Where You Know The Actors From

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.

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.

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.

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

Best known for their role as Marcus in Hacks, Carl Clemons-Hopkins has gained recognition for their compelling performances and strong screen presence. They have appeared in popular TV shows such as Chicago Med and Chicago PD, as well as the 2021 horror film Candyman. Their diverse range of roles showcases their versatility and dedication to their craft, making them a rising star in the industry.

Marcus, portrayed by Clemons-Hopkins, is Deborah Vance’s diligent business manager and handler. He is one of the few people with whom Deborah can truly be herself, forming a close and trusted bond with the iconic comedian. Marcus’s character is pivotal in managing Deborah’s career and personal life, often balancing her demanding schedule and complex personality. His loyalty and professionalism make him an indispensable part of Deborah’s team, adding depth and nuance to the show’s dynamic.

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Hack’s Supporting Cast & Characters

Christopher McDonald as Marty: Marty is the sleazy businessman who owns the casino Palmetto. He often finds himself at odds with the casino’s star attraction, Deborah Vance. McDonald is a familiar character actor known for roles in such productions as Thelma and Louise, Happy Gilmore, Quiz Show, and Ballers.

Rose Abdoo as Josefina: Deborah’s elegant Las Vegas mansion household is kept running smoothly by her long-suffering housekeeper, Josefina. Abdoo’s previous television appearances include Gilmore Girls, United States of Al, the voice of Belva in The Great North, and the Saved by the Bell reboot.

Kaitlin Olson as DJ: Being Deborah Vance’s daughter can’t be easy for the pill-addicted DJ. Olson is best known for her roles in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia as Dee Reynolds, The Mick as Mickey Molng, and Curb Your Enthusiasm as Cheryl’s sister Becky.

Paul W. Downs as Jimmy: Deborah and Ava are just two of Jimmy’s most demanding clients. Downs, recognizable from Broad City as fitness instructor Trey Pucker, is the writer and creator of Hacks in partnership with Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky.

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Megan Stalter as Kayla: Jimmy the agent suffered at the hands of his inept assistant that he couldn’t fire because she was the bosses’ daughter. Stalter is the noted actress, writer, and star of The Megan Stalter Show, and has appeared on the National Lampoon Radio Hour.

Mark Indelicato as Damien: Deborah’s personal assistant. Indelicato is known for his roles as Justin Suarez on Ugly Betty and Jorge Diaz Jr. on With Love.

Poppy Liu as Kiki: Deborah Vance’s personal Las Vegas blackjack dealer who quickly forms a friendship with Ava. Liu’s notable acting credits include the iCarly revival series, Sunnyside, and Better Call Saul.

Johnny Sibilly as Wilson: The water maintenance manager who is repeatedly called to Deborah’s house, with his repeated visits in Hacks season 1 leading to a relationship with Marcus. Sibilly is best known for playing Costas on Pose, and he joined the cast of the Queer as Folk reboot.

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Angela Elayne Gibbs as Robin: Marcus’s mother who has a very close relationship with her son. Aside from Hacks, Gibbs has appeared in shows like This Is Us, Black Jesus, On My Block, and The Fosters.

Lorenza Izzo as Ruby: Ava’s ex-girlfriend who she briefly reconnects with while back in Los Angeles. Izzo is known for playing Francesca Capucci in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood cast, Kylie in Aftershock, and Santa Muerte in Hulu’s Penny Dreadful: City of Angels.

Jane Adams as Nina: Ava’s scattered mother who struggles to accept the instability in Ava’s comedy-writer career. Jane Adams is an accomplished Tony-winning stage actress who has also appeared in TV shows and movies like Wonder Boys, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Frasier, and the HBO series Hung. Adams was nominated for an Emmy Award in Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her performance in Hacks season 1.

Jeff Ward as George: A guy who Ava meets at the casino that she quickly bonds with for one adventurous night, only for their tryst to end in an extremely unexpected manner. Ward is known for playing Charles Manson in Manson’s Lost Girls and Deke Shaw in Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

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Nina Tarr as Fabriziana: Ruby’s personal assistant. Tarr played Parody Wonder Woman in SuperHero Diaries and Veronika in Red Raincoats.

