The Meryl Streep of TV
Newsweek|June 03 - 10, 2022 (Double Issue)
Jean Smart, star of HBO Max's comedy Hacks, can play just about anything
H. ALAN SCOTT
The Meryl Streep of TV

TELEVISION

LIKE MERYL STREEP, JEAN SMART has been equally brilliant in both comedies and dramas, And as Streep has done in the movies, Smart has won every major acting award television has got. Now she is at the top of her game and busier than ever thanks to her Emmy-winning turn as Deborah Vance, a seasoned and cynical stand-up comic, in Hacks. The HBO Max original series began its second season May 12.

On top of all that, Smart is beloved in her industry. Speaking with her via Zoom, it's easy to see why; she somehow combines movie star glamour and beauty with an ability to put you immediately at ease.

"We've spoken before, no?" she asks. We haven't, of course, but it feels like we have. Over the course of our conversation, she flashes her trademark smile and flows easily from cracking devilish jokes to showing the kind of emotion you'd usually reserve for close friends. Which makes sense, considering her years on TV. She's been in our homes for over 40 years, making us laugh and cry; she's family.

"It's always very gratifying to win something for a project you're really, really proud of," Smart says about her Emmy for Best Actress in a Comedy Series last year for Hacks. But the moment was bittersweet. Her husband, actor Richard Gilliland, had died shortly before the first season wrapped. "It was just too ironic. I didn't even try to get any meaning out of it in terms of why is this happening now? It will always be intertwined with losing him."

Esta historia es de la edición June 03 - 10, 2022 (Double Issue) de Newsweek.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición June 03 - 10, 2022 (Double Issue) de Newsweek.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE NEWSWEEKVer todo
An Ecstatic Anniversary
Newsweek US

An Ecstatic Anniversary

Sarah McLachlan is touring this summer, 30 years after the release of ‘Fumbling Towards Ecstasy,' the album that made her a star

time-read
6 minutos  |
May 10, 2024
'WE ARE FACING THE MOST COMPLEX SECURITY ENVIRONMENT SINCE - WORLD WAR II'
Newsweek US

'WE ARE FACING THE MOST COMPLEX SECURITY ENVIRONMENT SINCE - WORLD WAR II'

Japan's prime minister on security, diplomacy and protecting the rule of law at home, in Asia and around the world

time-read
10+ minutos  |
May 10, 2024
JAPAN'S CALL TO ARMS
Newsweek US

JAPAN'S CALL TO ARMS

As the 'peace-loving nation' doubles its defense spending, Prime Minister FUMIO KISHIDA explains why it needs to take an assertive stance to counter China and North Korea

time-read
8 minutos  |
May 10, 2024
Red Cows, Gaza and the End of the World
Newsweek US

Red Cows, Gaza and the End of the World

As the Israel-Hamas war rages on, the Third Temple movement is ramping up its bid to reclaim a contested holy site in Jerusalem currently home to ancient Islamic shrines

time-read
10+ minutos  |
May 10, 2024
The States Keeping Their Children Hungry
Newsweek US

The States Keeping Their Children Hungry

The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer could help feed millions of children in households experiencing food insecurity, yet 13 states have declined to participate in the program

time-read
6 minutos  |
April 26 - May 03, 2024
The Secret to Being an ADHD Whisperer
Newsweek US

The Secret to Being an ADHD Whisperer

Loosening up and ceding control are some of the most important strategies for making life easier for a neurodiverse loved one

time-read
7 minutos  |
April 26 - May 03, 2024
Fertility Clinics 2024
Newsweek US

Fertility Clinics 2024

FOR THOSE LOOKING TO EXPAN D THEIR FAMILIES, FERTILITY CLINICS CAN BE A VITAL OPTION

time-read
3 minutos  |
April 26 - May 03, 2024
'I AM ALWAYS IN THE MOMENT'
Newsweek US

'I AM ALWAYS IN THE MOMENT'

India's prime minister on his goals, his critics and his 'god-gifted' ability to listen

time-read
10+ minutos  |
April 26 - May 03, 2024
MODI'S MOMENT
Newsweek US

MODI'S MOMENT

INDIA'S LEADER is SHAPING the COUNTRY in his OWN ASSERTIVE IMAGE

time-read
10+ minutos  |
April 26 - May 03, 2024
Resurgence of Global Mayhem
Newsweek US

Resurgence of Global Mayhem

While the world watches Gaza, ISIS is gaining strength and momentum, building networks and preparing for strikes worldwide

time-read
7 minutos  |
April 26 - May 03, 2024