The Emmy-winning actress opens up about her health scare as the beloved series wraps up its run.
Category: Arts & Culture
Jean Smart, the acclaimed star of HBO Max’s comedy series Hacks, recently revealed that she underwent triple bypass heart surgery in February 2023, a procedure that coincided with the filming of the show's third season. Smart, 74, shared details of her health scare, which began with feelings of fatigue and chest pressure that she initially dismissed as signs of being out of shape.
During an interview with Variety, Smart recounted her experience on set, particularly during the filming of the episode titled "Yes, And," where her character, legendary comedian Deborah Vance, performs a keg stand at a frat party. "After several takes, I was like, ‘Did you get it? Was that enough?’ I was feeling a little tired. But I didn’t think anything of it," she said. Smart had become accustomed to feeling pressure in her chest, especially when climbing stairs, and attributed it to a lack of exercise.
It wasn’t until days later, after returning to the set and still feeling unwell, that Smart decided to reach out to her cardiologist. "I thought, ‘You haven’t seen your cardiologist in a long time. Don’t be stupid. Your kids just lost their dad!’" she recalled, referring to the passing of her husband, Richard Gilliland, in March 2021. After leaving a message for her doctor, she received an urgent call back instructing her to go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Smart made the decision to finish filming her scene before heading to the hospital. "I told my driver, ‘Flag on the play. We’re not going back home. We’re going to the hospital,’" she said. Coincidentally, Hacks co-creator Paul W. Downs was at Cedars-Sinai Hospital visiting his mother when he encountered Smart. He supported her through the diagnosis, recalling, "I was there with her as she was talking to surgeons and hearing them say, ‘You can’t get a stent. You have to get a triple bypass.’"
Smart consulted with three different surgeons before selecting the one who would perform her surgery. She described her emotions leading up to the procedure, saying, "I wasn’t really scared until I woke up the next day, and I’m thinking about what they had to do. You start to feel so fragile." Hannah Einbinder, Smart’s co-star, was also present in her hospital room when she woke up. "She is the most durable woman in America," Einbinder remarked, adding a humorous note about Smart's clumsiness, saying, "For how much she injures herself, she is genuinely the clumsiest person I’ve ever met!"
After the surgery, Smart expressed gratitude for the support she received from her family and the Hacks team. She stated, "I am fortunate to have excellent professional care and support from family and friends as I continue to recuperate. Please listen to your body and talk to your doctor—I’m very glad I did!" The filming of Hacks resumed in March 2023, and the series is set to premiere its final season on April 9, 2026.
As the cast and crew of Hacks prepared for the final day of filming in January 2026, a sense of nostalgia filled the air. "I’m not going to be boisterous or fun today," said Hannah Einbinder, who plays Ava Daniels, Smart’s character’s confidant. Smart, visibly emotional, remarked, "We really came to feel like best friends and family and so — yeah, that’s very hard." The final day of filming was marked by a bittersweet atmosphere as the team wrapped up a project that had become a defining series of the decade.
The series, which explores the generational gap between two women in the comedy industry, has received widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including four Emmys for Smart. The chemistry between Smart and Einbinder has been a highlight, with the show tackling themes of female relationships, aging, and representation in a way that resonated with audiences. "Hacks has been an unlikely triumph," said Erin Underhill, president of Universal Television, noting its impact on the television industry.
Smart’s portrayal of Deborah Vance has showcased her comedic talents and highlighted the importance of depicting older women in leading roles. The show has paved the way for conversations around aging and representation, proving that humor knows no age limit. "This will be one of those comedies that stands the test of time, even 30 to 40 years from now," Underhill added.
As production wrapped up, the cast shared their reflections on the show’s impact on their careers. Einbinder expressed how Hacks transformed her life, saying, "I have come into myself. I was 24 when I got cast. I’m 30 now. I’ve walked through fire to build my self-esteem during this time. I know who I am in this world. The crew of Hacks are like my blood relatives. They have changed my life."
Looking ahead, the final season promises to deliver more of the heartfelt and comedic moments that fans have come to love. Smart hinted at a storyline that would challenge her character in new ways, saying, "There’s one storyline I can’t wait for people to see—but I’m also scared for people to see." As Hacks prepares to take its final bow, the legacy of the series and Smart’s contributions will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
In a world where the narrative around aging often leans toward the negative, Hacks has was a refreshing reminder of the vibrancy and complexity of women’s lives at every stage. As Smart concludes this chapter, she remains a powerful voice in the industry, inspiring both audiences and fellow actors alike.