When Jean Smart joked “What can I say, I’m a greedy bitch” while accepting her third Golden Globe for “Hacks” at the 2026 ceremony, she captured both her self-deprecating humor and the remarkable late-career renaissance that has made her one of television’s most decorated actresses. At 74 years old, the Seattle native has transformed from sitcom stalwart to HBO’s reigning queen, collecting seven Emmy Awards, three Golden Globes, and the kind of industry respect that took decades to earn. This is the complete story of Jean Smart’s journey from regional theater to Golden Globe glory.
Early Life: A Seattle Beginning
Jean Elizabeth Smart was born on September 13, 1951, in Seattle, Washington, making her 74 years old as of January 2026. She was the second of four children born to Douglas Alexander Smart, a high school history teacher, and Kathleen Marie “Kay” Sanders Smart, a homemaker. Jean grew up with two brothers, Doug and John, and a sister, Georgia, in a middle-class household with deep Scottish heritage.
Her father, whose parents had emigrated from Scotland, was a lifelong Seattle resident and dedicated educator. Douglas Smart taught history at Ballard High School from 1953 to 1962, then at Nathan Hale High School, where he served as head of the history department until retiring in 1978. After leaving education, he worked as a real estate agent until the early 1990s. He passed away in 2003 at age 86 from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease—a cause that would later become important to Jean’s advocacy work.
Childhood and Early Interests
Growing up in Seattle in the 1950s and ’60s, young Jean was captivated by old movies and the magic of performance. “I know it makes me sound like an old fuddy-duddy, but I lived in a neighborhood where every day after school, we’d get on our bikes or we’d play kick the can,” she recalled, describing an idyllic childhood that sounds almost impossibly wholesome by today’s standards.
Jean developed an early passion for acting, though she never imagined it would become her career. She attended Ballard High School, where her interest in theater deepened during her teenage years. It was during high school that her life took an unexpected turn.
Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis
At age 13, Jean was diagnosed with type 1 (juvenile) diabetes, a chronic condition she has managed for over six decades. Rather than letting it limit her, Jean has used her platform throughout her career to raise awareness about juvenile diabetes, becoming an advocate for diabetes research and education.
The diagnosis taught her resilience early—a quality that would serve her well in the unpredictable world of acting, where rejection is constant and success is never guaranteed.
Education: University of Washington and Professional Training
After graduating from Ballard High School in 1969, Jean enrolled in the University of Washington’s Professional Actor Training Program. This rigorous program provided her with classical training and exposed her to the discipline required for a professional acting career.
Jean earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in 1974, spending five years immersed in theater craft. During her time at the University of Washington, she joined the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, forming friendships that would last a lifetime. More importantly, she discovered that she had the talent, drive, and passion necessary to make acting more than just a hobby.
Early Career: Regional Theater and Finding Her Voice
After graduating in 1974, Jean Smart didn’t immediately move to Los Angeles or New York. Instead, she spent the next several years honing her craft in regional theater throughout the Pacific Northwest—Washington, Oregon, and Alaska.
Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Her professional career officially began in 1975 at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon, one of America’s most prestigious regional theaters. Over three years, Jean played eight different roles in various productions, gaining invaluable experience in classical theater. This foundation in Shakespeare and classical drama would inform her work throughout her career, giving her a technical precision and emotional range that many actors never develop.
Jean also performed with the Seattle Repertory Theater, staying close to home while building her resume and reputation.
Moving to New York City
In the mid-1970s, Jean made the crucial decision to move to New York City with her college friend and fellow actress Elizabeth Wingate (Lavery). In New York, she began working in off-Broadway productions and professional regional theater, taking any role she could get while waiting tables and struggling to make ends meet.
This period was difficult but formative. Jean auditioned constantly, faced rejection regularly, and learned the hard truth that talent alone isn’t enough—you need persistence, timing, and luck.
Broadway Debut: “Piaf” (1981)
Jean’s breakthrough came in February 1981 when she made her Broadway debut in “Piaf,” a biographical play about legendary French singer Édith Piaf. Jean played Marlene Dietrich, a supporting but memorable role that showcased her ability to embody larger-than-life figures.
