Jean Smart

Jean Elizabeth Smart is an American actress. After beginning her career in regional theater in the Pacific Northwest, she appeared on Broadway as Marlene Dietrich in the biographical play "Piaf." Smart was later cast in a leading role as Charlene Frazier Stillfield on the CBS sitcom "Designing Women."

Smart was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for the 2000 Broadway revival of "The Man Who Came to Dinner," and she received two Primetime Emmy Awards for her role as Lana Gardner on the NBC sitcom "Frasier." She won a third Emmy Award for her starring role as Regina Newley on the ABC sitcom "Samantha Who?." Smart is also known for her recurring voice role in "Kim Possible." She's appeared in TV projects such as FX's "Fargo" and "Legion," both created by Noah Hawley, as well as in HBO's "Watchmen," "Mare of Easttown," and "Hacks." The latter three earned her Primetime Emmy Award nominations, with "Hacks" winning her two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. Additionally, she received another Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in 2025 for "Hacks." Smart is only the second actress, after Betty White, to win all three comedy Emmy nominations- comedy lead, supporting, and guest categories.

Smart's film credits include "The Brady Bunch Movie," "Sweet Home Alabama," "Garden State," "I Heart Huckabees," "Youth in Revolt," "The Accountant," "A Simple Favor," "Senior Moment," "Wildflower," and "Babylon." She also received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for "Guinevere."

Smart was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 13. She is an ambassador for the Entertainment Industry’s Diabetes Aware, which raises awareness about diabetes, especially the importance of early detection and proper management. Having lost her father to Alzheimer’s disease, Smart is also a champion for the Alzheimer’s Association.