History of Jean Smart in Timeline
Jean Smart is a highly acclaimed American actress known for her versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. Her illustrious career has earned her numerous awards, including six Primetime Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and nominations for both a Tony Award and a Grammy Award.
September 13, 1951: Jean Smart's Birth
Jean Elizabeth Smart was born on September 13, 1951.
1969: Graduation from Ballard High School
Jean Smart graduated from Ballard High School in Seattle in 1969, where she developed a passion for acting in the drama program.
1980: Lady Macbeth at the Pittsburgh Public Theater
Jean Smart played Lady Macbeth opposite Tom Atkins as Macbeth and Keith Fowler as Macduff at the Pittsburgh Public Theater in 1980.
February 1981: Broadway Performance in "Piaf"
In February 1981, Jean Smart played Marlene Dietrich in a Broadway production of "Piaf."
1981: Broadway Debut in "Piaf"
Jean Smart made her Broadway debut in 1981, playing the role of Marlene Dietrich in the biographical play "Piaf."
1983: Television Roles in "Teachers Only" and "Reggie"
Jean Smart appeared on the short-lived series "Teachers Only" and "Reggie" in 1983.
1984: Supporting Role in "Flashpoint"
Jean Smart had a supporting role in the thriller film "Flashpoint" in 1984.
1984: Television Adaptation of "Piaf"
Jean Smart reprised her role as Marlene Dietrich for a television adaptation of "Piaf" in 1984.
1985: Casting in "Designing Women"
Jean Smart was cast in the starring role of Charlene Frazier Stillfield on the comedy series "Designing Women" in 1985.
1986: "Designing Women" Premiere
"Designing Women," starring Jean Smart, premiered in 1986.
1986: Designing Women Premiere
In 1986, Jean Smart rose to fame for her role as Charlene Frazier Stillfield in the CBS sitcom Designing Women.
1991: Designing Women Finale
Jean Smart's run on Designing Women ended in 1991 after five seasons.
1992: Roles in "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 had a supporting role in the black comedy "Mistress."
1993: "Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey" Release
Jean Smart appeared in the family drama "Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey" in 1993.
1994: Television Adaptation of "The Yearling"
Jean Smart played the character of Ory Baxter in a television adaptation of "The Yearling" in 1994.
1995: Roles in "Scarlett" and "The Brady Bunch Movie"
Jean Smart was cast as Sally Brewton in the television miniseries "Scarlett" and appeared in "The Brady Bunch Movie" in 1995.
1995: The Brady Bunch Movie Release
Jean Smart appeared in the comedy film "The Brady Bunch Movie" in 1995.
1995: "High Society" Premiere
Jean Smart starred in the comedy series "High Society," which ran for 13 episodes, in 1995.
1998: Appearance in "The Odd Couple II"
Jean Smart had a role in the romantic comedy "The Odd Couple II" in 1998.
1999: Roles in "Guinevere" and "Forever Fabulous"
Jean Smart starred in the drama "Guinevere" and played a lead role in the comedy "Forever Fabulous" in 1999.
1999: Guinevere Release
Jean Smart starred in the drama film "Guinevere," for which she received an Independent Spirit Award nomination, in 1999.
2000: Frasier Guest Appearance
Jean Smart began her Emmy-winning recurring role as Lana Gardner on the NBC sitcom Frasier in 2000.
2000: Emmy Awards for "Frasier"
Jean Smart won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in "Frasier" in 2000.
2000: "The District" Premiere
Jean Smart joined the cast of the police drama series "The District" in 2000.
2000: Jean Smart Nominated for Independent Spirit Award
In 2000, Jean Smart's performance in the film "Guinevere" garnered critical acclaim, earning her a nomination for an Independent Spirit Award.
2000: Jean Smart Wins First Emmy Award for "Frasier"
In 2000, Jean Smart's comedic brilliance earned her the first of her six Primetime Emmy Awards for her guest-starring role in the popular sitcom "Frasier."
2000: Tony Award Nomination for "The Man Who Came to Dinner"
In 2000, Jean Smart was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway revival of "The Man Who Came to Dinner."
