Smart is a name that means talent and grace in show business. She has enjoyed a long career and appeared in countless TV shows and films, receiving plaudits for her work in Designing Women, Fargo and Hacks. But more than her onscreen talents, her personal life has also drawn attention off screen, and when it comes to Jean Smart husband, fans clearly have questions. In this post, we are going to dig a little deeper into who Jean Smart’s husband is, their relationship, and how the couple leans on each other in both their personal and professional lives.
Who is Jean Smart?
Jean Smart is an actress, who has enjoyed a career spanning over 40 years and won awards. She is perhaps best known for her portrayal of Charlene Frazier-Stillfield on the television show Designing Women. Smart has proven herself to be a versatile performer, having worked on both comedy and drama during her career — with such roles as Fargo, for which she received acclaim, and most recently her turn on the HBO Max series Hacks.
Smart’s work has garnered her multiple awards, including several Emmy nominations and wins. Her talents and her commitment to the medium are appreciated. Regardless of her Hollywood success, Jean Smart has always kept things pretty private in terms of her personal life and marriage to Jean Smart husband. And while fans might know a thing or two about her career, they may not know as much about her relationship with her husband.
Who is Jean Smart Husband?
Jean Smart husband, Richard Gilliland is an actor and a television-film performed. Richard Gilliland Richard has had many different roles born January 23, 1950. He is probably most recognisable for playing J.D. in Designing Women, who was the love interest of Smart’s Charlene. And crazily enough, their on-camera romance served as a little blip when they became IRL lovers.
Gilliland has enjoyed a successful ass-kicking career, showing up in favorite TV shows 24, Love Boat and Major Dad. He was not a big name to the public, as he’s kept a lot of his personal life (including things like his Harry’s Law co-star Jean Smart) hush-hush. They were married in 1987 and remained together until Mr. Gilliland’s death in 2021.
They had a beautiful relationship and Jean Smart has sung his praises, sharing that he was the rock who held her down and the man that she cherished in both her personal and professional worlds.
Their Relationship

Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland husband had a wonderful, lasting relationship. The two met when they worked together on Designing Women, and their chemistry on-screen transitioned off-screen in no time! They got married in 1987 and lived a life together as few others, both within and outside the world of entertainment.
It was a relationship base… It was based on trust and common values. Jean and Richard were equally successful in Hollywood as they were devoted to their family and personal lives. Together, they had a son, Connor and daughter Bonnie. Jean and Richard built a warm, loving home in which to raise their family despite the demands of their professional pursuits.
How the couple manages to juggle their successful careers while being parents is just another example of how strong their relationship was. Jean is often heard to say how grateful she is to have Richard at her side – as her partner and co-parent. Her marriage was also a source of happiness and security for Jean and she would often share with people how important her relationship had been to her.
Their Family Life
Jean Smart and husband: family first Jean Smart and husband have always been a priority for both partners. They had two children, but while they were high-flying professionals, they doted on their family. They have a son, Connor (born in 1989) and an adopted daughter (in 2009), Bonnie.
Jean Smart has not been shy about crediting her family for shaping her. She has spoken about how Richard’s encouragement helped her pursue her career while the family was tended at home. Their close-knit family was a key aspect for how they endured the perils of their successful careers.
Jean and Richard were committed, down-to-earth parents who were loving to their children. For all their celebrity, they somehow maintained a simple life for their children.
Career
Throughout her career Jean Smart husband was always a strong man behind the woman. Richard knew what it was like to be a working actor. He wasn’t just a loving partner, however; he was also someone who understood the struggle to juggle career and family.
Jean has frequently mentioned how Richard was there for her, providing support and guidance when she needed it most. He was Jean’s rock in the stormy seas and his support, allowed her to keep her job as she kept putting the pieces of her life back together. This reciprocity was a major source of happiness and long-term vitality for the couple.
They both had experience in the entertainment industry so they could rely on each other for advice and support. Jean has described Richard as “the co-star of my life” and his influence on her career cannot be overstated.
Life After Richard Gilliland’s Passing

Unfortunately, Richard Gilliland, Jean Smart’s husband, died in March 2021 at the age of 71. The death was particularly crushing for Ms. Jean, who had been at his side for more than 30 years. Since his death, Jean has spoken about how Richard shaped her personal and professional lives.
Jean has previously spoken in interviews about the support she received from Richard during their marriage. He’s gone, but it doesn’t mean he’s forgotten and she still honours his memory by fund raising for her charity through the happy times they shared or the love they once had. Jean has also credited Richard for keeping her grounded as she advanced in her career and personal life.
And though Jean’s professional career is very much alive, memories of Richard and the time they spent together still play an integral role in both her past and present. That they shared is certainly a blessing, and Jean praises God for the opportunity to know their friendship.
The Legacy of Jean Smart Husband
Unfortunately, Jean Smart husband is no more with her, but all that love and companionship left a great imprint in her life. “He was the most interesting man for me, and what we shared during our marriage made him extra special,” Jean says of Richard. As she ascends in her career, Richard is inspiring to her as well as strength.
The union of the two is testament to the fact that the RIGHT life partner makes all the difference in our lives. Jean has never hidden that Richard was a strong positive presence in her life as she pursued career roles and maintained a healthy relationship with family.
Conclusion
Jean Smart husband played a huge role in her personal life and career. Their love, respect and shared values provided the cornerstone for their family life as well as Jean’s success in Hollywood. While Richard Gilliland passed away in 2021, his influence is still felt on Jean’s path. Their strong union provided the bedrock for Jean’s successful balancing act between her career and family life.
Jean Smart is a tribute to Richard and their love. Their love story is truly an example of how support, empathy and dedication play such a critical role in any relationship.
FAQs
Who is Jean Smart married to?
Jean Smart was married to Richard Gilliland, an actor, from 1987 until his passing in 2021.
How long were Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland married?
Jean and Richard were married for over three decades, from 1987 to 2021.
Does Jean Smart have children?
Yes, Jean Smart has two children: a son named Connor and a daughter named Bonnie.
What was Richard Gilliland’s profession?
Richard Gilliland was an actor, known for his roles in TV shows like Designing Women.
How did Richard Gilliland support Jean Smart’s career?
Richard was a constant source of emotional support and guidance for Jean, helping her maintain balance in her career and personal life.
What is Jean Smart’s net worth?
Jean Smart’s estimated net worth is $8 million.
How has Jean Smart honored Richard’s memory?
Jean has expressed her gratitude for their time together and continues to honor his memory in her personal and professional life.