The same year, she appeared in the off-Broadway production “Last Summer at Bluefish Cove,” playing Lil, a dying lesbian. This groundbreaking play dealt openly with lesbian relationships at a time when such representation was rare. Jean’s powerful, vulnerable performance earned her a Drama Desk Award nomination in 1981.
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“That started my whole career,” Jean later said of “Bluefish Cove.” “That got me my first agent, my first Broadway play—everything.”
She also performed as Lady Macbeth at the Pittsburgh Public Theater in 1980, opposite Tom Atkins as Macbeth, demonstrating her range in classical drama.
First Marriage
During her New York theater years, Jean had a brief first marriage that ended quickly. She has spoken little about this relationship publicly, preferring to keep that chapter of her life private.
Hollywood Calls: Television Breakthrough
“Teachers Only” (1983)
In 1983, Jean received an invitation that would change her life: an audition for a new television sitcom called “Teachers Only.” She won the role and relocated to California, marking her transition from stage actress to television star.
“Teachers Only” lasted only one season (1983-1984), but it opened doors. Suddenly, Jean Smart was known in Hollywood, and casting directors began calling.
Early TV Roles: Finding Her Niche
Throughout the mid-1980s, Jean appeared in several short-lived television series:
– “Reggie” – Playing a sexy secretary
– “Maximum Security” – As a psychologist
– “Lime Street” – Playing a jewel thief
None of these shows found an audience, but they gave Jean valuable experience in front of cameras and helped her develop the comedic timing that would define her later work. As one observer noted, “Even back then, no one could quite type her”—she was too versatile to fit into a single box.
“Designing Women” (1986-1991): Becoming a Household Name
In 1986, Jean landed the role that would make her famous: Charlene Frazier Stillfield on CBS’s “Designing Women.” The show followed four women running an interior design business in Atlanta, Georgia, blending comedy with social commentary on issues like AIDS, domestic violence, and women’s rights.
Jean’s character, Charlene, was sweet, naive, and endearing—the stereotypical Southern belle with a heart of gold. “I love that character,” Jean later reflected. “She took everything and everyone at face value. She saw the good in everyone.”
“Designing Women” became a cultural phenomenon, running for seven seasons. Jean starred in the show from 1986 to 1991 (five seasons), leaving before the series ended to pursue other opportunities. The show made her a household name and proved she could carry a network sitcom.
During her first year on “Designing Women,” Jean met actor Richard Gilliland, who had a recurring role on the show. Their meeting would change both their lives forever.
Personal Life: Richard Gilliland and Family
Meeting Richard Gilliland
Richard Gilliland (1950-2021) was a working television and film actor when he appeared on “Designing Women” in 1986. He and Jean connected immediately, bonding over their shared experiences in the entertainment industry and their mutual understanding of the actor’s life.
Jean and Richard married on June 20, 1987, beginning a partnership that would last 34 years until Richard’s death in 2021. Their marriage was remarkably stable by Hollywood standards—no scandals, no separations, just two people who genuinely loved and supported each other.
Children
On October 25, 1989, Jean and Richard welcomed their son, Connor Douglas Gilliland. Connor would grow up watching his parents work in the entertainment industry, though he chose not to pursue acting professionally.
In 2009, when Jean was 57 years old, she and Richard adopted a baby boy from China, naming him Forrest. The adoption reflected the couple’s desire to expand their family and give a child a loving home.
Jean has been fiercely protective of her sons’ privacy, rarely discussing them in interviews and never exploiting their lives for publicity. She has described motherhood as her most important role, more significant than any Emmy or Golden Globe.
Richard Gilliland’s Death
On March 18, 2021, Richard Gilliland died suddenly at age 71 from a heart condition. Jean was devastated. They had been married for nearly 34 years, and Richard had been her partner, supporter, and best friend.
Richard’s death came just two months before Jean would win her first Emmy for “Hacks” and begin the career resurgence that would define her 70s. Jean has said that Richard would have been thrilled to see her recent success, and she dedicated several awards to his memory.
“We couldn’t have been luckier to have had the life we had together,” Jean told The New Yorker in 2021.
Current Relationship
In recent years, Jean has been seen with actor Joe Pacheco at various events, including the 2026 Golden Globes. While she hasn’t spoken extensively about this relationship, they’ve appeared together on multiple red carpets, suggesting a serious partnership.
