History of Jean Smart in Timeline

Share: FB Share X Share Reddit Share Reddit Share
Jean Smart

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.

Others born on this day/year

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.

2009: Youth in Revolt

In 2009, Jean Smart appeared in Youth in Revolt.

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: The Accountant

In 2016, Jean Smart appeared in The Accountant.

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).

November 25, 2018: A Shoe Addict's Christmas

On November 25, 2018, Jean Smart played a guardian angel in the Hallmark Channel television film A Shoe Addict's Christmas.

2018: A Simple Favor

In 2018, Jean Smart appeared in A Simple Favor.

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: Babylon

In 2022, Jean Smart appeared in Babylon.

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.

Mentioned in this timeline

HBO
CBS
Disney Channel
Christmas
Shoe
NBC
Alabama

Trending

Eugene Vindman
Jae'Lyn Withers
Charlotte Flair
Svalbard
Autopen
KWWL (TV)
Henry Winkler
Laura Ingraham
Andrew Wiggins
Andy Reid

Popular

Sarah McBride
LeBron James
Jasmine Crockett
Cristiano Ronaldo
Simone Biles
Fox News
Michael Jordan
Dylan Mulvaney
Pam Bondi
Kobe Bryant
Discover More