Jean Smart

Jean Smart Headshot

Actress

Birth Date: September 13, 1951

Age: 72 years old

Birth Place: Seattle, Washington

Film, television and stage actress Jean Smart first besotted viewers with her role as ditzy Southerner Charlene on the popular sitcom "Designing Women" (CBS, 1986-1993), but her biggest critical successes came well after her departure from the show in 1991, during which she far surpassed the successes of her slightly more flamboyant co-stars, Annie Potts, Dixie Carter and Delta Burke. Smart was a Tony Award-nominated Broadway performer, critically acclaimed for her comedy and classical dramatic performances, and earned an Independent Spirit Award for her supporting role in the art house drama "Guinevere" (1998). A Hollywood anomaly, Smart's career continued to heat up after the age of 50, when the in-demand TV guest star earned an Emmy win for her appearances on "Frasier" (NBC, 1993-2004) and a pair of nominations for portraying a memorably non-traditional First Lady on the gritty actioner "24" (Fox, 2001-10). Coming off her "24" success, the ever-versatile actress was again embraced by sitcom audiences for her outrageous supporting role opposite Christian Applegate on "Samantha Who?" (ABC, 2007-09) and impressed critics with her dramatic work as the no-nonsense governor of Hawaii on the hit reboot "Hawaii Five-O" (CBS, 2010- ), proving that, at least for this particular actress, the parts just kept coming with each passing year.

