Jean Smart: What To Watch If You Like The Hacks Star

Originally published on Cinemablend

March 29, 2023, 11:45 AM

<p> <em>Hacks</em> is one of HBO Max's best shows, and stand-up comedy legend Deborah Vance will certainly go down in history as one of Jean Smart’s most iconic roles—but she’s actually been one of the best actors on TV since the '80s. From <em>Designing Women</em> to <em>Mare of Easttown</em>, we’re breaking down the most memorable roles from her career.  </p> <p> <em>By Emily Marek</em> </p>

<p> The role that put Jean Smart on the map was that of Charlene Frazier on the CBS sitcom, <em>Designing Women</em>. The series followed a group of women working at an Atlanta design firm, with her portraying the ditzy but sweet office manager. The naive, good-natured woman is definitely a far cry from Deborah Vance—you might not even recognize her on the show if it weren’t for the fact that she’s barely aged in 40 years. </p> <p> Smart left the series after the fifth season, but not before helping to establish <em>Designing Women</em> as one of the smartest (no pun intended) comedies of the time. </p>

<p> Prior to <em>Hacks</em>, one of Smart’s most critically acclaimed roles was a guest spot on the NBC sitcom, <em>Frasier</em>. </p> <p> She played the role of Lana Gardner, an attractive and charismatic woman who upends Frasier’s clean-cut life with her aggressive, uninhibited personality. After their first night together, she is seen smoking cigarettes in Frasier’s bed and chasing aspirin with a glass of red wine while yelling at her sons over the phone. </p> <p> Lana is a lot more reminiscent of the Jean Smart we know from <em>Hacks</em>: brash, unapologetic, and ridiculously funny. While Frasier and Lana clearly weren’t a match romantically, the writers brought her back during the next several seasons as a recurring character—leading to two back-to-back Emmy wins for outstanding guest actress in a comedy series. </p>

<p> Shortly after her work on <em>Frasier</em>, the frequently funny lady was cast as Stella Kay in the romantic comedy, <em>Sweet Home Alabama</em>, portraying Reese Witherspoon’s mother-in-law. </p> <p> I have to hand it to the costume and hair styling team—Jean Smart is a perfect southern belle in this now classic, with her perfect ringlet curls and deep south accent. Even though her family is portrayed as a little bit rough around the edges, Stella Kay has that southern charm that radiates whether she’s in a trailer or at a wedding reception. </p> <p> This movie was a huge step for Jean Smart’s foray into film. While her role wasn’t as much in the spotlight as Witherspoon’s obviously was, the film went on to be a big box office hit. </p>

<p> Her next Emmy nominations came when she held a particularly important guest role on the Fox action drama, <em>24</em>, a show famous for portraying only one day per season, with each episode playing out as an hour-long look at real-time events. Smart played the intense and mentally unstable first lady, Martha Logan. </p> <p> The first lady only appeared in 24 episodes of the series' nine-season run, but her performance was enough to warrant two back-to-back Emmy nominations for outstanding supporting actress in a drama series and outstanding guest actress in a drama series. </p> <p> She gave a perfect performance as a first lady who is more capable than her husband, but is plagued by her own mental health issues. Smart is strong and witty as ever in this role, and it’s one you can’t miss if you’re a fan of the actress. </p>

<p> Continuing her run of Emmy nominations, Smart played Regina on the ABC sitcom, <em>Samantha Who?</em>. Starring Christina Applegate, the comedy was the story of a woman who suffers amnesia after a car accident, only to find out that she may not have been a very good person in her “old” life. </p> <p> While the series had a rocky sophomore season, Smart was consistently funny as Samantha’s overbearing mother. </p>

<p> Yet another powerhouse role appeared for Smart in the FX anthology series <em>Fargo</em>, where she played Floyd Gerhardt, the wife of an organized crime boss who must take over her husband’s business after he suffers a stroke. While dealing with her power-hungry sons, all of whom think they can run the business better than their mother, Floyd asserts herself as a mob boss who shouldn’t be messed with. </p> <p> You might be sensing a theme here—Jean Smart has a knack for playing women who are far more cunning than the men around her. </p>

