Connor Douglas Gilliland is the son of famous actors Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland. Even though he comes from a well-known family, Connor has chosen to live a private life away from the spotlight. In this article, we will explore who Connor is, learn about his family, his early life, and how he manages to stay out of the public eye. We will also look at the impact of his father’s passing and what the future might hold for him. This article gives you a clear and simple look at Connor Douglas Gilliland’s life beyond the fame.
Quick Stats
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Connor Douglas Gilliland |
| Date of Birth | October 25, 1989 |
| Age | 35 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 60 kg |
| Parents | Jean Smart (mother), Richard Gilliland (father) |
| Siblings | Bonnie Kathleen Gilliland (adoptive sister), Forrest Gilliland (younger brother) |
| Profession | Not publicly known |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
Early Life and Family Background
Connor Douglas Gilliland was born on October 25, 1989, in Los Angeles, California. He is the son of well-known actors Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland, who met while working together on the TV show Designing Women and married in 1987. Growing up in a family with strong ties to the entertainment industry, Connor was surrounded by creativity but was also protected by his parents from too much public attention.
His parents worked hard to give him a normal childhood, away from the spotlight. When Connor was about fifteen, his parents adopted a sister named Bonnie Kathleen, and later a younger brother named Forrest, both from China. This loving and close family helped shape Connor’s values of privacy, support, and care.
Also Read: Who Is Itchko Ezratti Wife? Meet Anna Ezratti and Her Role Behind GL Homes
Education and Upbringing
Details about Connor Douglas Gilliland’s education are not publicly known, as his family has kept this part of his life private. However, it is clear that his parents, Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland, worked hard to give him a normal and balanced upbringing away from the busy world of Hollywood. They focused on protecting him from media attention and allowed him to grow up in a loving home where privacy and family values were important. This careful approach helped Connor develop a strong sense of self and a grounded personality.
Physical Appearance and Personality
Connor Douglas Gilliland is known for his striking look, with black hair and bright blue eyes that stand out. He is about 5 feet 9 inches tall and has a slim build. People who know him say he has a calm and thoughtful personality, showing maturity beyond his years. Unlike many children of celebrities, Connor prefers to stay private and keeps a low profile, which shows he values peace and normalcy in his life. His quiet and respectful nature reflects the strong family values he was raised with.
Professional Life and Career
Connor Douglas Gilliland has kept his professional life private, and there is very little public information about his career. Unlike his parents, who are both well-known actors, Connor has chosen not to pursue a public career in the entertainment industry. This decision shows his preference for living away from the spotlight and focusing on his own path. While some people wonder if he might work in creative fields, nothing has been confirmed, and he continues to keep his work and personal life out of the public eye.
Father: Richard Gilliland
Richard Gilliland was a talented and respected American actor, best known for his role as J.D. Shackelford on the hit TV sitcom Designing Women. Born on January 23, 1950, in Fort Worth, Texas, Richard built a solid career in television and film over several decades. He met his future wife, Jean Smart, on the set of Designing Women, and the two married in 1987. Richard was admired not only for his acting skills but also for his warm personality and professionalism. Sadly, he passed away on March 18, 2021, after a brief illness related to a heart condition.
His death was a huge loss for his family and the entertainment industry. Richard’s legacy lives on through his work and the loving family he helped build.
Mother: Jean Smart
Jean Smart is an award-winning American actress with a career spanning over four decades. Born on September 13, 1951, in Seattle, Washington, she rose to fame with her role as Charlene Frazier Stillfield on the popular sitcom Designing Women. Jean’s talent and versatility have allowed her to excel in a wide range of roles in television, film, and theater, including acclaimed performances in Frasier, Fargo, and 24. Throughout her career, she has won several awards and earned critical praise for her acting.
Besides her professional success, Jean is known for being a devoted mother who has always prioritized protecting her children’s privacy. She has managed to balance her busy career with her family life, creating a nurturing and supportive home for Connor and his siblings.
Siblings
Connor Douglas Gilliland has two siblings who are an important part of his life. His adoptive sister, Bonnie Kathleen Gilliland, was brought into the family from China when Connor was about fifteen years old. This adoption expanded the family and introduced Connor to the role of an older brother, which he embraced with care and affection. Bonnie and Connor share a close, supportive bond built on love and respect.
Additionally, Connor has a younger brother named Forrest Gilliland, also adopted from China in 2009. Forrest and Connor grew up together in a warm, loving household that emphasizes family unity and privacy. The siblings support one another and play active roles in their mother’s life, especially after the loss of their father in 2021.