Credits

National Memorial Day Concert 2022

Self
Show
2022

Celebrating Betty White: America's Golden Girl

Self
Special
2022

BabylonStream

Actor
Elinor St. John
Movie
2022
57%

WildflowerStream

Actor
Peg
Movie
2022
63%

CBS Mornings

Guest
News
2021

HacksStream

Actor
Deborah Vance
Series
2021
100%

Hacks FREE

Actor
Deborah Vance
Show
2021

Mare of EasttownStream

Actor
Helen
Series
2021
95%

Senior Moment

Actor
Caroline Summers
Movie
2021

Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story

Actor
Arlane Hart
Show
2020

SuperintelligenceStream

Actor
President Monahan
Movie
2020
31%

WatchmenStream

Actor
Laurie Blake
Series
2019
96%

The Kelly Clarkson ShowStream

Guest
Talk
2019

Today With Hoda & Jenna

Guest
Show
2019

Dirty John: The Betty Broderick StoryStream

Actor
Arlane Hart
Series
2018

Couch Surfing

Guest
Show
2018

Late Late Show With James Corden: Best of the Week

Guest
Show
2018

Life Itself

Actor
Linda Dempsey
Movie
2018

A Simple FavorStream

Actor
Margaret McLanden
Movie
2018
84%

Brampton's Own

Actor
Judy
Movie
2018

A Shoe Addict's ChristmasStream

Actor
Charlie
Movie
2018

Live with Kelly and Ryan

Guest
Talk
2017

LegionStream

Actor
Melanie Bird
Series
2017
91%

Awaken the Shadowman

Actor
Evette
Movie
2017

The AccountantStream

Actor
Rita Blackburn
Movie
2016
52%

Getting Ed Laid

Actor
Hooker
Movie
2016

Celebrity Food Fight

Contestant
Show
2015

Celebrity Family FeudStream

Guest
Game Show
2015

The Late Late Show With James CordenStream

Guest
Talk
2015

Variety Studio: Actors on Actors

Guest
Show
2014

Girlfriends' Guide to DivorceStream

Guest Star
Series
2014

The McCarthysStream

Guest Star
Lydia
Series
2014
58%

Celebrity Name Game

Contestant
Game Show
2014

Halt and Catch FireStream

Guest Star
LouLu Lutherford
Series
2014
90%

FargoStream

Actor
Floyd Gerhardt
Series
2014
93%

Late Night With Seth MeyersStream

Guest
Talk
2014

Miss Meadows

Actor
Mother Meadows
Movie
2014

Warren

Actor
Claire Cavanee
Movie
2014

Waking

Actor
Dr. Hinton
Movie
2013

Call Me Crazy: A Five Film

Actor
Movie
2013

When Calls the Heart

Actor
Frances Tunnecliffe
Movie
2013

Hope SpringsStream

Actor
Eileen
Movie
2012
75%

Harry's Law

Guest Star
Series
2011
43%

William & Catherine: A Royal Romance

Actor
HRH Camilla
Movie
2011

The Talk

Guest
Talk
2010

$#*! My Dad Says

Guest Star
Series
2010
0%

Hawaii Five-0Stream

Guest Star
Series
2010

Hot in ClevelandStream

Guest Star
Bess
Series
2010

Who Do You Think You Are?Stream

Guest Star
Reality
2010

Barry Munday

Actor
Carol Munday
Movie
2010

Woke Up Dead

Actor
Show
2009

Youth in Revolt

Actor
Estelle Twisp
Movie
2009

The Bonnie Hunt Show

Guest
Talk
2008

Hero Wanted

Actor
Melanie McQueen
Movie
2008

Samantha Who?Stream

Actor
Regina Newly
Series
2007
77%

Lucky YouStream

Actor
Michelle
Movie
2007
28%

etalk

Guest
Show
2006

Robot ChickenStream

Guest Voice
Series
2005

American DadStream

Guest Voice
Miriam Bullock
Series
2005

The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson

Guest
Talk
2005

Kim Possible: So the Drama

Voice
Dr. Ann Possible
Movie
2005

Center of the Universe

Actor
Kate Barnett
Show
2004

The Insider

Guest
Show
2004

Garden StateStream

Actor
Carol
Movie
2004
86%

I Heart HuckabeesStream

Actor
Mrs. Hooten
Movie
2004
64%

Balto III: Wings of Change

Voice
Stella
Movie
2004

A Very Married Christmas

Actor
Ellen Griffin
Movie
2004

Jimmy Kimmel Live!Stream

Guest
Talk
2003

Bringing Down the HouseStream

Actor
Kate
Movie
2003
34%

Audrey's Rain

Actor
Audrey Walker
Movie
2003

Killer Instinct: From the Files of Agent Candice DeLong

Actor
Candice DeLong
Movie
2003

Kim Possible: A Sitch in Time

Voice
Dr. Ann Possible
Movie
2003

In-Laws

Actor
Marlene Pellet
Show
2002

Kim PossibleStream

Voice
Dr. Possible
Series
2002

Sweet Home AlabamaStream

Actor
Stella Kay
Movie
2002
38%

24Stream

Actor
Martha Logan
Series
2001
87%

24Stream

Guest Star
Martha Logan
Series
2001
87%

The OblongsStream

Voice
Pickles Oblong
Series
2001

The District

Guest Star
Series
2000

The Man Who Came to Dinner, Live From Stage on Screen

Actor
Show
2000

Snow DayStream

Actor
Laura Brandston
Movie
2000
29%

Disney's The Kid

Actor
Deirdre Lafever
Movie
2000

Tiara Tango

Actor
Loreli Daly
Movie
1999

GuinevereStream

Actor
Deborah Sloane
Movie
1999
86%

Style & Substance

Actor
Show
1998

The Odd Couple IIStream

Actor
Holly
Movie
1998
27%

Change of Heart

Actor
Elaine Marshall
Movie
1998

The View

Guest
Talk
1997

Hey Arnold!Stream

Guest Voice
Series
1996

Undue Influence

Actor
Show
1996

Access Hollywood

Guest
News
1996

Edie & Pen

Actor
Wendy the Waitress
Movie
1996

High Society

Actor
Elinore "Ellie" Walker
Show
1995

Los Brady, la Película

Actor
Movie
1995

Los Bradys

Actor
Movie
1995

La Familia Brady

Actor
Movie
1995

Un Extraño en el Pueblo

Actor
Rose
Movie
1995

Whisper of the Heart

Voice
Asako Tsukishima
Movie
1995

The Brady Bunch MovieStream

Actor
Mrs. Dena Dittmeyer
Movie
1995
63%

A Stranger in Town

Actor
Rose
Movie
1995

ScarlettStream

Actor
Sally Brewton
Miniseries
1994

The Yarn Princess

Actor
Margaret Thomas
Movie
1994

The Yearling

Actor
Ora Baxter
Movie
1994

FrasierStream

Guest Star
Lorna Lynley
Series
1993
95%

Mistress

Actor
Patricia Riley
Movie
1992

Overkill: The Aileen Wuornos Story

Actor
Aileen Wuornos
Movie
1992

Just My Imagination

Actor
Pally Thompson
Movie
1992

The Other Side of Love

Actor
Movie
1991

A Seduction in Travis County

Actor
Karen
Movie
1991

Locked Up: A Mother's Rage

Actor
Cathy
Movie
1991

Other Side of Love

Actor
Cathy
Movie
1991

A Place at the Table

Actor
Susan Singer
Show
1988

Project X

Actor
Dr. Criswell
Movie
1987
74%

Designing WomenStream

Actor
Charlene Frazier Stillfield
Series
1986

Designing WomenStream

Guest Star
Charlene Frazier Stillfield
Series
1986

Fire With Fire

Actor
Sister Maria
Movie
1986

A Fight for Jenny

Actor
Valerie Thomas
Movie
1986

Flashpoint

Actor
Doris
Movie
1984

Protocol

Actor
Ella
Movie
1984

Reggie

Actor
Joan Reynolds; Reggie's secretary
Show
1983

Goodnight, Beantown

Guest Star
Darlene
Show
1983

The Facts of LifeStream

Guest Star
Ellen Slater
Series
1979

AliceStream

Guest Star
Series
1976

Good Morning America

Guest
News
1975

News aboutJean Smart

Hacks - Hannah Einbinder and Jean Smart - Season 3

‘Hacks’: Deborah & Ava Reunite in Season 3’s Hookup-Heavy Trailer (VIDEO)

