Emmys: Jean Smart pays tribute to late husband in speech
ABC News
Jean Smart held back tears while accepting the Emmy for best actress in a comedy series for her role in “Hacks” on Sunday night
Jean Smart held back tears while accepting the best actress in a comedy series Emmy for her role in “Hacks,” which she dedicated to her late husband.
“Before I say anything else, I have to acknowledge my late husband who passed away six months ago yesterday,” Smart said Sunday night. “I would not be here without him, and without his kind of putting his career on the back burner so I could take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities that I have had.”
Smart won for her portrayal of comedian Deborah Vance in the HBO series. Smart's husband of 30 years, actor Richard Gilliland, died while the show was in production. Gilliland was included in the show's memoriam segment.
The 70-year-old actor also thanked her two children, who she said, “put up with Mommy commuting from Philadelphia and back,” as well as her “Mare of Easttown” co-stars. Smart was also up for a supporting award for the HBO limited series.
