logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Richard Gilliland, 'Designing Women' Actor and Jean Smart's Husband of 33 Years, Dies at 71

Joe Akins
Mar 26, 2021
09:30 A.M.

"Designing Women" actor and Jean Smart's husband of 33 years Richard Gilliland died at 71 after a brief illness. Here is a look into his life and death.

Advertisement

On Thursday, a publicist announced that "Designing Women" actor Richard Gilliland died on March 18 in Los Angeles after a brief illness. He was 71-years-old.

Besides his recurring role in "Designing Women," Gilliland starred on NBC's "McMillan & Wife," where he portrayed Seargent Steve DiMaggio's character.

 Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland arrive at the premiere of National Geographic Documentary Films' 'Jane' at the Hollywood Bowl on October 9, 2017 | Photo: Getty Images

Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland arrive at the premiere of National Geographic Documentary Films' 'Jane' at the Hollywood Bowl on October 9, 2017 | Photo: Getty Images

Advertisement

He also portrayed Lieutenant Nick Holden on ABC's adaptation of "Operation Petticoat" in 1977-1978. Also, he appeared as a regular on the network's series "Just Our Luck" in 1983 and CBC's "Heartland" in 1989.

It was in "Designing Women" that Gilliland met his wife and Emmy winner Jean Smart. He arrived in the series' first season as J.D. Shackelford, Mary Jo Shively's boyfriend. Actress Annie Potts portrayed Shively's character.

Advertisement

Gilliland went on to work on 17 "Designer Women" episodes through 1991. Smart had previously recalled how they met, revealing that she met him when he was kissing someone else during a reported interview.

Smart did some investigation to find out if he was married. Gilliland and Smart hit it off instantly after she lured him to her dressing room to help her with a crossword puzzle.

They were billed to work together again in the summer in a Tate Taylor-directed movie before Gilliland's death.

Advertisement

The lovebirds tied the knot in June 1987. Their wedding was held in the cast member Dixie Carter's rose garden, which she shared with Hal Holbrook.

Gilliland and Smart share two children, a son Connor, 31, and an adopted daughter, Bonnie ("Ani"), who will turn 12 in May. Besides "Designing Women," Gilliland and Smart worked together in the stage productions "Love Letters" and "It Had to Be You."

Advertisement

They also starred in the television series "24" and television movies "Just My Imagination" and "Audrey's Rain." They were billed to work together again in the summer in a Tate Taylor-directed movie before Gilliland's death.

Since his passing, tributes have poured in from his colleagues. Potts shared a picture of herself, Gilliland, and Smart on set and captioned it, "Sweet Richard. You are missed already."

She concluded by asking him to say hello to their departed friends, including Carter and Holbrook. "Criminal Minds" star Joe Mantegna also shared a throwback photo of himself and Gilliland in a tweet and reflected on their friendship of 50 years.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Paul Newman’s 50-Year Marriage Started at the Expense of His Relationship with His 1st Wife

February 02, 2022

Chrissy Metz's Ex-husband Martyn Eaden Filed for Divorce in 2014 — Her Love Life Flourished after They Split

January 26, 2022

Jenna Bush Hager Proposed to Her Future Husband a Few Months after the ‘Worst First Date’ - He Said ‘No'

March 29, 2022

Hal Holbrook ‘Couldn’t Stop Watching’ Wife Dixie Having ‘These Big Flirting Scenes’ with ‘The Nicest Fellow'

March 19, 2022

Marlo Thomas’ Spouse Was a Virgin before Marriage to Mom of His 5 Kids & a Lousy Lover Afterward

February 03, 2022

Robin Williams Wanted His Children to Be Proud of Him — Meet His 3 Kids Who He Cherished

March 09, 2022

Barbara Hale Was Close with Raymond Burr's Partner after Star's Death - He Kept Their Relationship a Secret for 35 Years

March 15, 2022

'M*A*S*H's Sally Kellerman Lost Husband & Daughter in 3 Months & Still 'Put on a Brave Front' Amid Grief

February 25, 2022

John Amos’ 2nd Wife Always Had a Response to Strange Women Telling Her How Much They Loved Her Husband

March 29, 2022

Cameron Diaz Had Her Daughter at 47 After Nothing ‘Worked Out’ - She Thought She Would Be a Mom of 2 by 21

January 05, 2023

Why Is Chris Pratt Receiving Backlash? Here Are All His Criticised Comments

May 24, 2022

Lisa Ann Walter Is a Mother of 4 Children Including Identical Twins - Meet Her Family

February 16, 2022

George Clooney Believed He Would 'Never Get Married Again' or Be a Dad until He 'Hit the Jackpot'

March 13, 2022

Anthony Hopkins Is Happily Married to 'Wonderful' Wife of 18 Years Who Loves Spending His Money

March 27, 2022