Jean Smart on Superfan Harry Styles, Reacting to Bad Christmas Gifts & Babylon with Brad Pitt

TL;DR

Gene Smart shares her impressive acting journey and experiences on various shows while promoting her new film.

Transcript

our first guest tonight is a five-time Emmy Award winner he is unquestionably one of the all-time greats her show called hacks is on HBO Max and starting December 23rd you can see her on the big screen alongside Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie in Babylon please welcome Gene Smart [Applause] foreign [Applause] how are you I'm great it's wonderful to hav... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌍 Gene Smart has had a remarkable television journey, featuring in critically acclaimed shows and winning multiple awards.
• ❓ The actress emphasizes the importance of being selective in choosing roles, which has contributed to her ongoing success.
• 👶 Smart shares humorous stories from her acting experiences, highlighting her willingness to embrace challenges and learn new skills.
• ⭕ The interaction with Harry Styles reflects the influence and admiration that "Hacks" has garnered within celebrity circles.
• 🛟 Smart's experiences illustrate the sometimes humorous contrasts between her personal life and her character roles.
• 🎭 The candid discussion about performing stunts and challenges emphasizes Smart's dedication to her profession and her adaptability as an actress.
• 🎥 Her involvement with "Babylon" showcases the crossover between television success and film opportunities, reinforcing her status in the entertainment industry.

Questions & Answers

Q: What does Gene Smart attribute her success in television to?

Gene Smart attributes her success to a combination of talent and the ability to be selective about the roles she takes. She notes that it's a luxury to choose projects that align with her strengths and interests which ultimately leads to her being recognized for her performances across various celebrated shows.

Q: What is the significance of the show "Hacks" in Gene Smart's career?

"Hacks" has played a pivotal role in revitalizing Gene Smart's career, allowing her to portray a comedian and further showcase her versatility as an actress. The show's popularity has led to increased opportunities, and Smart's performance has been critically acclaimed, contributing to her Emmy achievements and public presence.

Q: Can you share an interesting anecdote from Gene Smart's experience on "Hacks"?

One amusing anecdote from her time on "Hacks" involves her needing to learn to drive a bulldozer for a scene. Smart humorously recounts the embarrassment of having to be bench-pressed by a younger actor during a shoot, illustrating her commitment to performing stunts and her playful approach to her work.

Q: How does Gene Smart feel about performing comedy in character?

Gene Smart expresses feelings of terror at the thought of performing a comedy show in character like her role in "Hacks." She acknowledges that, while she’s confident in her abilities given the writing and direction provided, the idea of a live performance adds pressure as her audience would not be made up of hired actors but real fans.

Q: What does Gene Smart reveal about her interactions with Harry Styles?

Gene Smart shares that Harry Styles is a fan of "Hacks," highlighting a moment when he checked into a hotel using her character's name, Deborah Vance. She recounts receiving flowers from Styles and describes how extraordinary it is for a pop star to express such enthusiasm for her work, even though they've yet to meet in person.

Q: How does Gene Smart approach the nudity and drug scenes in "Babylon"?

In discussing "Babylon," Smart explains her initial discomfort with the film's explicit scenes but eventually grew accustomed to the environment. She credits the uninhibited extras in Los Angeles for helping her navigate through the more daring aspects of filming and emphasizes her respect for the creative direction led by director Damien Chazelle.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Gene Smart, a five-time Emmy Award winner, reflects on her distinguished television career, mentioning roles in acclaimed shows like "Fargo," "Legion," and "Hacks," emphasizing the importance of choosing the right projects.

• While discussing her experiences, Smart humorously describes learning to drive a bulldozer for "Hacks" and the challenges of performing stunts, showcasing her dedication and willingness to embrace new experiences in her acting career.

• Smart reveals her excitement about her upcoming film "Babylon," where she stars alongside Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie, while also sharing amusing anecdotes about her interactions with fellow actors, including Harry Styles.