Summary

  • Hacks is a standout HBO Max show featuring a phenomenal ensemble cast, led by Emmy-winner Jean Smart as Las Vegas diva Deborah Vance.
  • The series delves into the complexities of the comedy world, showcasing the struggles and successes of female comedians.
  • With a mix of established and new comedic talents, Hacks delivers a captivating blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling.

The Hacks cast is an ensemble of some of the best comedy actors working today. Hacks is one of the standout shows on HBO Max, offering a dark comedy centered around Las Vegas diva and stand-up legend Deborah Vance, portrayed by Emmy-winner Jean Smart. The series benefits from a mix of newcomers and established comedic talents, adding authenticity to its portrayal of the comedy world. Hacks explores the lives of both successful and struggling female comedians, delving into the complexities of fame, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of success in the entertainment industry.

The 2021 HBO Max original series focuses on the dynamic between Deborah and Ava, a 25-year-old acerbic writer whose career is in jeopardy. Sent by their mutual agent as a last-ditch effort to revive her prospects, Ava's interactions with Deborah provide both dramatic and comedic moments. The series also features many compelling characters, including Deborah and Ava's family members, comedy business agents, and friends. As Deborah battles to maintain her comedy empire amidst pressure from Marty, the sleazy casino owner, Hacks delivers a captivating blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling, thanks to a phenomenal cast.

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Hacks Cast

Actor

Character

Jean Smart

Deborah Vance

Hannah Einbinder

Ava

Carl Clemmons-Hopkins

Marcus

Christopher McDonald

Marty

Rose Abdoo

Josefina

Kaitlin Olson

DJ

Paul W. Downs

Jimmy

Megan Stalter

Kayla

Mark Indelicato

Damien

Poppy Liu

Kiki

Johnny Sibilly

Wilson

Angela Elayne Gibbs

Robin

Lorenza Izzo

Ruby

Jane Adams

Nina

Jeff Ward

George

Nina Tarr

Fabriziana

Louis Herthum

Dennis

Jefferson Mays

T.L. Gurley

Danielle Schneider

Rina

Actor

Character

Lauren Weedman

Madam Mayor Pezzimenti

Linda Purl

Kathy

Chris Geere

British TV Show Creator

Kirby Howell-Baptiste

British TV Show Creator

Paul Felder

Aidan

Amanda Payton

Jackie

Jennifer Irwin

Barfly

Luenell

Miss Loretta

Kara Luiz

Katie

Brent Sexton

Michael

Anna Maria Horsford

Francine

Nelson Franklin

Interviewer

Vinessa Vidotto

Ivy

Madeline Zima

Jules

Olivia Boreham-Wing

Young Deborah

Jean Smart As Deborah Vance

Date Of Birth: September 13, 1951

An accomplished actress, Jean Smart has garnered widespread acclaim for her versatile performances across television and film. In 2021, she won the Emmy Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Hacks, further cementing her status as a powerhouse in the industry. Smart is also celebrated for her compelling portrayals in Watchmen as Agent Laurie Blake, Fargo, and Mare of Easttown, showcasing her range and depth as an actress. Her distinguished career spanning decades includes numerous awards and nominations, highlighting her significant contributions to the entertainment world.

Jean Smart also won a Prime Time Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in 2000 for her role in Frasier.

Jean Smart's Most Notable Roles

Movies/TV Shows

Character

Hacks

Deborah Vance

Watchmen

Agent Laurie Blake

Fargo

Floyd Gerhardt

Mare of Easttown

Helen Fahey

Designing Women

Charlene Frazier Stillfield

Frasier

Lana Gardner

24

First Lady Martha Logan

Legion

Melanie Bird

Garden State

Mrs. Largeman

Sweet Home Alabama

Stella Kay Perry

Deborah Vance, portrayed by Smart, is a legendary stand-up comedian and QVC entrepreneur, known as the Queen of Las Vegas. Her sharp wit and unapologetic attitude have made her a beloved icon in the comedy world. Despite her success, Deborah's career is at a crossroads, and she faces the challenge of reinventing herself to stay relevant. Her character is a complex mix of resilience, vulnerability, and ambition, navigating the highs and lows of show business while maintaining her position as a trailblazing female comedian in a male-dominated industry.

Hannah Einbinder As Ava

Date Of Birth: May 21, 1995

Hannah Einbinder, an American comedian, actor, and writer, has quickly risen to prominence in the entertainment industry. Recognized by Vulture Magazine as one of the up-and-coming comedians to watch in 2019, Einbinder has captivated audiences with her unique comedic style and sharp wit. In addition to her breakout role in Hacks, she has appeared in History of the World, Part II, and has a notable lineage in comedy, being the daughter of comedy writer Chad Einbinder and original Saturday Night Live cast member Lorraine Newman. Her fresh perspective and talent have made her a standout in the comedy scene.

Hannah Einbinder's stand-up special, Everything Must Go, will premiere at the 2024 Tribeca FIlm Festival.

Hannah Einbinder's Most Notable Roles

Movies/TV Shows

Character

Hacks

Ava

History of the World, Part II

Amelia Earhart (1 episode)

Strange Planet

Manager (Voice role)

Julia

Gretchen Fletcher

Ava, portrayed by Einbinder, is a 25-year-old writer whose career is derailed by an ill-timed joke on Twitter. Desperate for a second chance, she becomes a stand-up writer for Deborah Vance, a legendary comedian in Las Vegas. Ava's journey is marked by her struggle to rebuild her career and prove her worth in a challenging and often unforgiving industry. Her character is a blend of vulnerability, resilience, and sharp humor, navigating the complexities of working with a comedy icon while dealing with her own personal and professional setbacks.

Carl Clemmons-Hopkins As Marcus

Date Of Birth: July 20, 1987