Jean Smart shares emotional update on her current relationship with Delta Burke

[TMC]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/...38b1e6cf&ei=16

Story by B Mund

For decades, Jean Smart has navigated the high-stakes world of Hollywood with a grounded attitude that defies industry norms. But as the Emmy-winning star of HBO’s Hacks prepares to say goodbye to her latest iconic role, she's finding comfort in the enduring friendships that that grounded nature helped build.

In a recent candid conversation with Tracy Smith for CBS Sunday Morning, Smart revealed that the bonds formed on the set of Designing Women remain a vital part of her life. During a recent visit with co-star Annie Potts, the two decided to bridge the distance to their former castmate, Delta Burke, via FaceTime.

'I just spoke to Delta the other day,' Smart said, reflecting on the ease with which the Designing Women cohort still connects, even decades after the show’s conclusion.



The interaction was part of a broader, more cathartic process for Smart regarding her former costar. While cleaning out her garage recently, an endeavor she describes as surprisingly emotional, she found herself sorting through the physical remnants of a storied career. It led to a moment of practical, if humorous, advice for her children regarding her eventual estate.

'I told my kids, 'Now, you guys, don't throw anything out after I croak,' she joked. 'Don't throw anything out that has anything to do with my career, because who knows? Someday, somebody might give you a few bucks for it.'

She specifically pointed to the modest treasures she’s held onto, like a Christmas card from Burke. 'I said, even if it's a Christmas card from Delta Burke or something like that, you just save that thing,' Smart laughed.

The anecdote offers a glimpse into how Smart views her own legacy. Above all else, she seems to value the relationships she has built during her years in the business. While she notes that the production environment of a modern show like Hacks, where the cast and crew spend 12 to 15 hours a day together, feels vastly different from the multi-camera sitcoms of the 1980s, the human element remains the same.

As she closes the chapter on Hacks, which she credits for its uniquely welcoming set culture, Smart finds herself in a place of reflection. Whether it's the professional family she cultivated on her latest set or the lifelong friends she still checks in with via FaceTime, Smart’s career is a testament to the idea that the work is only as good as the people you share it with.

Beyond the personal bonds, the success of Hacks serves as a fitting extension of Smart’s legendary career. The series revitalized the 'prestige comedy,' and proved that audiences are hungry for complex, intergenerational stories led by women. And as the curtain falls, its critical acclaim and genuine heart helps ensure Jean Smart will be appreciated for generations to come.