The 1990s and 2000s: Steady Work and Character Roles
After leaving “Designing Women” in 1991, Jean entered a period of steady but unglamorous work. She took on character roles in films and television, building a reputation as a reliable actress who elevated every project she touched.
Film Career Highlights
“Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” (1993) – Family adventure film that became a hit
“The Brady Bunch Movie” (1995) – Smart appeared in this beloved comedy adaptation
“Scarlett” (1995) – TV miniseries where she played Sally Brewton
“The Odd Couple II” (1998) – Supporting role in the Neil Simon comedy
“Guinevere” (1999) – Playing a mother opposite Sarah Polley, Jean earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Female—her first major film recognition
“Sweet Home Alabama” (2002) – As Reese Witherspoon’s mother-in-law in this romantic comedy hit
“Garden State” (2004) – Memorable role in Zach Braff’s indie darling
“I Heart Huckabees” (2004) – Quirky comedy showcasing her versatility
Television Work: Building Toward Emmy Glory
During this period, Jean also took on numerous television roles that would eventually earn her Emmy nominations and wins:
“Frasier” (2000-2001) – Playing Lana Gardner, Jean won back-to-back Emmy Awards for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in 2000 and 2001. These were her first Emmy wins.
“The District” (2000-2004) – Recurring role that earned her Emmy nominations
“24″ (2006-2007) – As First Lady Martha Logan, Jean delivered a memorable performance in this action thriller, earning another Emmy nomination
“Samantha Who?” (2007-2009) – Playing Regina Newley, she won her third Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in 2008
Voice Acting: “Kim Possible” (2002-2007)
Jean provided the voice of Dr. Ann Possible in Disney Channel’s animated series “Kim Possible,” introducing her to a whole new generation of fans. Her warm, authoritative voice made Dr. Possible one of TV’s most memorable animated moms.
Broadway Return: Tony Nomination
In 2000, Jean returned to Broadway in the revival of “The Man Who Came to Dinner” by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. She originated the role of Lorraine Sheldon, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Play.
Though she didn’t win, the nomination confirmed Jean was equally respected in theater and on screen—a rare achievement.
The 2010s: Expanding Her Range
“Harry’s Law” (2011) – Emmy Nomination
Jean had a recurring role in David E. Kelley’s legal drama “Harry’s Law,” earning yet another Emmy nomination. Even in her 60s, casting directors recognized her value.
“Fargo” (2015) – Critical Acclaim
Jean played Floyd Gerhardt in the second season of FX’s acclaimed anthology series “Fargo.” Her portrayal of a crime family matriarch earned widespread critical praise and another Emmy nomination, with many critics calling it one of the best performances of the series.
“Legion” (2017-2019) – FX Marvel Series
Jean starred as Melanie Bird, a therapist and leader, in FX’s trippy superhero series “Legion.” The show allowed her to explore sci-fi and bring gravitas to a genre piece.
“Watchmen” (2019) – HBO Breakthrough
Jean played FBI Agent Laurie Blake (formerly Silk Spectre II) in Damon Lindelof’s “Watchmen” limited series on HBO. The show was a critical sensation, and Jean’s performance earned her another Emmy nomination.
This role began Jean’s association with HBO, a relationship that would soon become career-defining.
The HBO Renaissance: Becoming “The Queen of HBO”
“Mare of Easttown” (2021)
Jean played Helen Fahey, Mare’s (Kate Winslet) tough-but-loving mother, in this HBO limited series. Despite being a supporting role, Jean commanded every scene she appeared in, with Variety writing: “It’s one of those essential truths of TV…that if you need a tough-as-nails broad, you hire Jean Smart.”
Her performance earned yet another Emmy nomination and solidified her status as HBO’s go-to actress for complex, layered women.
“Hacks” (2021-Present): The Role of a Lifetime
In May 2021, HBO Max premiered “Hacks,” a dark comedy about Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas stand-up comedian facing career decline who reluctantly mentors a young comedy writer named Ava (Hannah Einbinder).
Jean Smart was born to play Deborah Vance.
