Jean Smart is both flattered and slightly embarrassed by her “Jeanaissance”

Variety

“I told somebody they’re not allowed to say it if they can’t spell it,” she joked of the phrase that has been used to describe her standout Emmy-nominated performances on Hacks and Mare of Easttown this year and on Watchmen last year. Smart says of Hacks and Mare being on at the same time: "It was pure luck. The fact that I had two roles that were such good ones, and kind of worlds apart, coming out at the same time — actors never get that opportunity.” The good news comes as Smart lost her husband, actor Richard Gilliland, who died in March, right as she was wrapping filming on Hacks. Smart says of her having so many great gigs: "I certainly realize that’s not the norm for most actresses of my vintage."