The Unimaginable Loss: 5 Things Jean Smart Said About Her Husband Richard Gilliland's Death And Legacy

Jean Smart’s career resurgence with her Emmy-winning role on *Hacks* has brought her immense professional success, but it has also put a spotlight on the profound personal tragedy she was enduring behind the scenes. As of , the veteran actress remains a powerful figure in Hollywood, but her life has fundamentally changed since the unexpected passing of her husband of 33 years, fellow actor Richard Gilliland, in March 2021. Their story is one of a rare, enduring Hollywood romance that began on a sitcom set and lasted until his final days.

The loss of Richard Gilliland at age 71 came while Smart was in the middle of filming the first season of *Hacks*. Her public statements and emotional tributes since then have revealed a painful, yet deeply moving, portrait of their partnership, the sacrifices they made for each other, and the "unimaginable" reality of her life as a single mother to their two sons.

Richard Gilliland: Biography and Enduring Partnership Profile

Richard Morris Gilliland was a respected American television and film actor, perhaps best known for his recurring role on the hit sitcom *Designing Women* where he met his future wife, Jean Smart.

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• Full Name: Richard Morris Gilliland
• Born: January 23, 1950, in Fort Worth, Texas
• Died: March 18, 2021 (Age 71), in Los Angeles, California
• Cause of Death: Brief illness (unexpected)
• Education: Attended the prestigious Goodman School of Drama in Chicago.
• Spouse: Jean Smart (m. June 1987; died 2021)
• Marriage Duration: 33 years
• Children: Two sons, Connor Douglas Gilliland and Forrest Gilliland.
• Notable Roles (Richard Gilliland): JD Shackleford (*Designing Women*), Captain Stan Cotter (*24*), Jim (*The Waltons*), Russell Weller (*Thirtysomething*), Jeffrey Brookes (*Party of Five*), and parts in films like *Airplane II: The Sequel*.
• Notable Roles (Jean Smart): Deborah Vance (*Hacks*), Charlene Frazier Stillfield (*Designing Women*), Lana Gardner (*Frasier*), Regina Newley (*Samantha Who?*), Agent Laurie Blake (*Watchmen*), Floyd Gerhardt (*Fargo*), First Lady Martha Logan (*24*).

The Designing Women Love Story: How Jean Smart Met Her Husband

The foundation of Jean Smart’s personal life was built on a serendipitous meeting on the set of the 1980s sitcom *Designing Women*. Smart played the sweet, naive office manager Charlene Frazier Stillfield, while Richard Gilliland played JD Shackleford, the on-again, off-again love interest of co-star Annie Potts' character, Mary Jo Shively.

The irony that Gilliland was dating another character on-screen while falling for Smart off-screen is a famous piece of Hollywood lore. Smart reportedly asked co-star Delta Burke to find out if Gilliland was available, as she was immediately smitten.

The couple married in June 1987, right in the middle of the show’s run. Their wedding was even officiated by the show’s creator, Dixie Carter’s husband, Hal Holbrook. They went on to share a life and a family, often working together on various projects, including a stage production of *Love Letters*, demonstrating a deep and enduring professional and romantic bond that spanned over three decades.

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Their joint career highlights include both appearing in the fifth season of the political thriller *24*, where Jean Smart played First Lady Martha Logan and Richard Gilliland played Captain Stan Cotter. This shared history of working together while raising a family is a testament to their commitment.

1. The Loss Occurred While She Was Filming Her Biggest Career Triumph

Richard Gilliland died unexpectedly in March 2021 while Jean Smart was in the middle of filming the first season of the critically acclaimed HBO Max series, *Hacks*. The show, in which Smart plays legendary stand-up comedian Deborah Vance, became a massive success, earning her a Primetime Emmy Award for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

Working through such a monumental personal tragedy while delivering a career-defining performance was, by her own admission, incredibly difficult. She has spoken candidly about how the timing of his death meant she had to immediately return to a demanding set, forcing her to channel her grief into her work.

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2. She Dedicated Her Emmy Win to Richard, Calling Him Her Anchor

At the 2021 Emmy Awards, Jean Smart delivered one of the most emotional acceptance speeches of the night after winning for *Hacks*. She paid a tearful tribute to her late husband, acknowledging his unwavering support throughout her career.

“Before I say anything else, I have to acknowledge my late husband Richard Gilliland, who passed away six months yesterday,” she said. “I would not be here without him, and without his kind of putting his career on the back burner so that I could take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities that I’ve had.”

This statement highlighted the significant sacrifices Richard Gilliland made for their family, often prioritizing her demanding career and their two children, Connor and Forrest, which allowed Smart the freedom to pursue the roles that led to her current success.

3. Jean Smart Called Life as a Single Mother "Unimaginable"

Following Gilliland's death, Smart became a single mother to their two sons. Her oldest son, Connor Douglas Gilliland, is an adult, but her youngest, Forrest Gilliland, was adopted from China in 2009 and was still a teenager at the time of his father's passing.

In interviews, Smart has been open about the immense struggle of navigating the loss while raising a child. She described the reality of being a single mother as "unimaginable," emphasizing the difficulty of the transition and the void his absence left in their family's daily life.

4. She Hinted at Dissatisfaction with His Medical Care

In a candid discussion on *Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?*, Jean Smart briefly touched upon the circumstances of Richard Gilliland’s death, which was officially cited as a "brief illness." Smart expressed a subtle but clear dissatisfaction with the medical care he received, implying that more could have been done to save him.

When asked if she wanted to talk about his passing, she stated, "Well, it was a brief illness. It was very unexpected. And I’m just going to say that he did not get the kind of care that he should have." This rare and pointed comment offered a glimpse into the private pain and potential complexity surrounding his final moments, a fresh perspective that moved beyond the standard public statement.

5. Jean Smart is Currently Single, Focused on Family and Career

As of , Jean Smart is focused on her career and her family, and she is not publicly known to be dating anyone. Her work on *Hacks* continues to be a central part of her life, and she has taken on other high-profile projects, including a potential one-woman Broadway show.

Despite the immense grief, Smart's work ethic and dedication to her craft have only intensified, leading to what many critics call the "Jean Smart Renaissance." She continues to honor Richard Gilliland’s memory by living a life of professional fulfillment, knowing that he was the person who helped make it all possible.

The love story of Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland remains a powerful example of a Hollywood marriage that prioritized family, mutual support, and a shared life in the challenging world of acting. Her current success is a living tribute to the man who was her husband, her greatest supporter, and the father of her children.