Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, stars of the acclaimed HBO Max series *Hacks*, recently shared insights into their deepening friendship, which has flourished over five years on the show. As the series approaches its fifth and final season, the pair reflected on the bond they developed during both joyful and challenging times, particularly in the wake of personal loss.
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During an interview with *Variety*, Einbinder, who is 30, recounted the moment she first connected with Smart, now 74, on the set of *Hacks*. Their conversation almost immediately struck a chord. Einbinder shared a personal experience that resonated with Smart, creating an instant sense of trust. “We had a conversation about something that I think she wasn’t talking to anyone about, and there was an immediate sense of trust between us,” she recalled. This initial spark laid the groundwork for a profound friendship that would go on to mirror the mentor-mentee dynamic portrayed in the series.
In *Hacks*, Smart takes on the role of seasoned comedian Deborah Vance, with Einbinder portraying her head writer, Ava Daniels. Throughout the show, their relationship has developed in a way that reflects their real-life connection. Einbinder noted that, initially, they were just focused on making a good impression and performing well, without realising how closely their own lives would intertwine with their characters’ journeys.
As the first season progressed, tragedy struck when Smart’s husband, Richard Gilliland, passed away in March 2021 at the age of 71. The veteran actor died due to complications from a heart condition, leaving a void in Smart’s life that was palpable during the production. As the news broke, she found solace in Einbinder’s support. “I really turned to [Einbinder] for comfort and support, and she was amazing. I mean, she’s very wise,” Smart reflected, highlighting her co-star’s empathy during a devastating time.
Einbinder, who recalls those moments vividly, expressed the emotional weight of the situation. “I remember getting calls from the hospital on set. It just was so painful. And I remember the way that everybody around sprang into action to care for her,” Einbinder shared. This strong sense of camaraderie among the cast and crew only served to strengthen the bond between the two performers.
Despite the emotional turbulence, Smart pushed through the filming of the season. However, one particular scene proved too difficult for her—a funeral scene involving her character Ava’s father. “I said, ‘Let’s just do it.’ The only day that got me was when we shot Ava’s father’s funeral. I suddenly thought, ‘I can’t do a funeral scene—I can’t,’” she admitted. This moment reflects not just the difficulty of acting under such personal circumstances, but also Smart’s steadfast determination to honour her commitments.
Sarah Aubrey, HBO Max’s head of original programming, commended Smart for her perseverance during this challenging time. “She’s kind of ‘the work is the work, and I will always do what I signed up to do, even under the most challenging circumstances,’” Aubrey noted, praising Smart’s professionalism amid profound grief.
Gilliland and Smart were married for 35 years and had two sons together, Forrest, aged 17, and Connor, aged 36. They first met while working on the CBS sitcom *Designing Women* in 1986 and wed the following year. Smart recently opened up about the emotional toll of losing her long-time partner, describing it as “indescribable.” In an episode of *Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?*, she said, “Losing your mate of 35 years— I mean, literally half my life I lived with him—is just kind of indescribable. You go through this period of thinking it’s just not real. It’s just, this isn’t real. You know? This just doesn’t make any sense.”
As *Hacks* approaches its conclusion, the legacy of both the show and the bond between its leading ladies remains strong. The series has not only highlighted the complexities of their characters’ relationship but has also offered a lens into the transformative power of vulnerability and support in the face of personal grief. Smart and Einbinder’s journey together serves as a reminder of the deep connections that can form in shared spaces, especially during the most trying times.