, HBO's. “Mare of Easttown” “Hacks” and “Watchmen,” FX's “Fargo” and “Legion,” CBS' “Designing. Women,” ABC's ...
  23. [23]
    Actress, Jean Smart, Wins Philanthropic Advocate Award - YouTube
    Mar 30, 2016 · This amazing award-winning actress and humanitarian, Jean Smart (Designing Women, 24, Frasier, Fargo/TV Series) receives the Philanthropic ...Missing: 2016 | Show results with:2016
  24. [24]
    Award-Winning Actors Sterling K. Brown & Jean Smart to be… - HRC
    Mar 19, 2024 · Jean Smart, known for iconic roles in HACKS, Mare of Easttown, and Designing Women, will be receiving the National Equality Award and Sterling K. Brown, star ...
  25. [25]
    Jean Smart Urges TV Networks To Donate Awards Show Funds
    Jan 9, 2025 · Jean Smart amid LA Wildfires has urged TV networks to donate awards show revenue to help firefighters and fire victims.
  26. [26]
    'Hacks' Star Jean Smart's $6M L.A. Home Snags Offer in 24 Hours
    Aug 27, 2024 · Smart, 72, and late husband Richard Gilliland bought the Encino, CA, home in 2002, and expanded the property in 2009.
  27. [27]
    Jean Smart - Biography - IMDb
    Tall (5'10"), lovely, statuesque Seattle native Jean Elizabeth Smart was born on September 13, 1951. The second of four children born to a teacher and his wife ...
  28. [28]
    Jean Smart Biography (1952?-) - Film Reference
    Equus, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle, WA, 1976-1977; Much Ado about Nothing, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, 1976; A Moon for the Misbegotten, Oregon ...
  29. [29]
    Jean Smart Theatre Credits and Profile - AboutTheArtists
    Jean Smart theatre credits, headshots, and performance images ... Sep – Oct, 1978. Henry VI, Part III. Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
  30. [30]
    Jean Smart – Broadway Cast & Staff - IBDB
    Starring: Jean Smart. Drama Desk Award. Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play. 1981 | Nominee. Jean Smart (for "Last Summer at Bluefish Cove"). CREDITS; AWARDS.
  31. [31]
    Q AND A DESIGNING WOMAN JEAN SMART - New York Daily News
    Nov 10, 1996 · She appeared on Broadway in “Piaf” in 1981 and won a Drama Desk Award for her role in the Off-Broadway play “Last Summer at Bluefish Cove.
  32. [32]
    11 Brilliant Facts About Jean Smart - Mental Floss
    Jul 23, 2021 · Smart earned plaudits for several stage performances throughout the late 1970s, but it was her role as Lil in Jane Chambers's landmark lesbian ...
  33. [33]
    Jean Smart - IMDb
    Tall (5'10"), lovely, statuesque Seattle native Jean Elizabeth Smart was born on September 13, 1951. The second of four children born to a teacher and his wife.
  34. [34]
    Delta Burke, Jean Smart are gone but not forgotten as 'Designing ...
    Sep 16, 1991 · ... Jean Smart, who is leaving the show to spend more time with her family, half of the popular program's female cast has been replaced. And ...
  35. [35]
    The Man Who Came to Dinner (Broadway, American Airlines ...
    Nathan Lane. Sheridan Whiteside (Original) ; Jean Smart. Lorraine Sheldon (Original) ; Jack Arendt. Choir Boy (Original) ; Michael Bakkensen. Deputy (Original).
  36. [36]
    https://playbill.com/production/the-man-who-came-to-dinner-american-airlines-theatre-vault-0000010396
  37. [37]
    Hacks | Rotten Tomatoes
    Rating 99% (220) Discover reviews, ratings, and trailers for Hacks on Rotten Tomatoes. Stay updated with critic and audience scores today!Missing: reception | Show results with:reception
  38. [38]
    2025 Emmy Comedy Series Actress: Jean Smart Wins For 'Hacks'
    Sep 14, 2025 · Jean Smart won the award for best comedy actress during the 2025 Emmys on Sunday night. Smart was nominated alongside Uzo Aduba (The ...
