Jean Smart leads new comedy series
The award-winning actress stars in the new US comedy Hacks, one of the most talked about new shows this year.
Starring Smart as the legendary Las Vegas comedian, Deborah Vance, the series follows the dark mentorship which develops between her and young writer Ava (Hannah Einbinder).
The show’s cast also includes Carl Clemons Hopkins (Hamilton) as Deborah’s chief operating officer, and guest appearances from Kaitlin Olson (Coyote Ugly), Christopher McDonald (Thelma & Louise), and Rose Abdoo (Gilmore Girls).
Hacks was created by the trio behind Broad City, with critics raving about its originality and humour.
The 69-year-old has shared her enthusiasm about the role, which allows her full skill and talent to shine through.
“I read it, and I just said, ‘This has it all. This could be so great’,” she told the Los Angeles Times of the script.
“It’s so funny, and it’s balanced with these dark moments. If I could pick out a dozen of my favourite parts I’ve ever done, on stage or in front of the camera, and put them in the body of one person, I feel like [Deborah] is an amalgam of a lot of my favourite things.”
Smart’s co-star, Einbinder, is a stand-up comedian and a newcomer to scripted TV.
In a show of comradery, Smart helped ease Einbinder’s nerves ahead of her final audition according to an interview she did with Glamour.
“The last stage of the audition was the screen test with Jean," Einbinder said. "I was really nervous going in, but Jean called me the night before and said, ‘I know it may feel a little surgical tomorrow with all the COVID precautions, but I just want to let you know, I think you’re really great. I think we’re going to have a lot of fun’."
“She was just so classy and cool. I credit a lot of our chemistry to Jean being so warm.”
Hacks premieres to Australian audiences on Friday, August 6, with all 10 episodes available.
Image: Stan