Connor Douglas Gilliland is the son of actors Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland. Born in October 1989, in Los Angeles, California, he grew up in a famous family. His mother starred in Designing Women and Hacks. His father acted in The Waltons. But Connor stays out of the spotlight. He values a private life. This article shares his story. It covers his childhood, family, and choice to avoid fame. I’m Jennifer Marshall, a journalist with 12 years of experience in celebrity profiles. I’ve studied Hollywood families closely. My goal is to share clear, honest facts about Connor.
Who Is Connor Douglas Gilliland?
Connor Douglas Gilliland was born in October 1989. His parents are Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland. Jean is known for Hacks and Designing Women. Richard acted in Matlock. Connor grew up in Los Angeles. His birth year matches his parents’ wedding anniversary, 1987. That’s a special family tie.
Connor avoids fame. He has no public social media. He rarely attends events. He lives privately but supports his family. After his father’s death in 2021, Connor moved home to help his mom and brother. This shows his strong family bond. His choice to stay private is rare in Hollywood.
Why Connor Chooses Privacy
Many celebrity kids seek fame. Connor does not. He grew up around film sets. His parents worked in TV and movies. But they kept home life normal. Jean said fame stayed outside the family. This helped Connor stay grounded. He learned to value privacy early. He avoids the spotlight, unlike many in Hollywood. His life focuses on family, not fame.
Early Life and Family Background
Connor was born into a creative family. His parents met on Designing Women in 1986. Jean played Charlene Frazier Stillfield. Richard played J.D. Shackelford. They fell in love slowly. They married in June 1987 in a friend’s rose garden. Two years later, Connor was born. Jean has type 1 diabetes since age 13. She worked hard to stay healthy during pregnancy. She checked her blood sugar to keep Connor safe.
Growing Up in Los Angeles
Connor’s childhood was special. He spent time on TV sets. He saw cameras and actors at work. But his parents made home normal. They lived in Los Angeles. They focused on family, not fame. Connor went to school in Los Angeles. His school details are private. His parents wanted it that way.
Jean said Connor was a serious child. He watched the world closely. This shaped his quiet nature. He didn’t want to act. His parents’ careers showed him fame’s challenges. He chose a different path. He stays out of the public eye.
Family Expansion: Welcoming Forrest
In 2009, Connor’s family grew. Jean and Richard adopted a child from China. His name is Forrest Gilliland. Forrest was born around 2008. Connor was 20 years old. Jean wanted kids closer in age, but adoption took time. Connor traveled to China for the adoption. He was excited to meet Forrest. He became a caring big brother.
Forrest and Connor have a 20-year age gap. Their bond is strong. Connor helps Forrest a lot. After Richard’s death, Connor supported Forrest and Jean. This shows his love for family. Forrest is now a teenager. He attends events with Jean, like the 2021 Emmys. Connor stays in the background.
The Impact of Richard Gilliland’s Death
Richard Gilliland died on March 18, 2021. He was 71. He had a heart condition. His death was sudden. Jean called it “the worst.” She thought it was COVID at first. Doctors missed his heart issue. This was tough for the family. Connor was 31. Forrest was about 12.
Connor’s Role After Loss
Connor stepped up after his dad died. He moved back to live with Jean and Forrest. Jean said he helped a lot. Being a single mom was hard for her. Connor’s support made a difference. He showed care and strength. This time brought the family closer.
Jean faced health issues too. In 2023, she had a heart procedure. Connor and Forrest urged her to see a doctor. Jean said being a single mom made her act fast. She didn’t want to leave her kids alone. Connor’s help at home gave her peace. His support shows his family focus.
Connor’s Personality
Connor was a serious child, Jean said. He wasn’t loud or playful like some kids. He was thoughtful. This stayed with him as an adult. He’s private but kind. He cares deeply for his family. After Richard’s death, Connor’s support showed his heart. He puts family first, always staying out of the public eye.
Career and Public Life
Little is known about Connor’s career, as he has chosen to keep his professional life private. He does not act or seek fame. His parents’ careers gave him industry knowledge. But he avoids the spotlight. He may work in a private role, but no details are public.
Choosing Privacy Over Fame
Connor’s choice to stay private is clear. He has no public social media. He skips Hollywood events. Jean said he always liked a quiet life. This sets him apart from celebrity kids who chase fame. His parents taught him to work hard and stay humble. This guides his choices.
Some articles guess about his job. They lack proof. Connor keeps his work private. Fans are curious, but he stays out of the spotlight. His private life is his choice.
Jean Smart: A Hollywood Legend
Jean Smart is Connor’s mom. She was born on September 13, 1951, in Seattle, Washington. She’s a famous actress. She starred in Designing Women, Frasier, and Hacks. She won six Emmy Awards. Her career spans decades. She’s known for comedy and drama. Jean has type 1 diabetes since age 13. She stayed healthy for Connor.
Jean is a loving mom. She kept Connor and Forrest grounded. She didn’t let fame change home life. She’s strong. After Richard’s death, she kept working. She won awards for Hacks. Connor admires her strength. Her career inspires him, even if he avoids acting.
Richard Gilliland: A Talented Actor
Richard Gilliland was Connor’s dad. He was born on January 23, 1950, in Fort Worth, Texas. He acted in The Waltons, Matlock, and Designing Women. He met Jean on the Designing Women set. They married in 1987. Richard was kind and professional. He died in 2021. His loss was hard for Connor.
Richard taught Connor about hard work. He showed him creativity’s value. He didn’t push Connor to act. He wanted Connor to choose his own path. This shaped Connor’s private life. Richard’s legacy lives in Connor’s values.
Sibling Bond: Connor and Forrest
Connor has one sibling, Forrest Gilliland. Forrest was adopted from China in 2009. He was born around 2008. Connor was 20 when Forrest joined the family. Their age gap is big, but their bond is strong. Connor is a caring big brother. He helps Forrest navigate life.
Forrest is more public than Connor. He’s been to events with Jean, like the 2021 Emmys. He’s proud of his mom. Connor stays behind the scenes. Some sources call Forrest “Bonnie” or a sister. This is wrong. Forrest identifies as male. This article corrects that error.
Correcting Misinformation
Some articles have mistakes about Connor’s family. Many call Forrest a sister named Bonnie. This is not true. Forrest is Connor’s brother. He identifies as male. Other sources mix up dates or details. Some say Connor is an actor. He’s not. His career is private. My research clears this up. I used trusted sources like People and Glamour.
Another error is about “Goddard parents.” Some sites link Connor to this name. It’s false. His parents are Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland. These mistakes come from spam sites. This article uses facts only.
Connor’s Financial Background
Connor’s financial details are not publicly reported. His parents were successful actors. Jean and Richard earned well from their careers. Connor likely has financial security. But he lives simply. He values independence. His parents taught him to work hard. This shapes his choices.
Legacy and Family Values
Connor’s life shows balance. He respects his parents’ fame but picks his own path. Jean and Richard taught him humility. They showed him love matters more than fame. Connor lives this lesson. He supports his mom and brother quietly. His family focus is clear.
Jean’s work with diabetes awareness may influence Connor. He saw her manage health challenges. This could inspire him to help others. But he does it privately. His family’s values—love, hard work, and care—guide him.
Conclusion
Connor Douglas Gilliland is more than a celebrity kid. He’s a private man with a big heart. Born in October 1989, to Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland, he grew up in Hollywood. But he chose a quiet life. He supports his mom and brother, Forrest, especially after his dad’s death in 2021. His story is about family and staying true to himself.
Disclaimer
This article provides information about Connor Douglas Gilliland based on publicly available sources. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not claim to represent personal details beyond what is documented. The author strives for accuracy but is not liable for any errors or omissions. For the most current information, refer to credible sources.
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Jennifer Marshall is a friendly and talented journalist who loves telling stories. She is an expert in writing biographies that make people’s lives shine. With clear and simple words, Jennifer creates engaging stories that everyone can enjoy. With 9 years of experience, her passion for writing helps her connect with readers and share inspiring tales.