Louis Herthum as Dennis: Ava’s supportive and ill father. Herthum is known for playing Peter Abernathy in Westworld, JD in True Blood, and Sheriff Frank Briggs Sr. in Home Before Dark.

Jefferson Mays as T.L. Gurley: The antique dealer who refused to sell the pepper shaker to Deborah due to a grudge. Mays’ previous acting credits include Inherent Vice, Perry Mason, Law & Order: SVU, and The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.

Danielle Schneider as Rina: Marty’s assistant. Schneider is known for her roles in Black Monday, The Hotwives of Las Vegas, Players, and Step Brothers.

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Lauren Weedman as Madam Mayor Pezzimenti: The mayor of Las Vegas who is a special guest at DJ’s birthday party. Weedman has also appeared in Date Night, The Five-Year Engagement, the hit sitcom Arrested Development, and HBO’s Hung.

Linda Purl as Kathy: Deborah’s estranged sister who she refuses to speak to. Purl is best known for playing Pam’s mom Helene on The Office, Sarah Novelli on First Monday, and Ashley Pfister on Happy Days.

Chris Geere and Kirby Howell-Baptiste as British TV Show Creators: The two TV show creators who appear in Hacks episode 9 to interview Ava for a writing job.

Paul Felder as Aidan: DJ’s mixed martial artist fiancée. Felder previously acted in Kaitlin Olson’s series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia in the episode “Wolf Cola: A Public Relations Nightmare.”

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Amanda Payton as Jackie: DJ’s friend who hangs out at the bar with Ava. Payton is known for her roles in United States of Al, Trial & Error, and Code 404.

Jennifer Irwin as Barfly: One of DJ’s friends at the bar who talks about seeing Tobey Maguire. Irwin is also known for appearing in Schitt’s Creek as the sister of Catherine O’Hara’s Moira Rose, Eastbound & Down, and The Goldbergs.

Luenell as Miss Loretta: The best friend of Marcus’ mother who throws a party at Marcus’ house. Luenell is notable for her supporting roles in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Californication, Lopez, and Coming 2 America.

Kara Luiz as Katie: The Everyday Luxuries host whose show Deborah appears on as a guest to help sell foot spas. Luiz has also been in Mom Coms and Boss Cheer.

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Brent Sexton as Michael: Jimmy’s boss and Kayla’s father. Sexton is notable for his roles in The Expanse, Deadwood, Borsch, and The Killing.

Anna Maria Horsford as Francine: One of Deborah’s old friends who is also a veteran comedian. Horsford is best known for starring in NBC’s Amen, the WB’s The Wayans Bros., FX’s The Shield, and the Friday film series.

Nelson Franklin as Interviewer: Franklin is a journalist who interviews Deborah about her career at her home. He is known for his recurring comedic roles on Veep, New Girl as Robby, The Office, and Black-ish.

Vinessa Vidotto as Ivy: Marty’s much-younger girlfriend. Vidotto has also been seen in FBI: International and Lucifer seasons 4 and 5.

Madeline Zima as Jules: One of Ava’s old friends from LA who avoids Ava when staying at the same hotel in Las Vegas. Zima is known for playing Jordan Alexis in Betas, Mia Lewis in Californication, and Gretchen in Heroes.

Olivia Boreham-Wing as Young Deborah: The younger stand-in for Deborah on the old tapes that Ava watches. Outside of Hacks, Boreham-Wing has starred in A Rainy Day in New York, Invisible, and Orange is the New Black.

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Hacks

Hacks is an HBO-created comedy-drama series that follows two women, Deborah Vance and Ava Daniels, a comedian and a writer, who team up to revitalize their careers. When Deborah Vance realizes she’s about to lose her Las Vegas residency for her comedy act, she is sent a new writer named Ava, who has been essentially blacklisted from career opportunities due to a tweet sent out in poor taste. Both desperate to make things work, the two partner up, filling the gaps in each other’s lives professionally and personally.

Cast

Jean Smart , Hannah Einbinder , Carl Clemons-Hopkins

Release Date

May 13, 2021

Seasons

2

Network

HBO Max

Writers

Lucia Aniello

Directors

Lucia Aniello

Showrunner

Lucia Aniello

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