Christopher Lloyd, Helen Hunt, and Tony Goldwyn for 'Hacks' Season 3

‘Hacks’ Season 3 Recruits Christopher Lloyd, Helen Hunt & More to Guest

Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder in 'Hacks'

‘Hacks’ Sets Spring Return as Jean Smart & Hannah Einbinder Tease Season 3 (PHOTO)

Bob Odenkirk, Jordan Peele, Jean Smart, and more comedy stars who have featured in 'Fargo'

‘Fargo’: 11 Times the Series Used Comedy Stars

Jean Smart in 'Hacks' Season 2

‘Hacks’ to Resume Season 3 Filming After Jean Smart’s Heart Procedure

Hacks - Season 2 - Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder

Jean Smart Health Update Provided by ‘Hacks’ Co-Star Hannah Einbinder

Jean Smart in Hacks

‘Hacks’ Season 3 Production Paused Following Jean Smart’s Recent Heart Procedure

Hacks - Season 2 - Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder

‘Hacks’: Jean Smart & Team Tease Start of Season 3 Production

Steve Harvey, Jean Smart, Poppy Liu on Celebrity Family Feud
Exclusive

‘Celebrity Family Feud’: Jean Smart Goes for Win in ‘Hacks’ vs. ‘Abbott Elementary’ (VIDEO)

Hacks - Season 2 - Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder

‘Hacks’ Renewed for Season 3 at HBO Max

Hacks - Season 2 - Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder
Spoiler Alert

‘Hacks’ Star Jean Smart & Showrunners on Deborah’s Latest ‘Power Move’ in Season 2

Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder
Q&A

‘Hacks’ Bosses on the Feedback They’ve Received From Real-Life Comedians

Hacks HBO Max Jean Smart Hannah Einbinder
Premiere

Jean Smart & Hannah Einbinder Talk Love and Revenge in ‘Hacks’ Season 2 (VIDEO)

Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder in Hacks
Review

Roush Review: ‘Hacks’ Avoids Sophomore Slump as It Hits the Road

Hacks Season 2 Hannah Einbinder and Jean Smart

‘Hacks’: Deborah & Ava Head Out on Tour in Full Season 2 Trailer (VIDEO)

Hacks Season 2 Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder

‘Hacks’ Season 2 First Look Teases Deborah & Ava’s Roller Coaster Relationship (VIDEO)

Laurie Metcalf, Ming-Na Wen, Margaret Cho, Martha Kelly, Jean Smart

‘Hacks’ Season 2: Laurie Metcalf, Ming-Na Wen, Margaret Cho, Martha Kelly Join Cast

2021 TCA Awards Winners, Jean Smart in 'Hacks,' 'Ted Lasso'

2021 TCA Award Winners: ‘Ted Lasso,’ ‘The Crown,’ Jean Smart & More

Mj Rodriguez, Jean Smart, Michaela Coel

‘Pose’, ‘Hacks’ & ‘I May Destroy You’ Win Big At 2021 Dorian TV Awards: Full List of Winners

Hacks Season 1 Jean Smart HBO Max
Emmys

‘Hacks’ Team Reflects on the Show’s Emmy Nominations & Casting Jean Smart

Jean Smart Hacks HBO Max

Ask Matt: This Is Jean Smart’s Year

Hacks - Season 1 finale - Jean Smart
Spoiler Alert

‘Hacks’ Creators on That Cliffhanger Ending & Deborah’s ‘Kindness’ Towards Ava

Hacks Season 1 Hannah Einbinder Jean Smart

‘Hacks’ Renewed for Season 2 With Jean Smart at HBO Max

Mare of Easttown Kate Winslet Episode 7

Can’t Miss Episode of the Week: ‘Mare of Easttown’ Finale Sticks the Landing

Mare of Easttown Season 1 Kate Winslet

Should ‘Mare of Easttown’ Have a Season 2?

