Jean Smart was recently seen in New York City using a cane, just days after revealing she suffered a painful knee injury. The 73-year-old star of Hacks was casually yet stylishly dressed, accompanied by two assistants, as she headed to perform in her one-woman Broadway show, Call Me Izzy. Despite the setback, Smart showed impressive determination to get back on stage.
The injury occurred on the Fourth of July while walking with her sons. She tripped over a small barrier—about the size of a hockey puck—which she described as causing her to “go down like a ton of bricks.” She shared with People that a health worker told her they see “one a day” from people tripping on the same obstacle, and when asked why there aren’t more complaints, New Yorkers just shrug it off with an “Eh, what are you gonna do?”
Due to the injury, Smart had to take a two-week hiatus from the show. On July 8, she underwent knee surgery, and Tony Award winner Johanna Day stepped in to cover her role. The production excitedly announced Smart’s comeback on Instagram, saying, “Tonight! Welcome Back Jean.”
Smart was determined to continue performing despite the injury. She planned to wear a leg brace but reassured fans that the show wouldn’t include “big tap numbers and somersaulting across the stage.” In fact, she found the brace added a new layer to her performance, making her character feel more “trapped” and giving her voice extra edge, as she was less able to move freely. Call Me Izzy follows a Louisiana woman trapped in an abusive marriage who escapes through poetry.
Smart remains hopeful for a full recovery, saying, “hopefully by the time we close, I’ll be skipping around.” The show runs through August 24. Her dedication to performing through pain highlights her professionalism and resilience, while also reminding us of the unexpected hazards that everyday city life can bring.
