Jean Smart wins Emmy for Best Actress 2024 for “Hacks”

Jean Smart has won the Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series, reclaiming the title from “Abbott Elementary” creator and lead actress Quinta Brunson after “Hacks” was forced out of contention earlier this year due to production delays that delayed season three. This means Smart has now won an Emmy in the category for every season in which she played Las Vegas comedian and showbiz legend Deborah Vance. She also continues to hold the record as the oldest woman to ever win in the category.

In the final season of Hacks, Deborah fights for one of her biggest dreams: hosting her own late-night show on a major network. Against all odds, by the end of the season, Deborah manages to land the coveted spot behind the desk with the help of her writer Ava (Hannah Einbinder), her manager Jimmy (Paul W. Downs), and many others. She still has a lot to learn about sharing power, however, and although she was initially opposed to giving Ava the chance to be her head writer on the show, her protégé quickly learns from her and blackmails her way into the job anyway. This sets up a controversial fourth season that will likely put Smart back in the running for awards next year.

In addition to delays related to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes last year, production on the third season of “Hacks” was also paused due to health issues Smart was already battling in February 2023. In an Instagram post at the time, she wrote: “February is American Heart Month – a time when the nation puts heart health front and center, so it's important for me to share with you all that I am recovering from a recent, successful heart surgery. I am fortunate to have excellent professional care and support from family and friends as I continue my recovery.”

In addition to winning three Emmys for “Hacks,” Smart has also won supporting roles for her role on the ABC sitcom “Samantha Who?” and twice for guest appearances on “Frasier” in the early 2000s. Smart has also been nominated multiple times for her roles in “24,” “Fargo,” “Watchmen” and “Mare of Easttown.” In addition to her Emmy wins for her performance in “Hacks,” Smart has also won a Golden Globe, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Critic's Choice Awards and many other awards.

After the first season premiered in 2021, the show's creators spoke to IndieWire about its impact and Smart's contribution. At the time, Downs in particular said of Smart's choice for the role: “There's a very short list of women in that age range, and Jean was at the top for us. Plus, she was really emblematic of the character because even though she's been prolific and never vilified by the industry like Deborah was, we've always felt like she's underestimated for her range and talent. Giving her a lead role where she can shine is one of our greatest accomplishments.”