2001: Jean Smart Earns Emmy and Tony Award Nominations
2001 proved to be another remarkable year for Jean Smart. She received her second Primetime Emmy Award for her recurring role in "Frasier" and earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Play for her performance in the Broadway revival of "The Man Who Came to Dinner."
2002: Voice Role in "Kim Possible" and "The Oblongs"
From 2002 to 2007, Jean Smart voiced Dr. Ann Possible in "Kim Possible" and Pickles Oblong in "The Oblongs."
2002: "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Bringing Down the House" Release
Jean Smart appeared in the films "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Bringing Down the House" in 2002.
2002: Sweet Home Alabama Release
Jean Smart appeared in the romantic comedy film "Sweet Home Alabama" in 2002.
2002: Kim Possible Premiere
Jean Smart began voicing the character of Dr. Ann Possible in the Disney Channel animated series Kim Possible in 2002.
2004: Garden State and I Heart Huckabees Release
Jean Smart appeared in two films in 2004: the comedy-drama "Garden State" and the philosophical comedy "I Heart Huckabees."
2004: "Garden State" Release and Role in "The District"
Jean Smart had a supporting role in "Garden State" and played the role of Supervisor of Detectives on the television series "The District" between 2000 and 2004.
2004: Voice Role in "Hey Arnold!" and "Center of the Universe" Premiere
Jean Smart reprised her voice role as Reba Heyerdahl in "Hey Arnold!" and starred in the short-lived series "Center of the Universe" in 2004.
January 2006: Joining the Cast of "24"
Jean Smart joined the cast of the Fox series "24" as First Lady Martha Logan in January 2006.
2006: 24 Debut
Jean Smart joined the cast of the Fox series 24 in 2006, playing the character of Martha Logan.
2007: Emmy Nominations for "24" and "Lucky You" Release
Jean Smart received Emmy nominations for her role in "24" and appeared in the drama "Lucky You" in 2007.
2007: Jean Smart and the Cast of "24" Nominated for SAG Award
In 2007, Jean Smart and the ensemble cast of the critically acclaimed drama series "24" received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for their outstanding performances.
2007: End of Voice Role in "Kim Possible"
Jean Smart finished voicing the character of Dr. Ann Possible in "Kim Possible" in 2007.
2007: Samantha Who? Premiere
In 2007, Jean Smart took on the role of Regina Newley in the ABC sitcom Samantha Who?
2008: Jean Smart Wins Emmy Award for "Samantha Who?"
In 2008, Jean Smart received a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance in the television series "Samantha Who?," further solidifying her reputation as a versatile and accomplished actress.
2009: Youth in Revolt Release
Jean Smart had a supporting role in the coming-of-age comedy-drama film "Youth in Revolt" in 2009.
2009: Emmy Award for "Samantha Who?" and "Youth in Revolt" Release
Jean Smart won her third Emmy Award for her role in "Samantha Who?" and appeared in the film "Youth in Revolt" in 2009.
2010: "Barry Munday" Release
Jean Smart appeared in the independent comedy film "Barry Munday" in 2010.
2011: Harry's Law Guest Appearance
Jean Smart made a guest appearance in the television series Harry's Law in 2011.
2012: Emmy Nomination for "Harry's Law"
Jean Smart received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for her guest role in "Harry's Law" in 2012.
2013: Appearance in "Call Me Crazy: A Five Film"
Jean Smart had a supporting role in the Lifetime film "Call Me Crazy: A Five Film" in 2013.
2015: Jean Smart Stars in "Fargo" Season 2
In 2015, Jean Smart showcased her acting prowess as Floyd Gerhardt in the second season of the FX series "Fargo." Her portrayal of a woman thrust into the leadership of her family's criminal enterprise earned her critical acclaim, including a Critics' Choice Television Award and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
2015: Fargo Appearance
Jean Smart appeared in the FX anthology series Fargo in 2015.
2016: Jean Smart Appears in "The Accountant"
In 2016, Jean Smart shared the screen with Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, and John Lithgow in the thriller film "The Accountant."
2016: Jean Smart Receives Grammy Award Nomination
In 2016, Jean Smart's talent extended beyond the screen, earning her a Grammy Award nomination for Best Spoken Word Album for "Patience and Sarah."
2016: The Accountant Release
Jean Smart appeared in the action thriller film "The Accountant" in 2016.
