Jean Smart advices fans and friends to consult their doctors and keep in tune with their bodies after recently undergoing a heart procedure. The Hacks star posted on Instagram about the successful surgery and shared her decision to speak publicly about her health condition.
Smart acknowledged that February is American Heart Month, in which the country raises awareness on heart health. The actress also shared she had “excellent professional care and support” while she heals from the operation.
Hacks Actress Jean Smart Speaks Up About Recent Heart Surgery
In her Instagram post, Jean Smart encouraged fans to talk to health professionals, especially if they are experiencing heart-related issues:
“Please listen to your body and talk to your doctor — I’m very glad I did!”
While Smart is recovering, production for Hacks’ third season has been paused for some departments, a source revealed to The Hollywood Reporter. HBO Max and Universal TV said in a joint statement:
“We are so happy that our beloved Jean Smart’s heart procedure was successful, and she’s on the mend. HBO Max and UTV send their well wishes.”
Although the Emmy winner did not specify her condition, she has previously spoken about her struggle with diabetes. In an interview with The New Yorker, she revealed that her mother insisted she stays in Seattle for college. At that time, she was 13 and diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
“She was afraid, I think, for me to go out of state to school… I got into the University of Washington… They had a phenomenal theatre program. Washington State had almost no theatre program. I don’t know what would have become of me if I had gone to school there. So I have my mother and my diabetes to thank.”
Heart health has become a significant part of Smart’s life. Her husband, Richard Gilliland, died in 2021 due to a heart-related problem.
Health Professionals Encourage People To Take Action At The First Sign Of Heart-Related Symptoms
Smart’s co-stars made sure the 71-year-old actress is not missing out on the fun. Hannah Einbinder told Variety and assured fans:
“She’s doing well. She’s recovering. We just visited her.”
Poppy Liu also added:
“She requested a lot of photos from all of us. We will be FaceTiming with her.”
Smart’s fans also commended her for getting the medical attention she needed. More often than not, people dismiss symptoms until it’s too late. Cardiologist Dr. Michelle O’Donoghue shared with Today the importance of prioritizing heart health:
“All too often, women’s symptoms get inappropriately chalked up to something else. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions.”
Dr. Icilma Fergus, director of cardiovascular disparities at Mount Sinai Medical Center, noted that managing stress can help lower the risk of heart disease.
“Find things to do that you love and that relax you, and always make sure there’s downtime in your day… even if you have a highly stressful job.”
Production for the third season of Hacks will resume “not too long from now,” revealed Einbinder. The studio has not mentioned any specific date yet.
Source: THR, The New Yorker, Variety, Today
