Jean Smart, the acclaimed actress known for her role in the hit series *Hacks*, celebrated a monumental achievement at the 2026 Emmy Awards. Accompanied by her son Forrest, who is now 17, Smart accepted the prestigious award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. This win marked a historic moment in television history, making her the first actor to secure an Emmy for each season of the show.
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Smart, who adopted Forrest in January 2010, stood proudly beside her son as they posed for photographs prior to the ceremony. For the occasion, the 75-year-old actress dazzled in a flowing black and silver gown, while her son sported a smart black suit complemented by a silver tie.
While accepting the award, Smart expressed heartfelt gratitude to her family, acknowledging her sons, Forrest and Connor, who was born to her and her late husband Richard Gilliland in October 1989. During her emotional speech, she referred to her children as her “anchor,” highlighting the essential role they play in her life.
In her acceptance remarks, Smart thanked Universal and HBO for their support, as well as her representation team, whom she described as “the best in the business.” However, her dedication extended primarily to the creative minds behind *Hacks*, specifically Lucia Aniello, Jen Statsky, and Paul W. Downs. She concluded with eloquent praise for her colleagues and a reflection on her unique journey in the industry, saying, “What a ride this has been.”
This win marked Smart’s fifth consecutive Emmy Award for her portrayal of Deborah Vance, a historical accomplishment in the award’s history. Prior to this, only three actors had garnered at least five Emmy wins for their performances, but none had achieved this feat during each season of their respective shows. Smart’s achievement solidified her status as a remarkable figure in comedic acting.
Moreover, her latest Emmy win tied her with fellow actresses Cloris Leachman and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, making them part of an exclusive circle as the only performers to claim eight Emmy Awards. This signifies a testament to her enduring talent and versatility in the world of television. Notably, her accolades extend beyond *Hacks*; she previously won the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series award in 2008 for her role in *Samantha Who?* and secured two additional Emmys for guest appearances on *Frasier* in 2000 and 2001.
Fans of *Hacks* bid farewell to Smart’s character and her co-stars when the show concluded in May 2026. During a recent appearance on *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, Smart described her farewell to both the series and Deborah Vance as “bittersweet.” She acknowledged that the conclusion of the show, which she always anticipated would end after five seasons, carried a mix of emotions.
Reflecting on her role, Smart noted that she was drawn to portray the Las Vegas comedian from the outset. However, she admitted to some apprehension regarding the stand-up aspects of the character, wondering if her credibility as a comic would be accepted by other comedians. This concern presented a significant hurdle, but Smart successfully navigated it, stating that “passing the litmus test” among her peers was a great relief.
In an interview with *The Hollywood Reporter* in 2024, she shared that *Hacks* had been everything she had wished for in her career at that time. Smart expressed gratitude for the opportunity, emphasising how crucial it was for her to ensure that she could convincingly portray the comic persona, despite her previous lack of experience in stand-up comedy.
As Smart continues to shine in her career, her latest win not only celebrates her individual accomplishments but also reflects a growing appreciation for diverse stories and characters in the entertainment industry. With her sons supporting her every step of the way, Jean Smart exemplifies resilience and dedication in a field that demands continuous evolution and adaptability.