Jean Smart received an Emmy in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series category for her role as Las Vegas comedian Deborah Vance on Hacks. This was Smart’s fourth Emmy win. Over the years, Smart has also taken home a trophy in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series category for her performance on Samantha Who? and won two Emmys in the Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series category for her roles as Lana Gardner and Lorna Lenley on Frasier.
According to Entertainment Weekly, Smart and Betty White are now the only actresses to have guests, supporting and leading actress Emmys in comedy.
During her acceptance speech, Smart, who was also up for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her role on Mare of Easttown, took a moment to honor her late husband, Richard Gilliland.
“Before I say anything else, I have to acknowledge my late husband, Richard Gilliland, who passed away six months yesterday,” She spoke. “I would not be here without him and without his putting his career on the back burner so that I could take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities that I’ve had.”