  39. [39]
    'Hacks' Season 5: Cast, Location, Premiere Date, Trailer, and More
    Oct 9, 2025 · Filming for Season 5 of Hacks has officially begun, as of September 23, 2025, as Smart, Einbinder, and more stars hit the streets of New York ...
  40. [40]
    r/LegionFX - Dan Stevens Tells Jean Smart How He Became the ...
    Mar 29, 2025 · New interview between Dan Stevens and Jean Smart (Melanie Bird)! They talk about Legion! SMART: You were so impressive when we did Legion.Missing: 2020 Babylon 2022 Charlotte's Web
  41. [41]
    Babylon (2022) - Jean Smart as Elinor St. John - IMDb
    A child born in 50 years will stumble across your image flickering on a screen and feel he knows you, like... like a friend, though you breathed your last before ...Missing: Legion 2020 Charlotte's Web<|separator|>
  42. [42]
    'Charlotte's Web' Review: Amy Adams in HBO Max E.B. White ...
    Oct 1, 2025 · 'Charlotte's Web' Review: Amy Adams and Elijah Wood Lead HBO Max's Middling Adaptation of a Timeless Kid-Lit Classic. Jean Smart and Cynthia ...Missing: Legion 2020 Babylon 2022
  43. [43]
    Call Me Izzy Extends Broadway Run; Jean Smart Sets Return Date
    Jul 17, 2025 · Jean Smart, who has been sidelined from her Broadway return in Call Me Izzy since July 8 due to a knee injury, will return to the one-woman show at Studio 54 ...
  44. [44]
    Call Me Izzy Broadway Review - New York Theater
    Jun 12, 2025 · “Call Me Izzy” offers pockets of humor, and an opportunity for Smart to demonstrate her versatility as an actress.
  45. [45]
    Call Me Izzy on Broadway: Get Tickets Now! | Theatermania -
    Six-time Emmy Award winner and Tony nominee Jean Smart returns to Broadway for 12 weeks only in a darkly comedic story about one woman in rural Louisiana.
  46. [46]
    Jean Smart's Best Roles in TV Shows Before Hacks and SNL
    Sep 28, 2024 · On the beloved '80s series Designing Women, Smart starred as Charlene Frazier-Stillfield. "It was so much fun," she recalled of the job on a ...
  47. [47]
    Jean Smart Celebrates Her Birthday with Cake After 'Hacks' 2025 ...
    Sep 16, 2025 · Jean Smart Celebrates Her Birthday with Cake After Hacks 2025 Emmys Win. The actress won the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy ...
  48. [48]
    Jean Smart, of Legion and Designing Women, on fighting Hollywood ...
    Apr 19, 2018 · Jean Smart, of Designing Women and Legion, on combating Hollywood ageism. “There's not going to be four or five parts in the movie for women my age, unless ...
  49. [49]
    Jean Smart Remembers Her Emmy-Winning 'Frasier' Guest Role
    Aug 11, 2016 · Jean Smart has been a small-screen fixture since the early '80s, but it wasn't until a 2000 guest role on “Frasier” that Smart took home an ...
  50. [50]
    'Watchmen': Jean Smart as Laurie Blake (Silk Spectre), Explained
    Nov 3, 2019 · 'Watchmen' creator Damon Lindelof and star Jean Smart break down the arrival of Laurie Blake, formerly known as the Silk Spectre.
  51. [51]
    Jean Smart Has Been TV's MVP for Years. With 'Hacks' and 'Mare of ...
    Sep 16, 2021 · She is Emmy nominated for both roles, as comedy actress (for “Hacks”) and limited series supporting actress (“Mare”). And she's among the front- ...
  52. [52]
    THEATER: JANE LAPOTAIRE SCORES IN 'PIAF' - The New York ...
    Feb 6, 1981 · Why does the playwright create a cameo for Marlene Dietrich (Jean Smart) without bothering to illuminate her relationship with the heroine?
  53. [53]
    PHOTO CALL: Lane is The Man Who Came To Dinner With Jean ...