The character is sharp-tongued, vulnerable, ambitious, insecure, hilarious, and heartbreaking—often within the same scene. Deborah is a woman who sacrificed everything for her career, accumulated wealth and fame, but struggles with loneliness and relevance in her 70s.
“Jean’s range is endless, which meant the possibilities for what we could write for Deborah were endless,” said the show’s creators Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky in a joint statement. “She is so incredibly gifted in both her comedic and dramatic acting that there was no joke we couldn’t land perfectly, nor was there an emotional moment she couldn’t make incredibly grounded and affecting.”
“Hacks” became an instant critical darling, earning widespread acclaim and turning Jean Smart into a cultural icon at age 69.
USA Today declared Smart “The Queen of HBO” after her work in “Watchmen,” “Mare of Easttown,” and now “Hacks.”
Jean Smart’s Complete Golden Globe Timeline
2007 Golden Globes – First Nomination
Category: Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film
Show: “24”
Result: Nominated (Did not win)
Jean made her Golden Globes red carpet debut in a structured, long-sleeve black gown. Though she didn’t win, the nomination for playing First Lady Martha Logan in “24” signaled industry recognition of her dramatic range beyond comedy.
2022 Golden Globes – First Win
Category: Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy
Show: “Hacks” (Season 1)
Result: WON
Jean’s first Golden Globe win came for her debut season as Deborah Vance. The victory launched her late-career renaissance and proved that “Hacks” was more than just critical darling—it was awards gold.
2023 Golden Globes – Nomination
Category: Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy
Show: “Hacks” (Season 2)
Result: Nominated (Did not win)
At the 80th Golden Globes, Jean channeled Deborah Vance’s style in a black tailored suit-like Tadashi Shoji gown. Though she didn’t win this year, she remained a frontrunner in the category.
2025 Golden Globes – Second Win
Category: Best Female Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy
Show: “Hacks” (Season 3)
Result: WON
“I never thought I’d be so happy to be called a hack,” Jean joked while accepting her second Golden Globe. She wore a powder blue Rhea Costa dress made from crepe and taffeta and thanked the cast and crew, particularly noting Hannah Einbinder: “Without Ava, there would be no Deborah.”
2026 Golden Globes – Third Win
Category: Best Female Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy
Show: “Hacks” (Season 4)
Result: WON
At the 83rd Golden Globes on January 11, 2026, Jean arrived in a flowing white Laura Basci gown with a jeweled bodice, carrying a champagne-hued Tyler Ellis clutch and wearing Rahaminov diamond earrings and rings.
When her name was called, Jean took the stage and delivered her now-famous opening line: “What can I say, I’m a greedy bitch.”
She continued: “Thank you to the Golden Globes—I am absolutely thrilled to be here. I’m one of the luckiest people, not in this room, in this entire business, and it does not go unappreciated. I’m just surrounded by so much support.”
Jean then made a political statement, referencing her earlier red carpet interview: “There is just a lot that could be said tonight. I said my rant on the red carpet, so I won’t do it here. Let’s all do the right thing. I think everybody in their hearts knows what the right thing is to do, so let’s do the right thing.”
She wore a “BE GOOD” pin in honor of Renee Good, a woman killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis the previous week, making her political stance clear.
This third win made Jean one of the rare actresses to win the same Golden Globe category three times for the same role.
Golden Globe Statistics
– Total Nominations: 4 (2007, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026)
– Total Wins: 3 (2022, 2025, 2026)
– Win Rate for “Hacks“: 3 wins out of 4 nominations (75%)
Complete Emmy Awards Timeline
Jean Smart has won seven Primetime Emmy Awards, more than her three Golden Globes:
1. 2000 – Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for “Frasier”
2. 2001 – Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for “Frasier”
3. 2008 – Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for “Samantha Who?”
4. 2021 – Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for “Hacks” (Season 1)
5. 2022 – Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for “Hacks” (Season 2)
6. 2024 – Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for “Hacks” (Season 3)
7. 2025 – Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for “Hacks” (Season 4)
Jean has been nominated for Emmy Awards over 20 times across her career, including nominations for “The District,” “24,” “Harry’s Law,” “Fargo,” “Watchmen,” and “Mare of Easttown.”