<p> I love a good therapist role. The power to be calm and pensive while still holding a steady hand is one many actors can’t nail—but of course, Jean Smart continued to flex her acting chops as Dr. Melanie Bird in <em>Legion</em>, an FX show that exists in an alternate reality of the <em>X-Men</em> universe. </p> <p> Her psychiatric therapist character represents the theme of ongoing healing when dealing with mental illness. The character also represented a departure from the source material, since mutants with mental afflictions have usually only been treated with medicine in past <em>X-Men</em> films and comics. </p>

<p> In the 2019 limited series, <em>Watchmen</em> (based on the graphic novel), Jean Smart played Laurie Juspeczyk. Fans of the lore will recognize that name as the alias of the Silk Spectre, a crime-fighting superhero skilled in hand-to-hand combat. </p> <p> The actress played a middle-aged version of the character, who’s grown up and has a job as an FBI agent (specifically on the Anti-Vigilante Task Force). Having once been a vigilante herself, that’s a complicated head space to live in. </p> <p> The creators of the show originally wanted Sigourney Weaver to play Laurie, but Smart got the job after the <em>Aliens</em> star turned it down. No surprise here—the casting choice worked out for the best, and she was again nominated for an Emmy for her portrayal of Laurie. </p>

<p> First the first lady, now the president. Smart played President Monahan in <em>Superintelligence</em>, a 2020 sci-fi/rom-com film starring Melissa McCarthy, as Carol Peters, a former tech executive who accidentally stumbles upon an all-knowing A.I. </p> <p> This film isn’t necessarily the most critically acclaimed on the list; however, Jean Smart’s character is undoubtedly a bright spot in the movie. If you’re a fan of the actor, it will come as no surprise that she can play a convincing leader of the free world. </p>

<p> <em>Senior Moment</em> is a cute rom-com starring Smart, William Shatner, and Christopher Lloyd. This one is about finding love and finding yourself in the later stages of your life. The main characters must deal with letting go of what no longer serves them (like a Porsche) in order to find happiness. </p> <p> This isn’t your run-of-the-mill romantic comedy—it’s a one for people who haven’t given up on finding love and fulfillment despite qualifying for senior discounts. </p>

<p> The last can’t miss performance on our list is <em>Mare of Easttown</em>, an HBO crime drama about a small-town murder. Smart played Helen, the mother of our titular character, Mare (Kate Winslet). Helen is the matriarch of Mare’s family, but she does things her own way: cynically, and with ice cream hidden in a bag of assorted frozen vegetables. </p> <p> Smart was praised for her scene-stealing performance in this thought-provoking show, again earning an Emmy nomination for outstanding supporting actress in a limited series. In the words of Vulture’s Jackson McHenry: "It’s one of those essential truths of TV…if you need a tough-as-nails broad, you hire Jean Smart."   </p> <p> Come on, who else could earn an Emmy nom for playing Fruit Ninja?! The very same award season, Smart was additionally nominated for her first Hacks Emmy (which she won). </p>

<p> Okay, so these picks shouldn’t necessarily be considered Jean Smart’s best performances (since she only lent her voice for them), but they’re some of MY favorites. She played neurosurgeon Dr. Possible on the Disney Channel series <em>Kim Possible</em>. However, in my opinion, her <em>best</em> voice acting job is that of the Depression Kitty on Netflix’s <em>Big Mouth</em>. Just look at that cat and tell me you can’t hear Smart’s voice. </p> <p> We might have missed some of your favorites—sorry, Jean Smart has simply done too many great roles to list them all. </p>

Emmy-winner Jean Smart has played so many unforgettable characters during her legendary career. Here are some of the best.

