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2000 is probably Jean Smart's lucky number... or at least it should be! In 2000, Jean was awarded her first Emmy for an unforgettable guest appearance on the sitcom Frasier, was nominated 'Best Supporting Female Actress' at the Independent Film Awards for her juicy role in Guinevere, she took the 'Big Apple' by storm with her sexpot character, Lorraine Sheldon, at this summer's hit Broadway, The Man Who Came To Dinner, and  well, I can just keep on going and going!!!

Smart, a Seattle native, was born on September 13, 1959. Although she had plans to become a veterinarian, she became hooked on drama during high school. She went on to receive her BA in fine arts from the University of Washington. Jean stayed performing regional theater for a while. She worked at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (what she refers to as "theater in the rain"), and at countless local theaters.

Ms. Smart received a Drama Desk nomination for  the off-Broadway Last Summer at Bluefish Cove, not  too long after she had arrived in New York. At around the same time, she performed in the Broadway Piaf, which would introduce Jean to  Hollywood. After a much awaited taping of the Broadway, Jean was asked to perform in various shows.

She proceeded to guest star in such shows as Alice, Remington Steele, Facts of Life, and many more. She was also asked to appear in some feature films such as Project X and Protocol. Although Jean was enjoying her guest spots and appearances, she would have never imagined what was coming next.

In 1986, Smart was cast in the sitcom Designing Women. The show was about four Southern women, going through ups and downs, all working at a design firm. Although Jean was the only actress in the cast not originally from the South, you would have never guessed due to her perfect Southern accent. Jean Smart's character, the sweet Charlene Frazier, stayed on the series for five out of seven seasons. The brave actress left the series at it's peak, to spend time with her family and work on other projects. Also, Jean met husband, Richard Gilliland on the set of DW.

A diabetic, Ms. Smart was warned against pregnancy. Demonstrating her courage, she followed through with it. Now, she has a healthy 11-year-old son, Connor. Following the birth of her son, Jean and Richard hosted a video named Baby Talk - A Guide to New Parents.

After leaving Designing Women, she jumped right into a few other TV movies including the much acclaimed Overkill: The Aileen Wuornos Story. She also appeared in the miniseries Scarlett, a sequel to Gone with the Wind.

Jean Smart also tried to make a come-back to sitcoms, but unfortunately having no luck. In 1995, Jean, along with Mary McDonnell, starred in High Society, often called an 'Americanized AbFab.' The show was soon cancelled because the actors refused to tone down the dialogue.

In 1998, Style & Substance was released. A half hour sitcom with Jean and Nancy McKeon. In this series, Smart played a Martha-Stewartish type of character. The show was cancelled because Martha Stewart stated that the show was a parody of her own (which aired the same morning as S&S).

Currently, Jean is doing voice over work for the WB animated series, The Oblongs. As well as guest starring on The District and Frasier. Jean continues to astonish the audiences with her unpredictable roles, and radiant performances. Broadway, TV, movies ... no wonder her colleagues call her "The Actress" !