    Nathan Lane (left) stars as Sheridan Whiteside, based on the critic Alexander Woollcott, with "Designing Women"'s Jean Smart as Lorraine Sheldon, the Gertrude ...
  54. [54]
    Jean Smart Will Star in a One-Woman Broadway Show
    Mar 10, 2025 · She made her Broadway debut in 1981 in the play “Piaf.” She has returned just once since, in a 2000 revival of “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” and ...Missing: Oregon Shakespeare Festival
  55. [55]
    "Batman: The Animated Series" See No Evil (TV Episode 1993) - IMDb
    Rating 7.7/10 (2,205) Jean Smart · Helen; (voice). Director. Dan Riba · Writers · Martin Pasko · Bob Kane · Eric Radomski · All cast & crew · Production, box office & more at IMDbPro ...
  56. [56]
    Jean Smart (visual voices guide) - Behind The Voice Actors
    Jean Smart is a voice actor known for voicing Dr. Ann Possible, Pickles Oblong, and Maggie Foley. Take a visual walk through their career and see 14 images ...Missing: Too | Show results with:Too
  57. [57]
    New “Charlotte's Web” Three-Part Special To Premiere On HBO Max ...
    Sep 25, 2025 · Griffin Robert Faulkner as Young Wilbur; Jean Smart as Narrator; Cynthia Erivo as Goose; Natalie Chan as Fern; Danny Trejo as Gander; Randall ...
  58. [58]
    Jean Smart & Lil Rel Howery Star In Comedy Short 'Too Good'
    May 30, 2024 · Smart will play God who interviews Howery's character at the gates of Heaven.
  59. [59]
    Jean Smart Wins Again for 'Hacks' at 2025 Emmy Awards
    Sep 14, 2025 · Jean Smart won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for 'Hacks' at the 2025 Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 14. Ayo Edebiri ('The Bear') ...
  60. [60]
    Jean Smart - Awards - IMDb
    Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder in Hacks (2021). 2025 Nominee TCA Award · Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder in Hacks (2021). 2024 Winner TCA Award · Jean Smart and ...
  61. [61]
    Jean Smart | Television Academy
    Jean Smart has received two Emmy awards for her role as Deborah Vance on the HBO comedy Hacks. She also portrayed “DA Roseanna Remmick” in Harry's Law.
  62. [62]
    Jean Smart - Golden Globes
    2025 Winner. Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy ; 2023 Nominee. Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series ...
  63. [63]
    Jean Smart Wins 2nd Golden Globe For Female Actor In A Comedy ...
    Jan 5, 2025 · Jean Smart has won the Golden Globe award for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy for her role as Deborah Vance in ...
  64. [64]
    Outstanding Film And Television Performances Honored at the 31st ...
    Feb 23, 2025 · ... JEAN SMART were honored for performances in television. ... Screen Actors Guild Awards, which marked Netflix's first-ever live awards show.
  65. [65]
    Nominations / 2001 - Tony Awards
    Jean Smart, The Man Who Came to Dinner. Nominated Globe. Leslie Uggams, King ... Penny Fuller, Neil Simon's The Dinner Party. Nominated Globe. Marthe ...
  66. [66]
    https://goldenglobes.com/person/jean-smart/
  67. [67]
    Jean Smart (Performer) | Playbill
    Awards. Drama Desk Award. 1981, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play, Last Summer at Bluefish Cove, Nominee. Tony Award. 2001, Best Actress in a Play. The Man ...
  68. [68]
    https://deadline.com/2025/01/jean-smart-golden-globe-2025-actor-television-series-comedy-musical-1236245555/
  69. [69]
    https://www.sagawards.org/media/news/releases/outstanding-film-and-television-performances-honored-31st-annual-screen-actors
  70. [70]
    Critics Choice Awards 2026 Nominations List For Film & TV
    Deadline article announcing the 2026 Critics Choice Awards nominations, including Jean Smart for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for Hacks.
  71. [71]
    The 2026 Nominations - Golden Globes
    Official Golden Globes nominations page confirming Jean Smart's nomination for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy for Hacks.
  72. [72]
    AACTA International Awards Nominations 2026
    Announcement listing Jean Smart as nominee for Best Actress in a Series for Hacks.