Hacks is one of HBO Max's best shows, and stand-up comedy legend Deborah Vance will certainly go down in history as one of Jean Smart’s most iconic roles—but she’s actually been one of the best actors on TV since the '80s. From Designing Women to Mare of Easttown, we’re breaking down the most memorable roles from her career.

By Emily Marek

HBO Max

Emmy-winner Jean Smart has played so many unforgettable characters during her legendary career. Here are some of the best.

Good Housekeeping
‘Wednesday’ Fans Refuse to Stop Commenting About Jenna Ortega’s Sheer Outfit
Jenna Ortega surprised in a chic sheer shirt, bra top, and simple satin trench coat by Tory Burch. The 'Wednesday' actress also wore towering platform heels.
1d ago
CinemaBlend
Donna D’Errico Threw Back To Her Baywatch Days With A Red Swimsuit-Themed 55th Birthday Post
Baywatch vet Donna D'Errico got a little steamy for her 55th birthday with a throwback look to her beach-bound TV days.
1d ago
Best Products
A Karen Named Linda Didn't Contribute to the Office Gift. The Office Got Revenge.
One coworker chose not to contribute to an office gift, but still forced themselves into the planning portion. Then, the rest of the office got revenge.
2d ago
NextShark
Teen disqualified from Pokémon tournament for laughing upon being asked his pronouns
A teenage player was disqualified from a Pokémon Trading Card Game tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina, after an exchange with a judge regarding his preferred pronouns. Makani Tran, who took time off school and spent $800 to participate in the tournament, was brought to tears when the head judge told him he was disqualified from the event due to allegedly violating their inclusion policy by making someone feel unsafe and uncomfortable. On our way over to the stream area, the judge asked us for our preferred pronouns.
1d ago
USA TODAY
Jennifer Aniston walks out on interview with Adam Sandler: 'You bought your co-stars Maseratis?'
Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, stars of Netflix's "Murder Mystery 2" and friends for nearly 35 years, support and roast each other.
2d ago
BuzzFeed
Okay, I Honestly Feel Sorry For These People Who Definitely Regret Every Decision They Made Last Week
Rough stuff, folks. Rough stuff.
6h ago
Entertainment Weekly
General Hospital star Maurice Benard cries in emotional reunion with daughter he hasn't seen in months
They came together again on Tamron Hall.
2d ago
Louder Sound
Watch Metallica's Rob Trujillo play Black Sabbath's Hand Of Doom with his wife Chloe on vocals and his daughter Lullah on drums
Metallica bassist Robert isn't the only musical talent in the Trujillo clan
16h ago
In The Know by Yahoo
Service industry workers are testing the ‘pigtail theory’ to see if they earn more tips
The results are creeping people out.
11h ago
BuzzFeed
Help, I Can't Stop Laughing At These Internet Geniuses Who Totally, Completely, 100% Nailed Their Responses Last Week
So much beauty in a perfect response.
1d ago
NBC Sports Philadelphia
Jason Kelce's wife hilariously documents how he supported her while in labor
Kylie Kelce hilariously documented how Jason spent the hours at the hospital leading up to the birth of their third child.
23h ago
Men's Health
Lady Gaga Just Dropped a Topless, No-Makeup, Unfiltered Selfie
Lady Gaga just shared a new selfie to Instagram and she's gone topless / no-makeup for the pic, sharing a glimpse of her natural skin texture without filters
14h ago
Mansfield News Journal
'General Hospital' marks a milestone
"General Hospital", is the longest-running American soap opera still in production. Genie Francis has appeared on the show since 1977.
2d ago
CinemaBlend
5 Ways The Mandalorian's Armorer Has Been Giving Off Serious Villain Vibes
The Mandalorian's Armorer may be a good person, but she gives off some serious villain vibes.
9h ago
SheKnows
King Charles III Has Reportedly Made a Surprising Seating Plan for Prince Harry & Meghan Markle If They Attend Coronation
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle might be keeping King Charles III in the dark right now about their coronation attendance, but he’s already making plans for them. Despite all of the bad blood between the Sussexes and the royal family, the couple won’t be exiled to the last row of Westminster Abbey if they are […]
12h ago
People
'Sister Wives' ' Meri Brown Expresses Support for Child Leon on Transgender Day of Visibility: 'I Got You'
The TLC star posted a photo of Leon with partner Audrey Kriss and wrote beside the image, "protect trans kids"
6h ago
Men's Health
Kim Kardashian Looks Amazing in Unedited Thong Bikini Photos
Kim Kardashian was photographed shooting a SKIMS campaign in Malibu and looked incredible in unedited thong bikini pictures.
1d ago
Homes & Gardens
The bedroom 'rule' Nate Berkus always breaks – and how he still gets a good night's sleep
'Wellness is more personal than design': how the designer turns his bedroom into a sleep-inducing (yet entirely individual) space
2d ago
InStyle
Vanessa Hudgens Wore a Tiny String Bikini on a Tropical Getaway to the Philippines
Long live 'kini season.
2d ago
SheKnows
Nicole Kidman & Tom Cruise's Daughter Bella Debuted Her Dark Hair Transformation in an Ultra-Rare Selfie
It’s springtime and that often means ushering in a new look for the season. That’s exactly what Bella Kidman Cruise, the daughter of Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise, decided to do — and her hair transformation is edgy and chic! The 30-year-old artist shared her fresh cut in a rare selfie on her Instagram Story […]
1d ago

