Jean Smart, the acclaimed Emmy-winning actress, is set to bid farewell to her beloved character, Deborah Vance, in the hit series *Hacks*, but not without a cherished memento from the set. In an exclusive conversation with *PEOPLE*, Smart revealed that she has taken home some drapes from Vance’s bedroom as a keepsake after the show’s fifth and final season wrapped up.
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At the Los Angeles premiere of *Hacks* Season 5 on April 8, Smart reflected on the poignant experience of concluding her role. The actress, who has earned four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series due to her memorable portrayal, expressed the bittersweet nature of the event. “Somebody just reminded me, ‘Well, this is your last premiere for Deborah.’ I was like, oh my God, all these lasts. It’s weird,” she noted, highlighting the mixed emotions surrounding the occasion.
During her final days on set, Smart experienced a series of poignant moments as the crew signalled the completion of various key locations. “We’d be shooting a scene and they’d go, ‘Okay, that’s a wrap on Deborah’s bedroom.’ You’d go, ‘Whoa, what? That’s one of my favourite rooms on the whole set.’” This sentiment was echoed when it came time to wrap up filming in the kitchen. “I was like, ‘No, no, no, this island is mine! This is my fantasy island,’” she reminisced, underscoring her fondness for the carefully crafted set design.
However, amidst the goodbyes, Smart managed to secure her own piece of *Hacks*. With a playful hint, she asked, “Is HBO listening?” before confirming she discreetly took “some drapes” from her character’s bedroom, which she happily intends to place in her own home. “They’re going to my bedroom!” she exclaimed, demonstrating her attachment to the character and the world she was a part of.
Another lead in the series, Hannah Einbinder, who portrays aspiring writer Ava Daniels, also took some items home with her. The 30-year-old actress shared her keepsakes, stating, “I took [Ava’s] driver’s license and her credit card and her hospital bracelet, and a lot of her clothes.” Einbinder mentioned that she stores these precious items safely in her jewellery box, preserving a piece of her character’s journey.
Show creators Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky have also held onto mementos from the beloved series. Aniello joked about the various items she collected, while Downs, who plays Jimmy LuSaque Jr. in *Hacks*, specifically mentioned that he took some salt and pepper shakers from Vance’s extensive kitchen collection. These small tokens serve as reminders of the fun and creativity that went into crafting the show.
The fifth and final season of *Hacks* premiered on April 9, 2023, on HBO Max, with a storyline that sees Deborah and Ava returning to Las Vegas. Facing the aftermath of mistaken and unfavourable reports regarding Vance’s demise, the duo is depicted as more determined than ever to solidify her legacy as a comedian. Viewers can catch new episodes of *Hacks* every Thursday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO Max.
As the curtain falls on *Hacks* and its beloved characters, Smart and Einbinder’s keepsakes serve as tangible reminders of their time on the show. The collective sentiment from the cast and crew reflects a deep attachment to the series, marking the conclusion of a significant chapter in their careers. With its sharp wit and heartfelt moments, *Hacks* has carved its place in the landscape of television, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and its talented cast alike.