Historic Achievement: The Five-Award Sweep
With her 2021 Emmy win for “Hacks,” Jean joined Betty White as only the second actress ever to sweep all five major television awards in a single season:
– Emmy Award
– Golden Globe Award
– Screen Actors Guild Award
– Critics’ Choice Award
– Television Critics Association Award
This rare achievement is known as the “Grand Slam” of television acting.
Other Major Awards and Honors
Screen Actors Guild Awards
– 3 SAG Awards for “Hacks”
Critics’ Choice Television Awards
– Multiple wins for “Hacks” including 2026 win for Best Actress in a Comedy Series
Additional Nominations
– Tony Award nomination (2000) for “The Man Who Came to Dinner”
– Grammy Award nomination (year unknown, category unknown)
– Independent Spirit Award nomination (2000) for “Guinevere”
Walk of Fame
Jean Smart has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, honoring her contributions to television.
Recent Work and Broadway Return
“Babylon” (2022)
Jean appeared in Damien Chazelle’s epic “Babylon,” starring Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie. The film showcased Hollywood’s transition from silent films to talkies.
“Saturday Night Live” Host (2024)
Jean hosted “Saturday Night Live” in 2024, proving her comedy chops extended to live sketch comedy at age 72.
“The Studio” (2024-2025)
Jean played herself in an episode of Seth Rogen’s Apple TV+ comedy “The Studio,” demonstrating her self-deprecating humor and willingness to poke fun at her own image.
“Call Me Izzy” (2025) – Broadway Return
In 2025, Jean returned to Broadway after 25 years, starring in the one-woman play “Call Me Izzy” by Jamie Wax. The production officially opened on June 12, 2025, and ran through August 24, 2025, earning rave reviews.
At 73 years old, Jean proved she could still command a Broadway stage alone for two hours, delivering a tour-de-force performance that reminded audiences why she started in theater.
Physical Stats and Health
– Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) – Tall and statuesque
— Age: 74 years old (born September 13, 1951)
– Health: Has managed Type 1 diabetes for 61 years since diagnosis at age 13
Jean’s height has been an asset throughout her career, giving her a commanding presence on screen and stage. Her successful management of diabetes for over six decades is remarkable and has made her an advocate for diabetes research and awareness.
Advocacy and Charitable Work
Diabetes Awareness
Having lived with Type 1 diabetes since age 13, Jean has been active in juvenile diabetes education and research funding. She uses her platform to raise awareness and normalize conversations about chronic illness.
Alzheimer’s Association
After her father died from Alzheimer’s-related complications in 2003, Jean became involved with the Alzheimer’s Association, advocating for research funding and family support services.
Political Activism
Jean has become increasingly vocal about political issues, particularly during the 2020s. Her 2026 Golden Globes speech and “BE GOOD” pin honoring Renee Good demonstrated her willingness to use her platform for activism, even at career-defining moments.
Jean Smart Net Worth 2026
As of 2026, Jean Smart’s estimated net worth is approximately $8-12 million, with some sources placing it as high as $12 million following her “Hacks” success.
Income Sources
Television Salaries: “Hacks” is her most lucrative role, with lead actors on prestige HBO shows typically earning $200,000-$500,000 per episode. Over four seasons, this represents substantial income.
Film Roles: While not a film star, Jean has appeared in numerous successful movies throughout her career, earning consistent paychecks.
Residuals: Decades of television work generate ongoing residual income from reruns and streaming.
Broadway: While theater doesn’t pay as much as film/TV, Jean’s Broadway appearances add to her overall wealth.
Voice Acting: “Kim Possible” and other voice roles provide additional income.
Real Estate: Jean owns properties in Los Angeles and Washington state, representing significant assets.
Financial Philosophy
Despite her wealth, Jean has maintained a relatively modest lifestyle by Hollywood standards. She focused on raising her children, supporting her late husband’s career, and choosing roles based on quality rather than paycheck size.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Breaking Age Barriers
Jean Smart’s late-career renaissance challenges Hollywood’s ageism. She became a bigger star in her late 60s and early 70s than she was at any earlier point in her career, proving that talent and charisma don’t expire at 40.
“It’s just kind of incredible,” Jean told an interviewer about her ongoing success. “I don’t know, maybe other women my age are just starting to retire…I was all that was left!”