Kate Winslet - Mare of Easttown - Episode 7
Spoiler Alert

‘Mare of Easttown’: The Real Killer Is Revealed in a Twisty Finale (RECAP)

Kate Winslet in Mare of Easttown, Episode 6
Spoiler Alert

‘Mare of Easttown’: The Investigation Closes in on the Killer (RECAP)

Evan Peters in Mare of Easttown Episode 5
Spoiler Alert

‘Mare of Easttown’: A Breakthrough in the Case Leads to Tragedy (RECAP)

Jean Smart HBO Max's Hacks
Preview

‘Hacks’ Creators on How Jean Smart ‘Elevated’ Their Vision for the HBO Max Comedy

HBO Max Hacks Jean Smart
Review

Roush Review: The Smart Money’s on Jean Smart in ‘Hacks’

Hacks - Season 1 - HBO Max - Jean Smart and Kaitlin Olson
Preview

The Women of ‘Hacks’ Tease ‘Comedy That’s Dramatic’ and a ‘Unique’ Mentorship Tale

Kate Winslet and Julianne Nicholson in Mare of Easttown Episode 4
Spoiler Alert

‘Mare of Easttown’: The Past Repeats Itself (RECAP)

Kate Winslet, Evan Peters, and James McArdle in Mare of Easttown
Spoiler Alert

‘Mare of Easttown’: The 6 Most Suspicious Characters So Far

Hacks - Jean Smart - HBO Max
Preview

Doing Comedy in ‘Hacks’ Was a Childhood Dream Realized for Jean Smart

Kate Winslet and Evan Peters in Mare of Easttown Episode 3
Spoiler Alert

‘Mare of Easttown’: Phone Records Expose New Suspect (RECAP)

Jean Smart HBO Max Hacks

Jean Smart Is an Aging Vegas Comedian in HBO Max’s ‘Hacks’ Trailer (VIDEO)

Kate Winslet and John Douglas Thompson in Mare of Easttown Episode 2
Spoiler Alert

‘Mare of Easttown’: Shocking Secrets Emerge as Murder Investigation Begins (RECAP)

Review

Roush Review: Everyone’s a Suspect in the Gritty ‘Mare of Easttown’

Mare of Easttown Kate Winslet Evan Peters

Kate Winslet Is ‘Mare of Easttown’ in First Look at HBO’s Crime Drama (VIDEO)

Mare of Easttown - Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet’s ‘Mare of Easttown’ Sets Debut Date at HBO

designing women table read
Exclusive

See Annie Potts, Jean Smart & More Join Famous Fans in ‘Designing Women’ Reunion (VIDEO)

Designing Women cast - Annie Potts, Jean Smart, Dixie Carter, Delta Burke

‘Designing Women’ Cast to Reunite for Table Read Featuring Special Guest Stars

The Crown; Watchmen; I Know This Much Is True

TV Episodes That Could Win These Emmy Nominees Gold in 2020

Regina King and Louis Gossett Jr. in Watchmen

HBO Makes ‘Watchmen’ Available for Free in Weekend Marathon Starting Juneteenth

WATCHMEN S2 questions gallery cover
Spoiler Alert

8 ‘Watchmen’ Questions We Need Answered in a Possible Season 2 (PHOTOS)

mad about you casting 1 cover

‘Mad About You’ Recruits Jason Alexander & Jean Smart as Guest Stars

WATCHMEN S1EP7 cover
Spoiler Alert

16 Comic Easter Eggs From ‘Watchmen’ Episode 7 (PHOTOS)

WATCHMEN S1EP5 cover
Spoiler Alert

12 Comic Easter Eggs From ‘Watchmen’ Episode 5 (PHOTOS)

watchmen laurie blake 1
Q&A

‘Watchmen’s Jean Smart Teases More to Come From Laurie & Angela

WATCHMEN S1EP4 EE cover
Spoiler Alert

12 Comic Easter Eggs From ‘Watchmen’ Episode 4 (PHOTOS)

Hong Chau in Watchmen - Season 1, Episode 4

Hong Chau’s Lady Trieu Enters the Scene in ‘Watchmen’ Episode 4 (PHOTOS)

WATCHMEN S1 cover

8 Things to Know About ‘Watchmen’ Before the Series Premiere (PHOTOS)

Watchmen season 1 6

‘Watchmen’ Sneak Peek: Meet Some Fresh and Familiar Faces (PHOTOS)

Designing Women cast - Annie Potts, Jean Smart, Delta Burke, Dixie Carter

3 Essential ‘Designing Women’ Episodes to Stream on Hulu Now

dirty john gallery cover

‘Dirty John’: The TV Characters vs. Their Real-Life Counterparts (PHOTOS)

Candace Cameron Bure 'A Shoe Addict's Christmas'
Exclusive

Candace Cameron Bure Shares a Sneak Peek at Hallmark’s ‘A Shoe Addict’s Christmas’ (VIDEO)

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?

‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ Season Finale: Jean Smart Discovers Family From 1635

Megan Mullally on TLC's Who Do You Think You Are?
Exclusive

‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ Season 10 to Feature Megan Mullally & More (VIDEO)

Dan Stevens as David Haller in 'Legion'

Roush Review: FX’s Trippy ‘Legion’

Jeffrey Donovan

‘Fargo’ Cast on Phrases They’re Obsessed With Saying on the Show (VIDEO)