Net Worth Ranker
What Is Jean Smart’s Net Worth?
Jean Smart, a celebrated American actress, has cultivated a substantial net worth of $12 million. This impressive financial standing is primarily attributed to her prolific acting career, spanning decades and encompassing diverse roles in television, film, and theater.
Jean Smart’s Career Highlights and Earnings
Smart’s journey to financial success began with her early roles in television, including appearances in series like “Alice,” “Remington Steele,” and “The Facts of Life” in the late 1970s. These initial roles, while not immediately lucrative, provided invaluable experience and exposure, laying the foundation for her future success.
A significant turning point in Smart’s career came with her portrayal of Charlene Frazier Stillfield in the CBS sitcom “Designing Women” from 1986 to 1991. While specific salary figures for her time on “Designing Women” are not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that her role as a series regular provided a steady and substantial income, contributing significantly to her growing net worth.
Following “Designing Women,” Smart diversified her career, taking on roles in made-for-TV movies and supporting roles in films. Her portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in the TV movie “Overkill: The Aileen Wuornos Story” in 1992 showcased her range and talent, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile actress. Her role in the black comedy “Mistress,” alongside Robert De Niro and Eli Wallach, garnered critical acclaim, with Roger Ebert praising her character as “calculating.” Again, specific financial details of these projects are not publicly accessible, but these roles undoubtedly contributed to her overall earnings.
In 2000, Smart landed the role of Lana Gardner in the critically acclaimed comedy series “Frasier,” set in her hometown of Seattle. This role proved to be particularly rewarding, earning her two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series. While exact salary figures for her “Frasier” appearances remain undisclosed, Emmy wins often translate to increased earning potential and further career opportunities.
Another Emmy win came for her role in “Samantha Who?” alongside Christina Applegate. This recognition further elevated her profile and likely led to increased demand for her services, positively impacting her income.
Smart’s career also includes notable film roles, such as playing the mother-in-law of Reese Witherspoon in “Sweet Home Alabama” (2002) and starring opposite Queen Latifah in “Bringing Down the House.” These roles in commercially successful films would have contributed significantly to her earnings, adding to her overall net worth.
From 2002 to 2007, she voiced Dr. Ann Possible on “Kim Possible,” adding another dimension to her career and providing a consistent stream of income. Voice acting roles can be lucrative, especially for established actors with recognizable voices.
Smart’s portrayal of First Lady Martha Logan on “24” earned her two Emmy nominations in 2006 and 2007, further solidifying her status as a sought-after actress. Recurring roles on high-profile series like “24” often come with significant financial compensation.
In 2019, Smart played Laurie Juspecyzk in the HBO superhero drama limited series “Watchmen,” which received enormous critical acclaim and won 11 Emmy Awards. This role, along with her appearance in the HBO crime drama limited series “Mare of Easttown” in 2021, showcased her continued relevance and appeal to discerning audiences. These roles on prestigious HBO series likely came with substantial salaries, contributing to her net worth.
Since 2021, Jean has starred alongside Hannah Einbinder on the critically acclaimed HBO comedy “Hacks.” Jean won the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2021, 2022 and 2023 for her work on “Hacks.” She also won the Golden Globe for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy, in 2022 and 2025. While the exact salary details for her role in “Hacks” are not publicly available, it is highly probable that her role as the lead actress in a critically acclaimed and award-winning series comes with a significant financial compensation package. This includes performance based bonuses.
Jean Smart’s Real Estate Holdings
Smart’s real estate portfolio contributes significantly to her overall net worth. In 2002, Jean and her late husband, Richard Gilliland, purchased a home in Encino, California, for $1.525 million. As of 2025, the estimated value of this property has risen to approximately $4 million, representing a substantial appreciation in value over the years. The Encino property likely serves as a primary residence or a long-term investment.
In December 2022, Smart expanded her real estate holdings with the purchase of a home in Toluca Lake, California, for $5.25 million. This property was previously owned by George Lopez and his former wife, Ann, who received it in their 2011 divorce. The purchase of this property indicates Smart’s confidence in the real estate market and her willingness to invest in high-value assets. The Toluca Lake home likely features luxurious amenities and a desirable location, further enhancing its value.
Other Ventures and Assets
While Smart’s acting career and real estate investments are the primary drivers of her net worth, other ventures and assets may also contribute to her financial standing. These could include investments in stocks, bonds, or other financial instruments, as well as potential endorsements or partnerships with brands. However, specific details regarding these ventures are not publicly available.
Jean Smart’s Personal Life and Financial Decisions
Jean Smart’s personal life has undoubtedly influenced her financial decisions. Her marriage to actor Richard Gilliland in 1987 created a shared financial life, and their joint investments, such as the Encino home purchase, reflect their shared financial goals. Gilliland’s unexpected passing in March 2021 undoubtedly presented financial challenges, as Smart navigated the complexities of estate planning and managing her assets as a single individual.
Smart’s diagnosis with type 1 diabetes at the age of 13 likely influenced her financial planning, as she would have needed to factor in the costs of healthcare and managing her condition. Health insurance and medical expenses can be significant considerations in financial planning, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions.
Analyzing Jean Smart’s Net Worth
Jean Smart’s $12 million net worth is a testament to her long and successful career in the entertainment industry, her astute real estate investments, and her prudent financial decisions. Her ability to consistently secure roles in high-profile television series and films, coupled with her willingness to invest in real estate, has allowed her to accumulate significant wealth over time.
Her career decisions, from taking on diverse roles to embracing new opportunities, have contributed to her financial stability and growth. Her ability to adapt to changing trends in the entertainment industry and maintain her relevance has been crucial to her continued success. She has proven to be a savvy investor, as evidenced by her real estate holdings. Her careful management of her finances and her willingness to invest in her future have contributed to her impressive net worth.
Smart’s achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring actors and demonstrate the potential for financial success in the entertainment industry through talent, hard work, and smart financial planning.
