Jean Smart Biography: Jean Elizabeth Smart born September 13, 1951 is an accomplished American actress known for her diverse roles in both comedy and drama. Over the years, she has garnered numerous accolades, including six Primetime Emmy Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, as well as nominations for a Tony Award and a Grammy Award. Smart rose to fame for her role as Charlene Frazier Stillfield on the CBS sitcom Designing Women, which aired from 1986 to 1991. She went on to win six Primetime Emmy Awards for her work as Lana Gardner on NBC’s Frasier (2000–01), Regina Newley on ABC’s Samantha Who? (2007–09), and Deborah Vance in HBO Max’s Hacks (2021–present). Smart has also received Emmy nominations .
Jean Smart Biography
Jean Elizabeth Smart, a tall and statuesque Seattle native, was born on September 13, 1951. As the second of four children, she developed an early passion for acting and pursued this interest at the University of Washington after graduating from Seattle’s Ballard High School. There, she earned a BA in fine arts. Smart’s professional career began with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, where she performed in productions such as Much Ado About Nothing and A Moon for the Misbegotten. Throughout the late 1970s, she built a strong reputation in regional theater, working with notable companies including the Seattle Repertory Theatre (in Equus and Fallen Angels), ACT (in A Christmas Carol), Pittsburgh Public Theatre (as Lady Macbeth), Alaska Repertory Theatre (Terra Nova), and the Alliance Theatre (A History of the American Film). Her big break came.
Jean Smart Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Jean Elizabeth Smart
September 13, 1951 (age 73)
Seattle, Washington, U.S.
|
| Alma mater |
University of Washington (BFA) |
| Occupation |
Actress |
| Years active |
1975–present |
| Works |
Full list |
| Spouse |
|
| Children |
2 |
| Category |
Singers Bio |
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About Jean Smart
Jean Elizabeth Smart is an American actress. Her work includes both comedy and drama, and her accolades include six Primetime Emmy Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and nominations for a Tony Award and a Grammy Award.
Jean Smart Wiki
- Born: 13 September 1951 (age 73 years), Seattle, Washington, United States
- Awards: Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy ·
- Spouse: Richard Gilliland (m. 1987–2021)
- Children: Connor Douglas Gilliland, Forrest Gilliland
- Nominations: Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy ·
- Height: 1.76 m
Early Life and Education
Smart was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, as the second of four children. She is the daughter of Kathleen Marie “Kay” (Sanders) and Douglas Alexander Smart, a teacher. At the age of 13, she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Her father was a first-generation Scottish-American. On Who Do You Think You Are? (Season 10), Smart discovered she is a maternal descendant of Dorcas Hoar, one of the last women convicted of witchcraft during the Salem witch trials.
Smart graduated from Ballard High School in Seattle in 1969, where she first developed an interest in acting through the drama program. She then went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Washington Professional Actors Training Program.
Jean Smart Facts
Where does Jean Smart live? And how much money does Jean Smart earn?
| Birth Date |
13-9-1951 |
| Heritage/origin |
American |
| Ethnicity |
White |
| Religion – believes in God? |
Christian |
| Residence |
She owns a house in New York, United States. |
Jean Smart Net Worth 2025
| Estimated Net Worth |
12 million Dollar |
| Yearly Salary |
N/A |
| Product Endorsements |
People Magazine |
| Colleagues |
Jesse Plemons & Annie Potts |
Jean Smart: Husband, Dating, Family & Friends
Who is Jean Smart dating in 2025?
| Relationship status |
Married (Since 1987) |
| Sexuality |
Straight |
| Current Husband of Jean Smart |
Richard Gilliland |
| Ex-boyfriends or ex-husbands |
|
| Expecting a baby? |
She is not pregnant |
| Has any kids? |
Yes, mother of: Bonnie, Connor |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- Douglas Smart (Father)
- Kay Smart (Mother)
- Bonnie Kathleen Gilliland (Daughter)
- Connor Douglas Gilliland (Son)
Friends
Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This beautiful friendly desirable actress originating from Seattle, Washington, United States has a thin body & oval face type.
| Hair color |
Regular blond |
| Hair type |
Wavy |
| Hair Length |
short hair (chin length) |
| Hairstyle |
edgy |
| Distinct feature |
cheekbones |
| Makeup Style |
arty |
| Skin Tone/Complexion |
Type II: Fair skin |
| Skin Type |
Normal |
| Eye Color |
Blue |
| Does Jean Smart smoke? |
|
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos & Style
| Height |
170 cm |
| Weight |
60 kilo |
| Clothing style |
alternative |
| Favorite colors |
pink |
| Feet size |
9 |
| Bra-size |
34D |
| Does Jean Smart have a tattoo? |
No |
FAQs
Where did Jean Smart start her acting career?
Jean Smart began her professional acting career with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, where she performed in classic productions like Much Ado About Nothing and A Moon for the Misbegotten.
What was Jean Smart’s first major theater breakthrough?
Jean Smart’s first major breakthrough came with her role in the Off-Broadway drama Last Summer at Bluefish Cove, which earned her a Drama Desk nomination in 1980 and later a Los Angeles Drama Critics Award.
Which theater companies did Jean Smart work with early in her career?
In the late 1970s, Jean Smart performed with several prestigious regional theater companies, including the Seattle Repertory Theatre, ACT, Pittsburgh Public Theatre, Alaska Repertory Theatre, and Alliance Theatre.
What was Jean Smart’s educational background in acting?
Jean Smart earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Washington’s Professional Actors Training Program after developing an interest in acting during high school.
What kind of roles did Jean Smart play in regional theater?
Jean Smart portrayed a wide range of characters in regional theater, including Lady Macbeth, as well as roles in Equus, Fallen Angels, A Christmas Carol, Terra Nova, and A History of the American Film.
How did Jean Smart’s stage work influence her TV and film career?
Her acclaimed performance as Marlene Dietrich in the Broadway production Piaf helped attract Hollywood attention, paving the way for her transition into television and film.
