Jean Smart Becomes First Woman to Win an Emmy for Every Season of a Show With Fifth ‘Hacks’ Trophy

Jean Smart just made Emmys history. For her portrayal of Deborah Vance in Season 5 of “Hacks” on HBO Max, she won her fifth award for lead comedy actress, making her the first female performer to take home Emmys for every season of a show. Previously, the only actor to sweep the Emmys across each season of their show was Bill Cosby, who won for all three seasons of “I Spy” between 1966 and 1968. Smart also tied Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cloris Leachman’s record for the most Emmy wins by an actor of any gender. Trailing behind them is Ed Asner with seven wins. Popular on Variety Smart is now an eight-time Emmy winner. In addition to her five “Hacks” wins, she was awarded for guest starring in “Frasier” in 2000 and 2001 and for her supporting role in “Samantha Who?” in 2008. She earned additional nominations for her work in “The District,” two seasons of “24,” “Harry’s Law,” “Fargo,” “Watchmen” and “Mare of Easttown.” She is also well known for playing Charlene Frazier Stillfield in CBS’ “Designing Women” from 1986 to 1991. Also nominated for this year’s lead comedy actress Emmy were Lisa Kudrow (“The Comeback”), Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”), Elle Fanning (“Margo’s Got Money Troubles”) and Ayo Edebiri (“The Bear”). More to come…