Photographed by Micah Schifman

Jean Smart is a national treasure. She's a powerhouse actress with the awards to back it up and a career rich in iconic, beloved roles, from Designing Women's Charlene Frazier to her most recent turn as the utterly compelling, glorious Deborah Vance on Hacks—and we have type 1 diabetes (T1D) to thank for this.

Well, sort of.

Diagnosed at age 13, Smart credits the condition with steering her into acting. The Seattle native wanted to join her sister at Washington State University, but, due to health concerns, her parents insisted she stay close to home in the city. That meant the University of Washington—which happened to have an intensive, first-rate drama program.

Smart is also passionate about advocating for the cause. In 2013, for instance, she joined our VB Gives Back partner Breakthrough T1D—then known as JDRF—in Washington DC at a Senate hearing to call for more diabetes funding. "What I really pray for is that the next generation of young, beautiful children will never know the uncertainty and fears of being diabetic or the physical toll it takes on their bodies," she said at the time. "I am standing here today... to ask that you please continue your efforts so that very soon we can talk about the day we cured this disease."

P.S. We're doubling our donations today! All day long, every online order gives back even more* to Breakthrough T1D. Join us in making a difference and saving lives.

When did you discover you had T1D? How did it happen?

I was 13 years old and we were spending the summer in the Northeast, then drove cross-country back to our home in Seattle. I had lost a lot of weight and had extreme thirst, 24/7, so my parents took me to a doctor the day after we got back. They put me in the hospital immediately and, by the afternoon, I was giving myself injections. It was very scary. What could be worse than telling a kid they not only can’t eat candy ever again, but they also have to take shots?

How did that lead to acting?

Ironically, having T1D helped my early career because my parents were worried about me going to college out of town and insisted I attend a local one in Seattle, the University of Washington. It had a superior theater program compared to the college I was interested in, which ended up making all the difference.

How has your experience with T1D changed through the years?

The technology has certainly improved and made injections and blood testing easier and more comfortable. And the fact that I was able to carry a child and feel great (something I was told would never be in my future) was huge.

What has been the most challenging—and how did you overcome it?

My pregnancy, but once I just devoted myself to being a “poster child for pregnancy and diabetes” and made it my full-time job, I was healthier than I’d ever been.

What inspired you to go public with your diagnosis and become a vocal advocate?

I never hesitated to be open about my diabetes. I met so many parents when I was in Washington DC advocating to Congress [with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF)] for more funding for T1D research. Their stories about dealing with their really young kids with diabetes were terrifying, and I realized we still have SO far to go. Better treatment for the disease is wonderful, but WE NEED A CURE!

Advice to women on the importance of listening to your body and self-advocating?

Women’s specific health issues have often been somewhat ignored and lumped in with their male counterparts’ symptoms. This has been very detrimental to women’s overall health for decades. Glossed over or written off as emotional issues instead of physical ones, women’s specific health problems are often overlooked. We need to advocate for ourselves and our loved ones and always listen to our body. NO one knows it better than you!

From now to the end of September, VB Gives Back commits to raising $250,000 for Breakthrough T1D through consumer donations, in-store give-back events, and $5 from every online order to elevate awareness and support for type 1 diabetes research, advocacy and community engagement. Learn more here.

If you want to learn more about T1D and Breakthrough T1D’s mission you can visit their website at BreakthroughT1D.org.

*On September 12, 2024, Veronica Beard will double their donation and donate $10 for every online transaction.