2017: Legion Premiere
Jean Smart joined the cast of the FX superhero series Legion in 2017.
November 25, 2018: A Shoe Addict's Christmas Premieres
On November 25, 2018, Jean Smart starred as a guardian angel in the Hallmark Channel television film "A Shoe Addict's Christmas," which also featured Candace Cameron.
2018: A Simple Favor Release
Jean Smart appeared in the dark comedy thriller film "A Simple Favor" in 2018.
2019: Jean Smart Joins the Cast of "Watchmen"
In 2019, Jean Smart took on the role of Laurie Juspeczyk (formerly Silk Spectre) in HBO's acclaimed superhero drama "Watchmen." Her performance as a retired superhero-turned-FBI agent garnered widespread praise, earning her another Primetime Emmy Award nomination and a Critics' Choice Television Award.
2019: Watchmen Appearance
Jean Smart joined the cast of the HBO superhero drama series Watchmen in 2019.
March 2021: Richard Gilliland, Jean Smart's Husband, Passes Away
In a somber turn of events, Jean Smart's husband, actor Richard Gilliland, whom she met on the set of "Designing Women," passed away in March 2021 after a short illness. The couple had shared both personal and professional lives, even appearing together in season 5 of "24."
2021: Jean Smart Stars in "Mare of Easttown"
In 2021, Jean Smart delivered a powerful performance as Kate Winslet's mother in HBO's crime drama "Mare of Easttown." Her portrayal of a tough-as-nails matriarch once again showcased her acting range and solidified her reputation as a sought-after talent in the industry.
2021: Jean Smart Stars in "Senior Moment"
In 2021, Jean Smart showcased her versatility by starring in the romantic comedy "Senior Moment" alongside William Shatner and Christopher Lloyd.
2021: Jean Smart Headlines "Hacks"
In 2021, Jean Smart's career reached new heights with her starring role as Deborah Vance, a legendary comedian, in HBO Max's dark comedy series "Hacks." Her performance earned her widespread critical acclaim, solidifying her status as a comedic powerhouse and earning her two consecutive Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (2021 and 2022).
2021: Jean Smart Wins First Emmy for "Hacks"
In 2021, Jean Smart's exceptional performance as Deborah Vance in HBO Max's "Hacks" earned her the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Her portrayal of a legendary comedian navigating the changing landscape of humor resonated with audiences and critics alike.
2021: Hacks Premiere
Jean Smart began starring in the HBO Max comedy series Hacks as Deborah Vance in 2021.
2022: Jean Smart Appears in "Wildflower" and "Babylon"
In 2022, Jean Smart graced both the small and big screens with her talent. She appeared as Peg, the grandmother of Kiernan Shipka's character, in the film "Wildflower" and also starred as Elinor St. John, a gossip columnist, in Damien Chazelle's period comedy-drama "Babylon."
2022: Jean Smart Wins Second Emmy for "Hacks"
In 2022, Jean Smart's exceptional work in "Hacks" earned her a second consecutive Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, further cementing her legacy in television history.
2022: Babylon Release
Jean Smart appeared in the period comedy-drama film "Babylon" in 2022.
2022: Jean Smart Wins Critics' Choice Television Award for "Hacks"
Jean Smart's comedic brilliance in HBO Max's "Hacks" continued to earn her accolades, including the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series in 2022.
2022: Jean Smart Wins Second Emmy for "Hacks"
Jean Smart's reign as Deborah Vance in "Hacks" continued to captivate viewers, leading to her second consecutive Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2022.
2023: Jean Smart Wins Second Consecutive Critics' Choice Television Award for "Hacks"
Jean Smart's reign as the queen of comedy continued in 2023 as she received her second consecutive Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for her unforgettable performance in "Hacks."
2024: Jean Smart Makes History with Third Emmy Win for "Hacks"
In 2024, Jean Smart achieved a remarkable feat by winning her third consecutive Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in "Hacks." This accomplishment solidified her place as a true icon in the television industry.
2024: Jean Smart Makes History with Third Emmy Win for "Hacks"
In 2024, Jean Smart etched her name in television history by securing her third consecutive Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her iconic portrayal of Deborah Vance in "Hacks." This accomplishment solidified her place among the most celebrated actresses of all time.