Her success has opened doors for other older actresses and challenged the industry’s obsession with youth.
Representing Real Women
Deborah Vance in “Hacks” represents a type of woman rarely seen on television: successful, complicated, flawed, funny, vulnerable, and unapologetically over 60. Jean’s portrayal has resonated with audiences who see themselves—or their mothers—reflected authentically on screen.
Theater-to-Screen Success
Jean represents the best of theater training applied to screen acting. Her classical foundation gives her technical precision, while her years of character work have taught her naturalism and authenticity.
Versatility
From sitcoms to dramas, from comedy to tragedy, from voice acting to Broadway, Jean has excelled in every medium and genre. This versatility is rare and reflects both natural talent and decades of dedicated craft.
What’s Next
“Hacks” Season 5 – The Final Season
Hannah Einbinder confirmed in September 2024 that “Hacks” Season 5 will be the show’s last. The final season is currently in production as of January 2026, with Jean working on what will be her last performance as Deborah Vance.
The ending of “Hacks” will mark the conclusion of the role that defined Jean’s 70s and brought her the recognition she deserved for decades.
Oscar Potential?
With her television dominance secure, some industry observers wonder if Jean might pursue film roles that could lead to Oscar consideration. At 74, she’s at the perfect age to play complex older women in prestige dramas.
More Broadway?
Jean’s successful return to Broadway with “Call Me Izzy” suggests she might take on more stage roles, particularly one-woman shows or intimate productions that showcase her range.
Continued Advocacy
Jean will likely continue her work with diabetes and Alzheimer’s organizations, using her increased profile to raise awareness and funding.
Interesting Facts About Jean Smart
1. Scottish Heritage: Her paternal grandparents emigrated from Scotland, giving Jean a connection to Scottish culture she’s proud of.
2. Salem Witch Trials Connection: Jean discovered her maternal lineage traces back to Dorcas Hoar, a woman convicted during the 1692 Salem witch trials.
3. Almost a Painter: Before fully committing to acting, Jean seriously considered becoming a professional painter. She still paints as a hobby.
4. Skilled Painter: Few people know Jean is an accomplished visual artist who has showcased her paintings in galleries.
5. Worked with Meryl Streep: Jean once performed on stage alongside Meryl Streep early in both their careers.
6. Dog Lover: Jean is an avid dog lover and frequently speaks about her pets in interviews.
7. Alpha Delta Pi: She remains connected to her University of Washington sorority.
8. Social Media Savvy: Despite her age, Jean actively engages with fans on social media, sharing behind-the-scenes content and personal moments.
9. Improvisation Skills: Directors note that Jean often improvises funny lines on set, many of which end up in the final cut.
10. Living Witness: Jean has witnessed and participated in television’s evolution from the 1980s three-camera sitcom era to today’s prestige streaming content.
Conclusion: A Career for the Ages
Jean Smart’s journey from Seattle theater stages to Golden Globe glory represents the best of what a life in acting can be. She didn’t become famous overnight. She didn’t peak in her 20s or 30s. Instead, she worked steadily for decades, honing her craft, raising her family, and building a reputation as one of the most talented, professional, and versatile actresses in the business.
When “Hacks” premiered in 2021, Jean was 69 years old and had been acting professionally for 46 years. Most actresses that age have retired or been retired by Hollywood. But Jean’s performance as Deborah Vance proved that age brings wisdom, depth, and a kind of fearless authenticity that younger actors simply can’t access.
Her three Golden Globe wins for “Hacks,” combined with her seven Emmy Awards and sweep of all major television honors, cement her status as one of the greatest television actresses of all time. The fact that these accolades came primarily after age 65 makes them even more remarkable.
Jean Smart’s legacy isn’t just about awards, though. It’s about showing that women can be funny, complex, vulnerable, and commanding at any age. It’s about proving that character actors can become stars. It’s about demonstrating that talent, persistence, and professionalism are rewarded, even if it takes decades.
As she continues working in her mid-70s, Jean Smart remains an inspiration to actors of all ages and a reminder that the best performances sometimes come from the most unexpected places—like a 69-year-old actress playing a 70-year-old comedian in a show about two women finding common ground across generational divides.
What can we say? She’s a greedy bitch. And we’re grateful for it.
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