AceShowbiz - Anjelica Huston's stint on NBC's musical drama "Smash" was far from the glitz and glamor one might expect from such a production. The multi-talented actress, who played Broadway producer Eileen Rand, has recently opened up about her struggles during the show's two-season run.

Huston, known for her role as Morticia Addams in the original "Addams Family" series, reflected on her time on "Smash" with mixed emotions.

"I wasn't very happy when I was on that show," she revealed to PEOPLE magazine. "I was living in New York and I wasn't very happy living in New York for the obvious reasons. It was a cold winter, and I didn't feel very prized in that role. I was a bit depressed by it. It was hard, really. I didn't really have a good time making it."

The show, created by Theresa Rebeck, showcased the tumultuous process of mounting a Broadway musical about Marilyn Monroe. Despite its star-studded cast, including Katharine McPhee, Megan Hilty, Debra Messing, and Jack Davenport, the behind-the-scenes experience was less than ideal for Huston.

Part of Huston's struggle stemmed from personal grief. During the filming of "Smash," she was still mourning the loss of her husband, sculptor Robert Graham, who passed away in 2008.

"Bob was very special and very irreplaceable," Huston said, touching on the profound impact his death had on her. "A lot's gone on since Bob died."

Despite the challenges, "Smash" garnered critical acclaim, winning a Critics Choice Television Award and a GLAAD Media Award, and earning several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

The series recently got a Broadway adaptation. Lead producers Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron, and Steven Spielberg have brought "Smash" to the stage, with Susan Stroman directing and Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman providing the score.

Beyond "Smash," Huston faced another significant challenge in 2019 when she was diagnosed with cancer. "That was a very serious moment for me," she shared. "I managed to survive it, and I'm proud of myself."

Now, four years clear of the diagnosis, Huston approaches life with a renewed perspective. "It came as a big shock, but it made me conscious of what I shouldn't do, of places I shouldn't go. One of those places was taking life too seriously. So now when the opportunity arises, I laugh, and I try not to make a big deal out of things."