Jean Smart opens up About ‘bittersweet’ farewell to ‘Hacks’ and the item she took

In a bittersweet farewell to one of television’s most celebrated roles, Jean Smart has revealed she took a personal keepsake from the set of Hacks as production wrapped on its fifth and final season.

The Emmy-winning actress, who has earned widespread acclaim for her portrayal of legendary comedian Deborah Vance, shared that she quietly took “some drapes” from her character’s lavish on-screen home — a memento she now plans to use in her own bedroom.

Speaking at the show’s Los Angeles premiere on April 8 with People, Smart reflected on the emotional weight of closing this chapter, admitting the experience felt “very bittersweet” as she confronted a series of “lasts” tied to the role that defined the latter part of her career.

Recalling her final days on set, Smart described the surreal moment of filming in Deborah’s iconic spaces for the last time.

From the character’s bedroom to her beloved kitchen, each wrap announcement underscored the end of an era for the actress, who has won four Emmy Awards for the role.

Smart wasn’t the only cast member to take home a piece of the show. Her co-star Hannah Einbinder, who plays Ava Daniels, revealed she kept several personal props, including her character’s driver’s license, credit card, hospital bracelet, and wardrobe pieces, all carefully stored as cherished souvenirs.

Meanwhile, series creators Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky also admitted to holding onto mementos, including items from Deborah’s signature kitchen collection.

The final season of Hacks, which premiered on April 9 on HBO Max, follows Deborah and Ava as they return to Las Vegas amid rumors surrounding Deborah’s reported death, determined to reclaim her legacy in the comedy world.