History of Jean Smart in Timeline
Jean Smart is a highly acclaimed American actress known for her versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. With a career spanning decades, she has garnered significant recognition, including six Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards. She has also received nominations for a Tony Award and a Grammy Award, highlighting her talent across various entertainment mediums.
September 13, 1951: Jean Smart's Birth
On September 13, 1951, Jean Elizabeth Smart was born. She is an acclaimed American actress known for her work in both comedy and drama.
1969: Ballard High School Graduation
In 1969, Jean Smart graduated from Ballard High School in Seattle, where she developed her interest in acting.
1980: Lady Macbeth in Pittsburgh
In 1980, Jean Smart appeared as Lady Macbeth at the Pittsburgh Public Theater.
February 1981: Piaf on Broadway
In February 1981, Jean Smart appeared in the Broadway production of Piaf, playing Marlene Dietrich.
1981: Broadway Debut in Piaf
In 1981, Jean Smart made her Broadway debut portraying Marlene Dietrich in the biographical play Piaf.
1983: Roles in Teachers Only and Reggie
In 1983, Jean Smart appeared in the short-lived series Teachers Only and Reggie, which led casting directors to see her as funny.
1984: Flashpoint
In 1984, Jean Smart had a supporting part in the thriller Flashpoint.
1984: Piaf Television Version
In 1984, Jean Smart reprised her role as Marlene Dietrich for the television version of Piaf.
1985: Cast in Designing Women
In 1985, Jean Smart was cast in the starring role of Charlene Frazier Stillfield on the comedy series Designing Women.
1986: Designing Women Debut
In 1986, Jean Smart gained prominence for her starring role as Charlene Frazier Stillfield on the CBS sitcom Designing Women.
1986: Met Richard Gilliland
In 1986, Jean Smart met actor Richard Gilliland while working on the set of Designing Women.
1989: Birth of First Child
In 1989, Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland had their first child.
1992: Overkill: The Aileen Wuornos Story and Mistress
In 1992, Jean Smart portrayed serial killer Aileen Wuornos in the TV movie Overkill: The Aileen Wuornos Story and appeared in the black comedy Mistress.
1993: Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey
In 1993, Jean Smart appeared in the family drama Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey.
1994: The Yearling
In 1994, Jean Smart appeared as Ory Baxter in a television version of The Yearling.
1995: The Brady Bunch Movie
In 1995, Jean Smart appeared in The Brady Bunch Movie.
1995: Scarlett and The Brady Bunch Movie
In 1995, Jean Smart was cast as Sally Brewton in the television miniseries Scarlett and appeared in a supporting role in The Brady Bunch Movie.
1995: High Society and A Stranger In Town
In 1995, Jean Smart was cast as the lead in the comedy series High Society, and also appeared in a supporting role in the thriller film A Stranger in Town.
1998: The Odd Couple II
In 1998, Jean Smart had a part in Neil Simon's The Odd Couple II.
1999: Guinevere and Forever Fabulous
In 1999, Jean Smart appeared as Deborah Sloane in the drama Guinevere and had a lead role in the comedy Forever Fabulous.
1999: Guinevere
In 1999, Jean Smart received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Guinevere.
2000: Role in Frasier
In 2000, Jean Smart played Lana Gardner in the NBC series Frasier, for which she later won two Primetime Emmy Awards.
2000: Independent Spirit Award Nomination
In 2000, Jean Smart received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Guinevere.
2000: Return to Broadway
In 2000, Jean Smart returned to Broadway in the revival of The Man Who Came to Dinner, receiving a Tony Award nomination.
2000: The Man Who Came to Dinner
In 2000, Jean Smart was in the Broadway revival production of The Man Who Came to Dinner, which earned her a Tony Award nomination.
2000: Primetime Emmy Award for Frasier
In 2000, Jean Smart won a Primetime Emmy Award for her comedic guest-starring role in Frasier.
2001: Primetime Emmy Award for Frasier and Tony Nomination
In 2001, Jean Smart secured another Primetime Emmy Award for her comedic guest-starring role in Frasier and received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in The Man Who Came to Dinner.
