Jean Smart Reveals “Hacks” Director Went into Labor While Shooting the Show: 'Very Dedicated'
The actress shared how director Lucia Aniello almost had her baby while filming the series
While every day on the set of Hacks is exciting, Jean Smart reveals that there was one particular day that was extra thrilling.
While appearing on The Kelly Clarkson Show, the actress, 72, spoke with Kelly Clarkson, 42, about how Hacks director Lucia Aniello almost had her baby while on set of the HBO Max comedy. "Lucia! Who I was just talking about," Smart responds when Clarkson asks whether someone went into labor while filming the series.
"She's very dedicated," Clarkson says.
"She directs most of the episodes and writes and produces the show. And she is amazing. And she was up to here," Smart says, using her hands to mimic a pregnant belly. "And she was directing the episode. Her husband Paul, who plays my manager, was in it that week and she realized it was time to go home."
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Related: Jean Smart Brings Her Son to Emmys as She Attends First Awards Ceremony Since Husband's Death
"And so her husband was like, 'Ah-ah-ah' 'cause this is their first child. He's freaking out," Smart continues. "And she said, 'No, no, no, you have to work. Stay here, stay here. You gotta work.' And so they sent a live feed to her house and until she went to the hospital a little bit later that evening, she directed us between contractions. And I'm not kidding."
"I'm not kidding you. She'd say, 'Okay, tell Jean not to laugh on that line and get a piece of Hannah's shoulder on B camera.' And then like, 'Okay, I gotta, go,' " the comedian says, slapping the couch.
"She not only had a baby that night, she won a WGA award that night," Smart says.
Smart is mom to sons Forrest, 15, and Connor, 34, whom she shares with her late husband Richard Gilliland.
In March 2021, the actress attended the 2021 Emmys with her son Forrest for her first awards ceremony appearance since her husband's death. Smart and her son both dressed in matching black outfits for the event, with the actress sporting a long black dress and a sheer turtleneck while her son opted for a black suit and blue undershirt.
While walking the red carpet, the duo chatted with E! about Smart's nominations, which included acting nods for her work on Hacks and Mare of Easttown.
"Getting honored and nominated never gets old. I mean it's part of the fun and to be honored by your peers is the best," Smart said.
Speaking of his mother's nominations, Forrest said he's "very proud of her" and that she "really deserves "the awards" as she "worked really hard for everything."
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