Jean Smart

Date of Birth: September 13, 1951

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Biography

Jean Smart is an acclaimed American actress known for her versatile roles in television, film, and theater. Born on September 13, 1951, in Seattle, Washington, Smart has had a prolific career spanning over four decades. She studied at the University of Washington’s Professional Actors Training Program and began her career in regional theater before making her Broadway debut in the 1981 production of “Piaf.” Smart gained national recognition for her role as Charlene Frazier Stillfield on the hit sitcom “Designing Women” (1986–1991). She continued her success with notable performances in “Frasier,” “Samantha Who?,” and “24.” In recent years, she has received critical acclaim for her roles in “Fargo,” “Watchmen,” and “Hacks,” for which she won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2021. Throughout her career, Smart has been praised for her ability to seamlessly transition between comedy and drama, earning multiple awards and nominations along the way. She remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, admired for her talent, versatility, and longevity.

5 Interesting Facts about Jean Smart

1. Jean Smart is a three-time Primetime Emmy Award winner, with victories for her roles in “Frasier,” “Samantha Who?,” and “Hacks.”

2. She has been married to actor Richard Gilliland since 1987, whom she met while working on the set of “Designing Women.”

3. Smart made her Broadway debut in the play “Piaf,” where she portrayed Marlene Dietrich.

4. She was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her role in the 2000 production of “The Man Who Came to Dinner.”

5. Smart has also provided voice work for animated series and films, including “Kim Possible” and “The Oblongs.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jean Smart

1. “I love playing complicated women because they are more interesting.”

2. “I’ve been very lucky to work with some of the best people in the business.”

3. “Every role is a challenge, and that’s what makes acting so exciting.”

4. “Comedy and drama are two sides of the same coin. They both require truth and honesty.”

5. “I’ve always been drawn to characters who are complex and have a lot of depth.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Jean Smart’s highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland have two children. Their son, Connor Douglas Gilliland, was born in 1989, and they adopted their daughter, Bonnie Kathleen Gilliland, from China in 2009.