On May 18, Jean Smart, a five-time Emmy winner, was honored as a hometown hero at the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF). The event, held at the SIFF Downtown Cinema, celebrated Smart’s illustrious career and her contributions to the entertainment industry. She received The Hollywood Reporter’s Trailblazer Award, which recognizes Hollywood figures who have broken barriers for women and marginalized groups.
Smart, known for her roles in “Designing Women,” “Frasier,” and more recently, “Hacks” and “Watchmen,” shared insights into her career during a lively discussion. She reminisced about her early days in Seattle, where she grew up in the Ballard neighborhood. Her father was a public school teacher, and her mother was a homemaker. Smart fondly recalled her childhood, filled with tree climbing and sewing, and her high school days as a cheerleader dating the “bad boy.”
After studying theater at the University of Washington, Smart initially planned to move to New York but decided to support herself as a theater actor in Seattle. She also spent three summers at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, which she described as a “fabulous summer camp.” Her big break in television came with a role in the sitcom “Teachers Only” in Los Angeles, which led her to stay in the city.
In 1986, Smart was cast as Charlene Frazier-Stillfield in “Designing Women,” a role that became iconic. She left the series in 1991, seeking more challenging roles, and was soon offered a TV movie role as Aileen Wuornos, America’s first female serial killer. Smart humorously recalled her envy of Charlize Theron, who later won an Oscar for the same role in “Monster,” noting that network TV at the time couldn’t fully explore the character’s complexities.
The early 2000s saw Smart diversifying her roles, from an Emmy-winning guest arc on “Frasier” to a cameo in Zach Braff’s indie film “Garden State.” She praised the writing on “Frasier” and expressed her love for indie roles. Her career continued to flourish with an Emmy-nominated turn in “24” and standout roles in “Fargo,” “Watchmen,” and “Mare of Easttown.”
Smart’s role in “Watchmen” came after Sigourney Weaver turned it down, a stroke of luck for Smart, who was unfamiliar with the series. She described her character as a “supportive mother with a psychotic killer son,” and expressed gratitude for the opportunity. Working with Kate Winslet on “Mare of Easttown” was another highlight, with Winslet affectionately calling her “mummy.”
However, it is her role as Deborah Vance in “Hacks” that has garnered significant acclaim. Smart has won two Emmys for her portrayal of the veteran comedian. She initially worried about being believable as a stand-up comic, but her performance has been widely praised. Smart related to Deborah in many ways, sharing her love for leopard print and sarcasm, but noted that she doesn’t share Deborah’s bitterness and anger.
Smart’s relationship with fame has evolved over the years. She used to see herself as a housewife with a “weird job,” but her son’s perspective helped her appreciate her fans’ admiration. She finds it amusing that people often recognize her when she feels she looks her worst.
Reflecting on her career, Smart advised young actors to focus on what makes them unique rather than trying to fit into the industry’s expectations. She emphasized the importance of versatility and staying true to oneself.
Jean Smart’s career is a testament to her talent and resilience. From her early days in Seattle to her current success in “Hacks” and “Watchmen,” she has continually pushed boundaries and delivered memorable performances. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors and a reminder of the power of perseverance and authenticity in the entertainment industry.
