Who Is Jean Smart? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on September 13, 1951, Jean Smart is an American actress celebrated for her versatile roles in television and film. With a career spanning over four decades, Smart has garnered significant acclaim and numerous awards, including Emmy Awards and SAG Awards. By 2025, Jean Smart will be 74 years old, showcasing her enduring talent and presence in the entertainment industry.
| Occupation | Stage Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 13, 1951 |
| Age | 73 Years |
| Birth Place | Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Jean Smart's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Body Statistics
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
- Weight: Around 145 lbs (66 kg)
- Measurements: Smart has a classic physique, but specific measurements are not publicly disclosed.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Personal Life
Jean Smart has had a rich personal life, marked by notable relationships. As of 2025, she is married to actor and producer Richard Gilliland, who she wed in 1987. The couple shares the journey of parenting with their two children, born from her previous marriage.
She is the second of four children. Smart was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 13 years old. Her father was a first-generation Scottish-American. On Season 10 of the television show Who Do You Think You Are?, Smart discovered she is a maternal descendant of Dorcas Hoar, one of the last women convicted of witchcraft during the Salem witch trials.
Net Worth and Salary
In 2025, Jean Smart's estimated net worth is around $10 million. Her income primarily stems from her extensive career in television, film, and theater. Smart is known for her roles in acclaimed series such as "Designing Women" and "Hacks," both of which have significantly contributed to her earnings. Additionally, she has made strategic investments in various projects, enhancing her financial portfolio.
Career, Business and Investments
Jean Smart’s career began in theater before transitioning into television, where she achieved widespread fame. Notable roles in series like "Fargo," "24," and "The Good Place" not only showcase her talent but have also been critical to her career revitalization in recent years.
In addition to acting, Smart has ventured into producing and has been actively involved in various business investments, particularly in projects that resonate with her artistic vision. Her commitment to high-quality storytelling has carried her through a successful career, leading her to become one of Hollywood's beloved figures.
After graduating from college, Smart began her career appearing in regional theater throughout the Pacific Northwest, including in Washington, Alaska, and Oregon. She performed with the Seattle Repertory Theater as well as the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon.
In the mid-1970s, she moved to New York City with college friend and fellow actress, Elizabeth Wingate (Lavery), and began working in Off-Broadway and professional regional productions. In 1980, she appeared as Lady Macbeth at the Pittsburgh Public Theater opposite Tom Atkins as Macbeth and Keith Fowler as Macduff.
In 1981, Smart was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for her performance in the Off-Broadway play Last Summer at Bluefish Cove. In February 1981, Smart appeared in the Broadway production of Piaf playing Marlene Dietrich, a role which she later reprised for the 1984 television version.
Social Network
Jean Smart is relatively active on social media, often engaging with her fans on platforms like Instagram and Twitter. She shares updates about her projects, personal insights, and moments from her life that resonate with her audience. Although she maintains her privacy, her engaging personality has helped cultivate a loyal following.
In 1985, Smart was cast in the starring role of Charlene Frazier Stillfield on the comedy series Designing Women, a role she played from the show's beginning in 1986 through its fifth season. After leaving Designing Women, her work mainly concentrated on made-for-television films and supporting film roles.
Notably, she portrayed serial killer Aileen Wuornos in the television film Overkill: The Aileen Wuornos Story (1992), followed by a supporting part in the black comedy Mistress (1992), opposite Robert De Niro and Eli Wallach. Critic Roger Ebert praised the film and called Smart's character portrayal "calculating".
The following year, she appeared in the family drama Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993), and as Ory Baxter in a television version of The Yearling (1994). She was then cast as Sally Brewton in the television miniseries Scarlett (1995), and appeared in a supporting role in The Brady Bunch Movie (1995).
She also appeared in the television thriller film A Stranger In Town (1995) opposite Gregory Hines.
Education
Jean Smart attended the University of Arizona, where she studied drama. Her education laid the foundation for her successful acting career, providing her with valuable skills and experiences that continue to benefit her in the entertainment industry.
In conclusion, Jean Smart represents a blend of talent, resilience, and dedication. As she navigates the entertainment landscape in 2025, her enduring legacy as an accomplished actress continues to inspire many.
She is a 1969 graduate of Ballard High School in Seattle; it was there that she gained an interest in acting in the drama program. She graduated from the University of Washington Professional Actors Training Program with a BFA.
