Jean Smart: Photos of the ‘Hacks’ Star

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September 13, 2023 11:23AM EDT
jean smart
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Emmy-winning actress Jean Smart has enjoyed a flourishing film and television career since the 1980s & you can see photos of her here in honor of her birthday.

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Jean Smart: Photos

Jean Smart: Photos
Everett Collection

Jean Smart graduated from the University of Washington’s Professional Actors’ Program and immediately began performing in theaters around Seattle, according to the Ballard High School Foundation. She also participated in the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. A few years later, she headed to New York City and landed a role in the off-Broadway production of ‘Last Summer at Bluefish Cove’, which earned her a New York Critics’ Drama Desk Award and a commercial on television. The next year, she was cast in Broadway’s ‘Piaf’.

By 1982, Jean was off to Los Angeles to pursue a television career, which turned out to be a successful move. She immediately began landing roles, and in 1983, was in a sitcom, ‘Teachers Only,’ which lasted one season. Her big break came in 1986, when she was cast as Charlene in ‘Designing Women’, which ran until 1991. She is also known for ‘Samantha Who?’ (2007 – 2009), ‘Legion’ (2017 – 2019), and ‘Babylon’ (2020).

She’s a five-time Emmy winner, most recently winning the trophy for Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series for HBO Max’s ‘Hacks’. Scroll on to see photos of the talented star, who has enjoyed a five-decades-long career. 

February 16, 2023, 4:14PM
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‘Babylon’ Premiere

‘Babylon’ Premiere
Everett Collection

Jean Smart looked regal in a black gown at the premiere of ‘Babylon’ on Dec. 15, 2022. Her high-low sleeves flowed to the ground elegantly and featured an intricate silver design. Her stunning smile topped off the memorable ensemble. 

February 16, 2023, 4:13PM
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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 13th Governors Awards

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 13th Governors Awards
Everett Collection

Jean Smart showed off her stunning smile at the arrivals for The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 13th Governors Awards in Los Angeles on Nov. 19, 2022. 

February 16, 2023, 4:13PM
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‘Hacks’ Season 2 Premiere

‘Hacks’ Season 2 Premiere
Everett Collection

Jean Smart stars in HBO Max’s ‘Hacks’ as a successful comedian. She showed up to the premiere of Season 2 in a stunning red dress with a ruffled hem. She paired the bright look with silver heels and as always, her gorgeous smile. 

February 16, 2023, 4:13PM
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2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party

2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
Casey Flanigan/imageSPACE / MEGA

Jean Smart arrives at the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 27, 2022 in Beverly Hills, Calif. She wore a black fit and flare dress that featured ruffles that gave a bit of ’80s nostalgia, the decade that saw her career flourish.

February 16, 2023, 4:13PM
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27th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards

27th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/Mega

Jean Smart sparkled her way down the carpet at the 27th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards held at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel on March 13, 2022 in Century City, Los Angeles.

February 16, 2023, 4:12PM
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The Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony

The Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony
Everett Collection

Jean Smart received a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame Honors in April 2022. The ceremony came less than 2o days before Season 2 of ‘Hacks’ premiered.

February 16, 2023, 4:12PM
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The 68th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards

The 68th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards
Everett Collection

Jean Smart exuded grace at the 68th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in 2016 in a silky off-the-shoulder dress that featured a silky bodice and mesh butterfly sleeve.

February 16, 2023, 4:13PM
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‘Designing Women’ Cast

‘Designing Women’ Cast
©Lifetime Television/Courtesy E

The cast of ‘Designing Women’, from left to right; Delta Burke, Annie Potts, Meshach Taylor, Jean Smart, and Dixie Carter. A reunion special aired in July 2003.

February 16, 2023, 4:13PM