Smart's husband Richard Gilliland, whom she was married for more than 30 years, had died unexpectedly of a heart condition in March 2021.
Hacks star Jean Smart is back home after undergoing a recent heart procedure and she shared a plea with her fans, as per Good Morning America. "February is American Heart Month—a time when the nation spotlights heart health, so it feels important to share with all of you that I am recovering from a recent, successful heart procedure," Smart, 71, wrote in a statement posted to Instagram on February 23.
She continued, "I am fortunate to have excellent professional care and support from family and friends while I continue to recuperate." She concluded writing, "Please listen to your body and talk to your doctor – I'm very glad I did!"
Under the post, Smart received many good wishes from fans and fellow celebrities, including Sarah Rafferty, Betty Buckley, Melissa Peterman, Jessica Chaffin and more. "Glad everything was successful and wishing you a speedy recovery. Sending lots of love! 💜," one follower wrote. Another person commented, "So happy to hear you're recovering well. Take good care of yourself!❤️❤️❤️"
Some called Smart a “national treasure” and “bada**” while Titanic actress, Frances Fisher, commented “We love you Jean!” alongside multiple red heart emojis. The actress’ fellow Hacks co-stars Johnny Sibilly and Mark Indelicato, plus show writer Jen Statsky, also sent “love” her way. Other fans thanked Smart for sharing “this message,” calling it “great advice.”
In Hacks, Smart plays Deborah Vance, a stand-up comedy legend who employs a young comedy writer named Ava (Hannah Einbinder) to help her revitalize her act in order to keep her spot at the Palmetto Casino. As Deborah reluctantly takes notes from Ava, Ava, in turn, repairs her arrogant reputation, and the pair form a close and humorous bond, per The Wrap.
The production of Hacks season 3 has paused for some departments. "We are so happy that our beloved Jean Smart's heart procedure was successful and she's on the mend," read a joint statement issued on behalf of HBO Max and Universal Television, who also sent Smart their "well wishes."
Smart lost her husband to whom she was married for more than 30 years, Richard Gilliland, in March 2021. The New Yorker noted in a June 2021 profile of Smart that Gilliland had died unexpectedly of a heart condition. "It’s not anything I ever dreamed would happen," she told the New Yorker. "Not so soon. He made me laugh all the time. That’s going to be hard to live without."
"Before I say anything else, I have to acknowledge my late husband who passed away six months yesterday," Smart said in September that year while accepting the Emmy for lead actress in a comedy series. "I would not be here without him and without his kind of putting his career on the back burner so that I could take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities that I have had."
References:
https://www.thewrap.com/jean-smart-health-update-heart-procedure-hacks-season-3/
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-new-yorker-interview/jean-smart-never-went-away
https://www.instagram.com/p/CpA2LQfprTG/
Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Momodu Mansaray
