Jean Smart: A Look Into The Comedic Legend’s Long Career
The legendary Jean Smart, a six-time Emmy winner, has been gracing our screens since 1975 and is enjoying the biggest moment of her career at 73. The “Hacks” star is making her “Saturday Night Live” debut as the host for the premiere episode of Season 50, with musical guest Jelly Roll. In honor of Jean’s upcoming hosting duties, we’re taking a look at some of her most memorable roles over the years.
1. Charlene Frazier-Stillfield in “Designing Woman”
Jean had her breakout role on television in the 1980s. “Designing Women” was an American sitcom that aired on CBS from 1986 to 1993. The series focuses on four women and one man working at an interior design firm in 1980s Atlanta. Jean plays the office manager, Charlene.
2. Ellie Walker in “High Society”
Following “Designing Woman”, Jean led the short-lived sitcom, “High Society” alongside Academy Award nominee Mary McDonnell. The series followed two New York City women who put camp in the word ‘camp.’ “High Society” was quickly canceled after 13 episodes despite generating good ratings.
3. Laura Brandston in “Snow Day”
Jean Smart also had smaller film roles and starred in several made-for-television movies. However, her first role in a successful box office film was as the mother in “Snow Day.” Despite receiving mainly negative reviews, the film grossed over $60 million and is still watched today. Smart plays Laura, a workaholic mother who can’t make it to work because her kids are snowed in.
4. Lana Gardner in “Fraiser”
One of Smart’s most memorable roles, though small, was significant for her career. “Frasier” aired on NBC for 11 seasons and is one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. Smart played Lana Gardner, a love interest for Frasier. Her character was confident and glamorous, adding extra charm to the show. Jean appeared in seven episodes over two seasons and won two Emmys for her role in the series.
5. Stella Kay Perry in “Sweet Home Alabama”
In “Sweet Home Alabama,” Jean Smart plays Melanie’s (Reese Witherspoon) mother, Pearl Smooter. Pearl is a supportive yet quirky figure who adds a layer of humor to the romantic film. Her character highlights the contrast between Melanie’s life in New York City and her roots in Alabama, contributing to the film’s exploration of love, identity, and home. “Sweet Home Alabama” was a big success at the box office, grossing over $180 million.
Follow Popviewers on MSN to see more exclusive entertainment content.
6. Regina Newly in “Samantha, Who?”
“Samantha Who?” was a sitcom that starred Christina Applegate, Melissa McCarthy, Jennifer Esposito, and Jean Smart on ABC. Smart played Regina “Gina” Lafferty, Samantha’s mother. Gina is a glamorous and self-absorbed character navigating her relationship with her daughter, who is experiencing memory loss after a hit-and-run accident.
Although the show was highly rated in its first season, it lost momentum in the second and was canceled by ABC. Jean Smart won an Emmy for her role on the series in the “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series” category in 2008.
7. Floyd Gerhardt in “Fargo” (Season 2)
“Fargo” is a critically acclaimed anthology series that airs on FX. In Season 2, Jean Smart plays Floyd Gerhardt, the mother of the Gerhardt crime family. Set in the late 1970s, her character is strong and takes control of the family business while her husband is in jail. The season explores themes of family dynamics and power. Jean earned an Emmy nomination for her role in this season. The role showed a different side of Jean compared to her normally comedic performances.
8. Laurie Blake in “Watchmen”
“Watchmen” was a critically acclaimed limited series that aired in 2019. Jean Smart played Laurie Blake, a former superhero known as Silk Spectre, who now works as an FBI agent. Her performance was sharp and sarcastic while also exploring themes of morality and heroism. Smart received widespread critical acclaim for her role and earned another Emmy nomination.
9. Helen Fahey in “Mare of Easttown”
“Mare of Easttown” was a crime limited series that aired in the spring of 2021 on HBO. Jean Smart played Mare’s (Kate Winslet) mother, bringing comedic relief to the otherwise serious show. One of her scenes, in which she falls down the stairs, even became a huge meme on social media! This role aired right before “Hacks” and marked the beginning of Jean Smart’s renaissance. Smart earned another Emmy nomination for her performance in the series.
10. Jean Smart as Deborah Vance in “Hacks”
In “Hacks,” Jean Smart plays Deborah Vance, a comedian with a residency in Las Vegas who is being pushed out due to her age. With the help of a younger comedy writer, Ava, she sets out to prove that she can still succeed at her age. The complicated relationship between Ava and Deborah is the heart of the show. Jean Smart has received widespread critical acclaim for her performance, winning three Emmys thus far for her work. The series won its first Outstanding Comedy Series award this year at the Emmys, and a fourth season is currently in production.
Catch Jean host “Saturday Night Live” this Saturday night at 11:30 EST.
Read This Next:
