Who is Jean Smart? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Jean Elizabeth Smart

Age: 73 Years, 73 Year Old Females

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Richard Gilliland (m. 1987)

children: Bonnie Kathleen Gilliland, Connor Douglas Gilliland

Actresses American Women

Height: 5'9" (175 cm), 5'9" Females

U.S. State: Washington

City: Seattle, Washington

Recommended For You

1

What TV shows has Jean Smart starred in?

Jean Smart has starred in popular TV shows such as "Frasier," "Designing Women," "24," "Fargo," and "Watchmen."
2

Is Jean Smart a versatile actress?

Yes, Jean Smart is known for her versatility in portraying a wide range of characters across various genres, showcasing her acting skills and range.
3

What is Jean Smart's most recent project?

Jean Smart's most recent notable project is her starring role in the critically acclaimed HBO Max series "Hacks," where she plays the role of a veteran comedian.
4

What is unique about Jean Smart's acting style?

Jean Smart is praised for her ability to bring depth and complexity to her characters, often infusing them with a blend of humor, vulnerability, and strength.
5

How has Jean Smart's career evolved over the years?

Jean Smart's career has evolved from sitcoms to dramas, showcasing her talent and versatility as an actress, earning her critical acclaim and recognition in the industry.

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Childhood & Early Life

Jean Smart was born as Jean Elizabeth Smart on September 13, 1951, in Seattle, Washington, USA to Kay and Douglas Smart. Her parents were a homemaker and a teacher. She has three siblings.

At the age of 13, Smart was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. She attended Ballard High School and graduated from there in 1969. It was here that she first became interested in the acting field.

She then attended the University of Washington Professional Actors Training Program and graduated with a BFA.

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Career

After graduating from college, Jean Smart started her acting career by appearing in theater productions throughout the Pacific Northwest. In the mid-1970s, she flew over to New York City and began working in Off-Broadway as well as professional regional productions.

From 1980-1981, she acted in the play ‘Last Summer at Bluefish Cove’. Soon after this, she performed in the Broadway production of ‘Piaf,’ appearing as Marlene Dietrich.

In addition to theater, the actress started working in television, playing numerous roles in the late 1970s and early 1980s. She appeared in the shows ‘Reggie’, ‘Teachers Only’, ‘Maximum Security’ as well as in the television films ‘Single Bars, Single Women’ and ‘Piaf’.

During this time, Smart was also featured in the 1984 movies ‘Flashpoint’ and ‘Protocol’. In 1985, she was cast as Charlene Frazier Stillfield in the comedy series ‘Designing Women’. She played this role from the show’s beginning till its fifth season.

In 1986, the American beauty played Sister Marie in the flick ‘Fire with Fire’. Soon after this, she performed in the film ‘Project X’ as well as in the TV movie ‘Place at the Table’.

During 1991 and 1992, she did many television films, such as ‘A Seduction in Travis County’, ‘Locked Up: A Mother's Rage’, ‘Overkill: The Aileen Wuornos Story’ and ‘Just My Imagination’.

From 1993 to 1999, Smart got the opportunity to act in several films including ‘Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey’, ‘The Brady Bunch Movie’, ‘Edie and Pen’, ‘The Odd Couple II’ and ‘Guinevere’. She was then cast as Lana Gardener in the show ‘Frasier’ in 2000. The same year, she performed in the play ‘The Man Who Came to Dinner’.

Soon after this, she was cast in many high-profile movies including ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ and ‘Bringing down the House’. Between 2000 and 2004, Smart also played the role of Supervisor of Detectives on ‘The District’. In 2004, she had a lead role in the series ‘Center of the Universe’ and a supporting one in the flick ‘I Heart Huckabees’ respectively.

In January 2006, the actress joined the cast of the series ‘24’. Between 2006 and 2010, she did numerous movies, such as ‘Lucky You’, ‘Youth in Revolt’, ‘Barry Munday’ and 'Hero Wanted'.

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From 2011 to 2012, Smart guest-starred on the television programs ‘$h

! My Dad Says’ and ‘Harry's Law’ respectively. During this time, she also played the role of Eileen in the flick ‘Hope Springs’.

She then played roles in the shows ‘Sirens’ and ‘Getting On’. In 2015, she was cast in the series ‘Fargo’ as well as in ‘Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce’. Since 2017, Smart has been portraying the lead role of Melanie Bird on the series ‘Legion’.

Major Works

Jean Smart voiced the character of Dr. Ann Possible on Disney’s ‘Kim Possible’ from 2002 to 2007. The series was a massive hit among the audience and also received acclaim from the critics.

She played the role of Regina Newly in the drama ‘Samantha Who?’ from 2007 to 2009. Her portrayal of the title character’s overbearing mother earned her the Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

Awards & Achievements

Jean Smart won two back-to-back Emmys in 2000 and 2001, under the category ‘Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series’ for her performance in ‘Frasier.’ She won the third Emmy in 2008 under the same category for ‘Samantha Who?’

In 2016, the actress received the ‘Critics' Choice Television Award’ for Best Supporting Actress in a Movie/Miniseries for her work in ‘Fargo.’

Smart has also earned several nominations for prestigious awards like Drama Desk Award, Tony Award, Independent Spirit Award, Satellite Award and Screen Actors Guild Award.

Personal Life

Jean Smart met her husband Richard Gilliland when the latter guest-starred on ‘Designing Women.’ The two got married in 1987.

The couple has a son, Connor Douglas Gilliland, who was born on October 25, 1989. They also have a daughter, Bonnie Kathleen Gilliland, who was adopted from China in May 2009.

Facts About Jean Smart

Jean Smart has a talent for knitting and enjoys creating unique pieces in her spare time.

She is an avid animal lover and has rescued several pets over the years, including dogs and cats.

Jean Smart is known for her quick wit and sense of humor, often improvising funny lines on set to keep the mood light.

In addition to her successful acting career, she is also a skilled painter and has showcased her artwork in several galleries.

Despite her busy schedule, Jean Smart makes it a priority to stay connected with her fans through social media, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of her projects and personal life.

2008	Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series	Samantha Who? (2007)
2001	Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series	Frasier (1993)
2000	Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series	Frasier (1993)

Jean Smart Biography

You wanted to know

What TV shows has Jean Smart starred in?

Is Jean Smart a versatile actress?

What is Jean Smart's most recent project?

What is unique about Jean Smart's acting style?

How has Jean Smart's career evolved over the years?