Jean Smart

Jean Smart is a television and film actress known for her extensive work in both comedy and drama. With a career spanning more than four decades, Smart has received multiple honors, including seven Primetime Emmy Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards, along with nominations for a Grammy Award and a Tony Award. Smart first gained national attention for her role as Charlene Frazier Stillfield on the CBS sitcom "Designing Women." Prior to her television success, Smart established herself in theater, making her Broadway debut as Marlene Dietrich in the play "Piaf." She also received a Drama Desk Award nomination for her performance in the off-Broadway play "Last Summer at Bluefish Cove."

After "Designing Women," Smart appeared on the NBC sitcom "Frasier" as Lana Gardner, a recurring role that earned her two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series. She portrayed First Lady Martha Logan on the Fox drama "24," a character inspired by Martha Mitchell. Smart has also been recognized with Emmy nominations for her roles in "The District," "Harry's Law," "Fargo," "Watchmen," and "Mare of Easttown." Her film credits include "Flashpoint," "The Brady Bunch Movie," "Sweet Home Alabama," "Garden State," "I Heart Huckabees," "The Accountant," "A Simple Favor," and "Babylon."

Smart achieved significant critical acclaim for her portrayal of Deborah Vance in the HBO Max comedy series "Hacks," earning multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. She holds the record as the most awarded performer at the Critics' Choice Television Awards, with five wins from six nominations. Smart is one of only two actresses to win Emmy Awards in the comedy lead, supporting, and guest categories. She has also been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Smart has publicly discussed her diagnosis of type 1 diabetes at age 13 and has advocated for diabetes awareness. She underwent triple bypass heart surgery after experiencing discomfort while filming "Hacks," later returning to complete the series. The final season of "Hacks" received 24 Emmy nominations, including Best Comedy Series, Best Comedy Actress, and Best Comedy Supporting Actress.

Smart has continued to work across television, film, and theater. She starred in the one-woman Broadway play "Call Me Izzy," written by Jamie Wax and directed by Sarna Lapine, marking her return to Broadway since her appearance in "The Man Who Came to Dinner." Smart's career reflects a sustained presence in the entertainment industry, with notable achievements in television, film, and stage acting.