Family Relationship and Bond
The Gilliland family is known for its strong and loving bonds, built on values of care, privacy, and support. Despite being children of famous actors, Connor and his siblings have grown up in a family environment that encourages humility and closeness rather than public attention. Connor has always been a protective and responsible older brother, especially after their father’s passing in 2021. During this difficult time, Connor stepped up to provide emotional support to his mother, Jean Smart, and younger brother Forrest. Jean has publicly acknowledged her children’s dedication, saying they “take very good care of me.” This closeness shows how the family has managed to stay united and strong, handling life’s challenges with love and resilience.
Impact of Father’s Death
The passing of Richard Gilliland in March 2021 had a deep impact on Connor Douglas Gilliland and his family. Richard’s death after a brief illness was a great loss, especially for his wife Jean Smart and their children. During this difficult time, Connor stepped up to support his mother and younger brother, showing strength and care. The family grew even closer as they faced the challenge together, relying on their strong bond to help heal and move forward.
Personal Life and Privacy
Connor Douglas Gilliland values his privacy and keeps his personal life away from the public eye. Unlike many children of famous actors, he avoids social media and public appearances, choosing to live quietly and protect his personal space. His family supports this decision, helping him stay out of the spotlight. This careful approach allows Connor to enjoy a normal life without the pressure of fame, focusing on what matters most to him—family and personal happiness.
Public and Media Perception
Connor Douglas Gilliland is known for keeping a low profile, and the media respects his privacy. Unlike many celebrity children who are often in the public eye, Connor chooses not to share details about his life, which creates a sense of mystery around him. His family has worked hard to protect him from media attention, allowing him to live a more normal and private life. This has helped him avoid the pressures of fame and maintain a positive image as someone who values privacy and family above public exposure.
Philanthropy and Achievements
There is no public information about any specific awards or charity work by Connor Douglas Gilliland. However, given his family’s values, it is possible that he supports causes quietly and away from the spotlight. His parents, Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland, have been involved in various charitable activities, which may have influenced him. While Connor’s personal achievements are not publicly known, his choice to live a private and humble life reflects his own way of making a positive impact.
Net Worth and Financial Background
Connor Douglas Gilliland’s personal net worth is not publicly known, as he prefers to keep his financial details private. However, his family comes from a financially stable background. His mother, Jean Smart, and his late father, Richard Gilliland, had successful acting careers and reportedly had a combined net worth of around $10 million. This financial security likely allows Connor to live comfortably and focus on a private life without the pressure to seek fame or high-profile work for money.
Current Life and Future Outlook
Connor Douglas Gilliland continues to live a private and quiet life, focusing on his family and personal values. While little is known about his current activities or career, it is clear that he prefers to stay away from the public spotlight. With strong family support, especially after his father’s passing, Connor seems focused on maintaining a peaceful and grounded lifestyle. His future remains open, whether he chooses to keep living privately or decides to explore new opportunities on his own terms.
Conclusion
Connor Douglas Gilliland is a private individual who has chosen to live quietly despite being the son of famous actors Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland. Growing up in a loving family, he has focused on keeping his personal life away from the public eye. While little is known about his career or relationships, Connor’s story reminds us that privacy and family are important values. His life shows that success isn’t always about fame—it can also mean living authentically and on your own terms.
FAQs About Connor Douglas Gilliland
1. Who is Connor Douglas Gilliland?
Connor Douglas Gilliland is the son of famous actors Jean Smart and the late Richard Gilliland. He is known for living a private life away from the entertainment industry and public attention.
2. When and where was Connor Douglas Gilliland born?
Connor was born on October 25, 1989, in Los Angeles, California, USA.
3. What is Connor Douglas Gilliland’s age and physical appearance?
As of 2025, Connor is 35 years old. He has black hair, striking blue eyes, and stands about 5 feet 9 inches tall.
4. Does Connor Douglas Gilliland work in acting like his parents?
No, Connor has not publicly pursued a career in acting or entertainment. He prefers to keep his professional life private.
5. Who are Connor Douglas Gilliland’s siblings?
Connor has an adoptive sister named Bonnie Kathleen Gilliland and a younger brother named Forrest Gilliland, both adopted from China.
6. How did Connor Douglas Gilliland handle the death of his father?
After Richard Gilliland passed away in 2021, Connor supported his mother Jean Smart and his younger brother, showing strength and dedication to family.
7. What is known about Connor Douglas Gilliland’s personal life and privacy?
Connor values privacy and stays out of the public eye. He avoids social media and public appearances to protect his personal life.
8. What is Connor Douglas Gilliland’s net worth?
Connor’s personal net worth is not publicly known. However, his parents had a combined estimated net worth of around $10 million, providing him with financial stability.
