Jean Smart is on the mend after having a recent heart procedure. So it’s no surprise the “Hacks” actress was seemingly absent from the 2023 Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Smart won Outstanding Female Actor in a Comedy Series for “Hacks,” and her friend Christopher McDonald read her speech on her behalf.
“I’m so sorry I can’t be here, I’d like to acknowledge the ‘Hacks’ cast. My fellow nominees, you rock, you’re all brilliant. Tonight, especially, I’d like to honour all the guest stars that appeared in Season 2, whether it was one line, you have all made our show richer, funnier, and I can’t thank you enough for that,” he read.
“I’d also like to thank our guest stars who are on a little longer… You were all phenomenal and I truly appreciate all of you. Lastly Connor and Forrest — that’s her boys — You are everything, my everything, and I love you so much.”
Earlier on the SAG Awards red carpet, the cast of “Hacks” shared an update with PEOPLE about their costar, saying she’s “doing fantastic”.
“We just love her. We’re sending all of our love to her and she’s doing fantastic,” Rose Abdoo shared. “We’re having a dirty martini for Jean tonight,” Johnny Sibilly, who plays Wilson on the HBO Max comedy, added.
What Happened to Jean Smart?
Last week, Smart shared that she was home recovering after undergoing a heart procedure on Instagram, and urged her followers to stay on top of their health.
“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,” she wrote.
“I am fortunate to have excellent care and support from family and friends while I continue to recuperate,” the actress added. “Please listen to your body and talk to your doctor – I’m very glad I did!”
While Smart didn’t share additional information on the heart procedure, her health forced her HBO Max hit show Hacks to pause production of Season 3 while she recovers, according to Deadline. Filming is reportedly set to resume mid-March after Smart heals.
