Jean Smart won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for the fifth and final season of “Hacks.” This marks her victory for every season of the show — a rare achievement fitting the status of her character, legendary stand-up comedian Deborah Vance. The actress now has eight Primetime Emmy Awards for acting, tying Cloris Leachman and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. In the final round of voting, Smart prevailed over Quinta Brunson, Ayo Edebiri, Elle Fanning and Lisa Kudrow.
The HBO Max series concluded in May and followed Deborah’s complicated relationship with young writer Ava Daniels, played by Hannah Einbinder. In the final season, Deborah tried to rebuild her career after leaving her own late-night show and sought to perform a solo show at Madison Square Garden, but the performance ultimately took place in Central Park. Smart previously said the role had allowed her to combine traits from many of her favorite characters from her stage and screen career. She won her other Emmys for roles in “Frasier” and “Samantha Who?”
Based on: Jean Smart wins Emmy for lead actress in a comedy for ‘Hacks’ final season, tying record