Yahoo News

Jean Smart: What To Watch If You Like The Hacks Star

Emmy-winner Jean Smart has played so many unforgettable characters during her legendary career. Here are some of the best.

Recommended Stories

‘Wednesday’ Fans Refuse to Stop Commenting About Jenna Ortega’s Sheer Outfit

Donna D’Errico Threw Back To Her Baywatch Days With A Red Swimsuit-Themed 55th Birthday Post

A Karen Named Linda Didn't Contribute to the Office Gift. The Office Got Revenge.

Teen disqualified from Pokémon tournament for laughing upon being asked his pronouns

Jennifer Aniston walks out on interview with Adam Sandler: 'You bought your co-stars Maseratis?'

Okay, I Honestly Feel Sorry For These People Who Definitely Regret Every Decision They Made Last Week

General Hospital star Maurice Benard cries in emotional reunion with daughter he hasn't seen in months

Watch Metallica's Rob Trujillo play Black Sabbath's Hand Of Doom with his wife Chloe on vocals and his daughter Lullah on drums

Service industry workers are testing the ‘pigtail theory’ to see if they earn more tips

Help, I Can't Stop Laughing At These Internet Geniuses Who Totally, Completely, 100% Nailed Their Responses Last Week

Jason Kelce's wife hilariously documents how he supported her while in labor

Lady Gaga Just Dropped a Topless, No-Makeup, Unfiltered Selfie

'General Hospital' marks a milestone

5 Ways The Mandalorian's Armorer Has Been Giving Off Serious Villain Vibes

King Charles III Has Reportedly Made a Surprising Seating Plan for Prince Harry & Meghan Markle If They Attend Coronation

'Sister Wives' ' Meri Brown Expresses Support for Child Leon on Transgender Day of Visibility: 'I Got You'

Kim Kardashian Looks Amazing in Unedited Thong Bikini Photos

The bedroom 'rule' Nate Berkus always breaks – and how he still gets a good night's sleep

Vanessa Hudgens Wore a Tiny String Bikini on a Tropical Getaway to the Philippines

Nicole Kidman & Tom Cruise's Daughter Bella Debuted Her Dark Hair Transformation in an Ultra-Rare Selfie

9 Unforgettable Mike Myers Characters In Movies And Television

Parent Hacks First-Time Parents Need To Know

10 Unforgettable Breakthrough Film Performances By Great Black Actors

23 Award-Winning Birth Photos From 2022 That Put You Right In The Room Where It Happens

TikTok Kitchen Hacks Pt. 1