The Enduring Love Story: 5 Things You Never Knew About Jean Smart And Richard Gilliland’s 34-Year Marriage

The relationship between Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland is one of Hollywood’s most enduring and poignant love stories, a nearly 34-year marriage that ended suddenly in 2021. The Emmy-winning actress, currently riding a career high with her critically acclaimed role in *Hacks*, has recently opened up about the devastating loss of her husband, providing fresh, emotional insights into their life together and the shock of his passing. As of December 12, 2025, Smart continues to honor Gilliland's memory while navigating the challenges of single motherhood and a demanding career, revealing details that paint a picture of a deep, supportive partnership.

Their story began on a television set, a classic Hollywood meet-cute that blossomed into a decades-long commitment, surviving the pressures of fame and the unpredictability of the entertainment industry. From their first meeting on the set of the iconic sitcom *Designing Women* to their final days, their bond was a testament to true partnership, making Richard Gilliland's unexpected death a profound and widely felt tragedy.

The Complete Biography and Professional Profile of Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland

To truly appreciate the depth of their relationship, it is essential to understand the individual careers and lives that Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland built both separately and together. Their professional paths often intertwined, creating a unique dynamic in their marriage.

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Jean Smart (Jean Elizabeth Smart)

• Born: September 13, 1951, Seattle, Washington.
• Education: Attended Ballard High School and the University of Washington Professional Actors Training Program.
• Career Highlights (Television): Charlene Frazier Stillfield on *Designing Women* (1986–1991), Lana Gardner on *Frasier* (Emmy Award), First Lady Martha Logan on *24* (Emmy Award), Deborah Vance on *Hacks* (Multiple Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Award).
• Career Highlights (Film): Roles in *Sweet Home Alabama*, *Garden State*, *The Accountant*, and *Babylon*.
• Current Status: Highly active, considered one of the most respected and decorated actresses of her generation, with a career resurgence often dubbed the "Smartassaince."

Richard Gilliland (Richard Gilliland)

• Born: January 23, 1950, Fort Worth, Texas.
• Died: March 18, 2021, Los Angeles, California (Age 71).
• Cause of Death: Passed away after a brief illness, later revealed by Jean Smart to be related to a heart condition.
• Career Highlights (Television): J.D. Shackelford on *Designing Women* (where he met Smart), Lt. Ted McKeever on *Operation Petticoat*, Stan Cotter on *24* (alongside Smart), and guest roles on *The Waltons*, *Dexter*, and *Criminal Minds*.
• Role in Marriage: Smart often credited Gilliland with supporting her career, sometimes taking a step back from his own to prioritize their family and her rising profile.

How *Designing Women* Led to a 34-Year Partnership

The origin of Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland's romance is a classic Hollywood anecdote, rooted in the mid-1980s television landscape. They met on the set of the groundbreaking CBS sitcom *Designing Women*.

An Unlikely On-Set Romance

In 1986, Jean Smart was starring as the naive but lovable office manager, Charlene Frazier Stillfield. Richard Gilliland was cast in a recurring role as J.D. Shackelford, the kind-hearted boyfriend of Mary Jo Shively, played by Annie Potts.

Despite their characters dating other people on screen, a real-life connection quickly formed between Smart and Gilliland. Smart later recounted that she asked her co-star Delta Burke to find out if Gilliland was married, a move that initiated their relationship. The two began dating while the show was in production, adding a sweet layer of reality to the Southern-set comedy.

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The Wedding and Family Life

The couple married in 1987, a year after they met. Their union was a quiet but steadfast presence in the often-turbulent world of celebrity marriages. They welcomed their first son, Connor Gilliland, in October 1989. Decades later, they expanded their family when they adopted a daughter, Forrest Gilliland, from China in 2009.

Their children, Connor and Forrest, became the center of their world. Smart has often spoken about the challenges of balancing a demanding acting career—especially during her time on *24* and later *Hacks*—with motherhood, a task she shared with Gilliland, who was a devoted husband and father.

The Shared Career and Enduring Professional Respect

Unlike many celebrity couples who avoid working together, Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland frequently collaborated, a testament to their mutual respect and professional chemistry. Their shared projects often allowed them to spend more time together, blending their personal and professional lives seamlessly.

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From Sitcom to Thriller

After their initial meeting on *Designing Women*, they continued to seek out opportunities to work side-by-side. One of their most notable reunions was on the hit Fox thriller *24*. Smart played the highly complex, unstable First Lady Martha Logan, a performance that earned her an Emmy Award. Gilliland appeared in a recurring role as Captain Stan Cotter.

This collaboration demonstrated their versatility, moving from the lighthearted comedy of *Designing Women* to the intense, high-stakes drama of *24*. They also performed together on stage, starring in a benefit performance of A.R. Gurney's two-character play *Love Letters*, showcasing their enduring connection and talent.

A Husband's Sacrifice and Support

Jean Smart has consistently praised Gilliland for his unwavering support, especially as her career took on a new, high-profile trajectory in the 2000s and 2010s. She has mentioned that he often prioritized her career, taking on roles that allowed him to be home more with their children. This supportive partnership was a key element in her ability to take on challenging roles like Deborah Vance in *Hacks*, a role she was filming when he passed away.

Jean Smart’s Heartbreaking, Recent Reflections on Grief and Legacy

Richard Gilliland passed away on March 18, 2021, at the age of 71, after a "brief illness." The timing was particularly difficult, as Smart was in the middle of filming the first season of *Hacks*.

The Shock of the Loss

In recent, candid interviews, including an appearance on *Who's Talking to Chris Wallace?*, Smart described her husband’s death as "the worst" and "devastating." She revealed that he had a heart condition and implied a sense of regret and frustration, suggesting that doctors might not have done enough to save him. This recent commentary provides a fresh, raw look into her grief, moving beyond the initial public statements.

The unexpected nature of his passing left a significant void, forcing Smart to quickly adapt to life as a single mother to their teenage son, Forrest, while simultaneously accepting awards for her career-defining performance in *Hacks*.

An Emmy Dedication and Lasting Legacy

When Jean Smart won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for *Hacks* in September 2021, her acceptance speech was a moving tribute to her late husband. She tearfully thanked Gilliland, stating, "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 opportunities that I’ve had."

This dedication solidified the public understanding of their relationship: a true partnership built on mutual love, respect, and sacrifice. Richard Gilliland’s legacy lives on not only through his own extensive acting career but also through the enduring success of his wife, Jean Smart, whom he supported until his final days.

Their story serves as a powerful reminder that even in the brightest spotlight of Hollywood, the most meaningful achievements are often rooted in the quiet, steadfast support of a loving partner. Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland’s 34 years together stand as a beacon of commitment in the entertainment world.