Hacks Season 3 Just Recast A Major Character 3 Years After Their Introduction

WARNING! This article contains major spoilers for Hacks season 3, episode 6!

Summary Major character Kathy Vance in Hacks season 3 recast with J. Smith-Cameron from HBO's hit drama Succession for a new creative direction.

Kathy's return in Hacks season 3 episode 6 brings forth a twist with a surprising casting change, creating more depth to Deborah's story.

No official reason has been given for Kathy Vance's recasting by Max.

The return of one major character in Hacks season 3 came with an unexpected recasting, with the comedy show recruiting an actor from a hit HBO drama to assume the role. The cast of Hacks season 3 features plenty of returning characters in addition to some new faces, including some figures who haven’t been on the show in quite a while. As Deborah approaches fulfilling her dream of landing the late-night talk show hosting gig, she’s confronted with elements of her past that still impact her today, whether it be continued sexism in the comedy scene or familial strife.

With Deborah’s career thriving in Hacks season 3, she’s had more time to reflect on her relationships with friends, family, and potential romantic interests. After opening up more with DJ and Ava, Deborah’s reckoning with her past is going back even further after a new twist in Hacks season 3, episode 6. As Deborah prepares to host her Christmas party with friends and family, an unexpected face is expected to appear as a long-overdue guest, but the character’s return comes with a big casting change.

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Hacks Season 3 Recast Linda Purl As Kathy Vance With J. Smith-Cameron

Succession's J. Smith-Cameron assumes the role in Hacks season 3

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Deborah’s sister, Kathy Vancy, has had a major presence in all three seasons of Hacks due to her lasting impact on the comic’s personal life and routines. When Deborah was introduced, it was revealed that her marriage to her ex-husband Frank crumbled after he left her for her younger sister Kathy, with the two siblings having been estranged ever since. After plenty of discussion about the character, Kathy Vance finally appeared in Hacks season 1, episode 8 when Deborah nearly hit her with a car in a parking lot.

Related Every Cameo & Guest Star In Hacks Season 3 Hacks is back for season 3, and as usual, it has a great roster of guest stars – including Deborah Vance's comedian colleagues playing themselves.

However, while Kathy was played by Linda Purl back in Hacks season 1, Deborah’s sister has a new actress in season 3. Kathy’s return in Hacks season 3, episode 6 sees the character recast with J. Smith-Cameron, who was twice nominated for an Emmy for her role as Gerri Kellman in HBO’s hit drama series Succession. Now, Kellerman’s first major follow-up role to Succession is as the estranged sister of Jean Smart’s Hacks character. While Smith-Cameron’s casting in Hacks season 3 was confirmed before the new episodes premiered, her character had been left undisclosed until episode 6’s ending twist.

While Smith-Cameron’s casting in Hacks season 3 was confirmed before the new episodes premiered, her character had been left undisclosed until episode 6’s ending twist.

Max Hasn't Given An Official Reason For Kathy Vance's Recast

So far, Max hasn’t disclosed an official reason why J. Smith-Cameron replaced Linda Purl as Kathy Vance on Hacks. While it could be due to scheduling issues, there’s also the possibility of the show wanting to take the character in a different creative direction than they intended back in season 1. Furthermore, Purl hasn’t appeared in many recent projects ahead of Hacks season 3, with her last credit being in early 2023 on the soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful. The official reason is still unknown, but Hacks recruiting J. Smith-Cameron suggests a bigger arc is in store for Deborah with Kathy’s return.

New episodes of Hacks season 3 release Thursdays on HBO and Max.