Connor Douglas Gilliland: Jean Smart’s Son – Family, Life & Facts (2026)

Connor Douglas Gilliland is best known as the son of two accomplished actors — Emmy-winning actress Jean Smart and the late Richard Gilliland. While his parents built decades-long careers in Hollywood, Connor has largely stayed out of the public spotlight, choosing a more private path. Still, his family’s story — rooted in an on-set romance, a lasting marriage, and a heartbreaking loss — has kept public curiosity alive.

Here’s everything we know about Connor Douglas Gilliland, his upbringing, his family, and where he stands in 2026.

Early Life and Background

Where Was Connor Gilliland Born?

Connor Douglas Gilliland was born on October 25, 1989, most likely in the Los Angeles area where his parents were based for their acting careers. Growing up in a household with two working actors meant Connor was surrounded by the entertainment industry from birth. Despite that environment, he’s never pursued a high-profile public career of his own.

Who Are Connor Gilliland’s Parents?

Connor’s mother is Jean Smart, one of the most respected and versatile actresses in American television. She’s earned acclaim across multiple decades for roles in Designing Women, Frasier, 24, Watchmen, and Hacks — the latter earning her consecutive Emmy Awards. His father was Richard Gilliland, a veteran character actor who appeared in shows like Designing Women, Just the Ten of Us, and numerous TV movies throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

Together, Jean and Richard provided Connor with a stable, grounded home despite the pressures of Hollywood life.

The Gilliland Family

How Are Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland Connected?

Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland’s love story began on the set of Designing Women in the late 1980s. Richard appeared on the show in a recurring guest role, and the two quickly hit it off. They married in 1987, beginning a partnership that would last over three decades.

Their relationship was widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s quieter, more enduring marriages. Both Jean and Richard prioritized family life alongside their careers, and they rarely sought tabloid attention. Connor was born two years into the marriage, and the couple continued working steadily in television while raising their son.

In approximately 2008, Jean and Richard expanded their family by adopting a son named Forrest Gilliland from China. Forrest grew up alongside Connor, and Jean has occasionally spoken publicly about the joy both of her sons have brought into her life. The family of four remained close-knit, splitting time between Los Angeles and quieter settings away from the Hollywood circuit.

Richard Gilliland’s Passing

On March 18, 2021, Richard Gilliland passed away at the age of 71 following a brief illness. His death was a devastating blow to the family. Jean Smart, who was in the middle of filming the first season of Hacks at the time, has spoken with grace and candor about the loss in subsequent interviews.

Richard’s passing left a significant void for Connor and Forrest. By all accounts, Richard was a devoted father and husband who valued his family above all else. Jean has credited Richard with being her anchor throughout her career, and she’s honored his memory publicly on multiple occasions.

For Connor, losing his father at 31 was a life-altering moment. While he hasn’t spoken publicly about the experience, the family’s closeness suggests the loss was deeply felt across the entire Gilliland household.

Career and Interests

Unlike his famous parents, Connor Douglas Gilliland hasn’t pursued a career in the entertainment industry — at least not publicly. He doesn’t maintain a visible social media presence, and there are no verified credits or business ventures linked to his name as of 2026.

That said, growing up with two actors as parents almost certainly gave Connor a deep appreciation for storytelling, performance, and the creative arts. Whether he’s pursued those interests privately or chosen an entirely different professional direction remains unknown. What’s clear is that Connor values his privacy and has intentionally kept his life away from media scrutiny.

Personal Life

Connor Gilliland keeps his personal life firmly under wraps. There’s no verified information about romantic relationships, and he doesn’t appear to have a public social media footprint. In an era where celebrity children often leverage their parents’ fame for influencer careers or brand deals, Connor’s decision to stay private is notable — and, by many accounts, intentional.

Jean Smart has occasionally mentioned her sons in interviews but has always been careful to respect their boundaries. She’s spoken broadly about the pride she takes in both Connor and Forrest without revealing personal details about their day-to-day lives.

At 36, Connor appears to be living life on his own terms, separate from the spotlight that defined his parents’ careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Connor Douglas Gilliland?

Connor Douglas Gilliland is 36 years old. He was born on October 25, 1989.

Who is Connor Gilliland’s mother?

Connor’s mother is Jean Smart, the Emmy-winning actress known for her roles in Designing Women, Watchmen, and Hacks.

What happened to Connor Gilliland’s father?

Connor’s father, Richard Gilliland, passed away on March 18, 2021, at the age of 71 after a brief illness. Richard was a veteran television actor best known for his work in Designing Women and numerous TV films.

Does Connor Gilliland have siblings?

Yes. Connor has a younger brother named Forrest Gilliland, who was adopted by Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland from China around 2008.

Is Connor Gilliland an actor?

There are no verified acting credits or public career details for Connor Gilliland as of 2026. He appears to live a private life outside of the entertainment industry.

Related Celebrities

• Jean Smart — Mother
• Richard Gilliland — Father (deceased)