2002: Sweet Home Alabama
In 2002, Jean Smart appeared in Sweet Home Alabama.
2002: Sweet Home Alabama and Bringing Down The House
In 2002, Jean Smart landed roles in Sweet Home Alabama and Bringing Down The House.
2002: Voice acting in Kim Possible
In 2002, Jean Smart voiced Ann Possible in the Disney Channel animated series Kim Possible (2002–2007).
2004: Roles in Garden State and I Heart Huckabees
In 2004, Jean Smart appeared in Garden State and I Heart Huckabees.
2004: Garden State, Kim Possible, The Oblongs, and I Heart Huckabees
In 2004, Jean Smart appeared in the independent drama Garden State and reprised her voice role in the Nickelodeon series Hey Arnold!, also starring in I Heart Huckabees.
January 2006: Joins 24 Cast
In January 2006, Jean Smart joined the cast of the Fox series 24, playing Martha Logan.
2006: Appearance in 24
In 2006, Jean Smart appeared in 24 (2006–07), as Martha Logan and was Emmy-nominated for her role.
2007: Kim Possible
From 2002 to 2007, Jean Smart voiced Dr. Ann Possible in Kim Possible.
2007: Screen Actors Guild Award Nomination
In 2007, Jean Smart earned a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination along with the ensemble cast of 24.
2008: Primetime Emmy Award for Samantha Who?
In 2008, Jean Smart won a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance in Samantha Who?
2009: Adoption of Second Child
In 2009, Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland adopted their second child.
2010: Barry Munday
In 2010, Jean Smart appeared in the independent comedy Barry Munday.
2011: Role in Harry's Law
In 2011, Jean Smart played a role in Harry's Law and was Emmy-nominated for her performance.
2012: Harry's Law Nomination
In 2012, Jean Smart was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Harry's Law.
2013: Call Me Crazy: A Five Film
In 2013, Jean Smart had a supporting role in the Lifetime film Call Me Crazy: A Five Film.
2015: Role in Fargo
In 2015, Jean Smart appeared in Fargo and was Emmy-nominated for her performance.
2016: Grammy Award Nomination
In 2016, Jean Smart was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for Patience and Sarah.
2017: Role in Legion
In 2017, Jean Smart acted in FX's Legion (2017–2019).
2019: Role in Watchmen
In 2019, Jean Smart appeared in Watchmen and was Emmy-nominated for her performance.
2019: Laurie Juspeczyk in Watchmen
In 2019, Jean Smart portrayed Laurie Juspeczyk in the HBO superhero drama limited series Watchmen, receiving critical acclaim and award nominations.
March 2021: Death of Richard Gilliland
In March 2021, Jean Smart's husband, actor Richard Gilliland, passed away after 35 years of marriage.
2021: Mare of Easttown
In 2021, Jean Smart appeared in the HBO crime drama limited series Mare of Easttown, earning critical acclaim for her role.
2021: Hacks Premiere
In 2021, Jean Smart began starring as Deborah Vance in the HBO Max comedy series Hacks, for which she won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards.
2021: Primetime Emmy Award for Hacks
In 2021, Jean Smart won a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance in Hacks.
2022: Wildflower and Babylon
In 2022, Jean Smart appeared in Wildflower and Babylon.
2022: Primetime Emmy Award for Hacks
In 2022, Jean Smart won a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance in Hacks.
2022: Critics' Choice Television Award
In 2022, Jean Smart won the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for Hacks.
2023: Critics' Choice Television Award
In 2023, Jean Smart won the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for Hacks.
September 28, 2024: Hosts Saturday Night Live
On September 28, 2024, Jean Smart hosted Saturday Night Live's premiere episode of season 50.
2024: Primetime Emmy Award for Hacks
In 2024, Jean Smart won a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance in Hacks.
2025: Critics' Choice Television Award
In 2025, Jean Smart won the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for Hacks.
