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.
On September 13, 1951, Jean Elizabeth Smart was born. She is an acclaimed American actress known for her work in both comedy and drama.
In 1969, Jean Smart graduated from Ballard High School in Seattle, where she developed her interest in acting.
In 1980, Jean Smart appeared as Lady Macbeth at the Pittsburgh Public Theater.
In February 1981, Jean Smart appeared in the Broadway production of Piaf, playing Marlene Dietrich.
In 1981, Jean Smart made her Broadway debut portraying Marlene Dietrich in the biographical play Piaf.
In 1983, Jean Smart appeared in the short-lived series Teachers Only and Reggie, which led casting directors to see her as funny.
In 1984, Jean Smart had a supporting part in the thriller Flashpoint.
In 1984, Jean Smart reprised her role as Marlene Dietrich for the television version of Piaf.
In 1985, Jean Smart was cast in the starring role of Charlene Frazier Stillfield on the comedy series Designing Women.
In 1986, Jean Smart gained prominence for her starring role as Charlene Frazier Stillfield on the CBS sitcom Designing Women.
In 1986, Jean Smart met actor Richard Gilliland while working on the set of Designing Women.
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.
In 1993, Jean Smart appeared in the family drama Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey.
In 1994, Jean Smart appeared as Ory Baxter in a television version of The Yearling.
In 1995, Jean Smart appeared in 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.
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.
In 1998, Jean Smart had a part in Neil Simon's The Odd Couple II.
In 1999, Jean Smart appeared as Deborah Sloane in the drama Guinevere and had a lead role in the comedy Forever Fabulous.
In 1999, Jean Smart received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Guinevere.
In 2000, Jean Smart played Lana Gardner in the NBC series Frasier, for which she later won two Primetime Emmy Awards.
In 2000, Jean Smart received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Guinevere.
In 2000, Jean Smart returned to Broadway in the revival of The Man Who Came to Dinner, receiving a Tony Award nomination.
In 2000, Jean Smart was in the Broadway revival production of The Man Who Came to Dinner, which earned her a Tony Award nomination.
In 2000, Jean Smart won a Primetime Emmy Award for her comedic guest-starring role in Frasier.
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.
In 2002, Jean Smart landed roles in Sweet Home Alabama and Bringing Down The House.
In 2002, Jean Smart voiced Ann Possible in the Disney Channel animated series Kim Possible (2002–2007).
In 2004, Jean Smart appeared in Garden State 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.
In January 2006, Jean Smart joined the cast of the Fox series 24, playing Martha Logan.
In 2006, Jean Smart appeared in 24 (2006–07), as Martha Logan and was Emmy-nominated for her role.
From 2002 to 2007, Jean Smart voiced Dr. Ann Possible in Kim Possible.
In 2007, Jean Smart earned a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination along with the ensemble cast of 24.
In 2008, Jean Smart won a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance in Samantha Who?
In 2009, Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland adopted their second child.
In 2009, Jean Smart appeared in Youth in Revolt.
In 2010, Jean Smart appeared in the independent comedy Barry Munday.
In 2011, Jean Smart played a role in Harry's Law and was Emmy-nominated for her performance.
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.
In 2013, Jean Smart had a supporting role in the Lifetime film Call Me Crazy: A Five Film.
In 2015, Jean Smart appeared in Fargo and was Emmy-nominated for her performance.
In 2016, Jean Smart appeared in The Accountant.
In 2016, Jean Smart was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for Patience and Sarah.
In 2017, Jean Smart acted in FX's Legion (2017–2019).
In 2018, Jean Smart appeared in A Simple Favor.
In 2019, Jean Smart appeared in Watchmen and was Emmy-nominated for her performance.
In 2019, Jean Smart portrayed Laurie Juspeczyk in the HBO superhero drama limited series Watchmen, receiving critical acclaim and award nominations.
In March 2021, Jean Smart's husband, actor Richard Gilliland, passed away after 35 years of marriage.
In 2021, Jean Smart appeared in the HBO crime drama limited series Mare of Easttown, earning critical acclaim for her role.
In 2021, Jean Smart began starring as Deborah Vance in the HBO Max comedy series Hacks, for which she won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards.
In 2021, Jean Smart won a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance in Hacks.
In 2022, Jean Smart appeared in Babylon.
In 2022, Jean Smart appeared in Wildflower and Babylon.
In 2022, Jean Smart won a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance in Hacks.
In 2022, Jean Smart won the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for Hacks.
In 2023, Jean Smart won the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for Hacks.
On September 28, 2024, Jean Smart hosted Saturday Night Live's premiere episode of season 50.
In 2024, Jean Smart won a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance in Hacks.
In 2025, Jean Smart won the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for Hacks.