Ever wondered what it’s like to grow up with Hollywood stars as parents but choose a completely different path? Let me tell you about Connor Douglas Gilliland, the son of Jean Smart and the late Richard Gilliland, who’s managed to live life on his own terms.
Born on October 25, 1989, in Los Angeles, California, Connor is now 35 years old in 2025 and has crafted a life of privacy that’s refreshing in our social media-obsessed world.
I’ve been covering celebrity kids for over 15 years, and Connor stands out because he’s chosen a path that’s increasingly rare – genuine privacy.
Connor Douglas Gilliland Bio/Wiki
| Facts | Details |
| Full Name | Connor Douglas Gilliland |
| Birth Date | October 25, 1989 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California |
| Age | 35 (as of 2025) |
| Parents | Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland |
| Sibling | Forrest (adopted from China in 2009) |
| Known For | Privacy despite famous parents |
| Notable Public Appearance | Jean Smart’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony (2022) |
Connor Douglas Gilliland Family Background
Did you know that Connor’s parents met on the set of a hit TV show? Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland first crossed paths while filming “Designing Women” back in 1986.
Jean actually had her eye on Richard from the start! She once shared that she asked the set decorator about him before they even spoke. They hit it off quickly and tied the knot in June 1987, welcoming Connor two years later.
Their love story stands out for how they balanced successful Hollywood careers while creating a stable home life. Unlike many Hollywood marriages, theirs lasted until Richard’s passing in 2021.
Early Life and Childhood
Can you imagine being a toddler on the set of a hit TV show? For Connor, this was just normal life! As a 2-year-old, he’d sit in the director’s chair wearing headphones during filming of “Designing Women”.
Jean once told in 2022 to Elle Magazine that even at that young age, Connor understood production cues. “He picked up right away that when he hears that buzz, that’s when everybody has to be quiet,” she recalled.
Despite growing up around comedy, Connor developed what his mom described as a serious personality. “I always say that he was formed hearing lots of laughter but came out very serious,” Jean shared.
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Connor Douglas Gilliland Relationship with His Brother
Have you ever formed a bond with someone who came into your life unexpectedly? That’s what happened with Connor and his younger brother Forrest.
When Connor was 20 years old, his parents adopted a child from China. Initially, Jean mentioned that Connor was more excited about the trip than about getting a new sibling.
But everything changed when he met his new brother. On “The Bonnie Hunt Show” in 2010, Jean shared that Connor found the experience “incredible” and told his parents, “I didn’t know I was going to feel this way.” Despite their nearly 20-year age gap, they formed a tight bond that would prove crucial later.
Supporting His Family After Loss
Life can change in an instant, can’t you agree? For the Gilliland family, everything shifted on March 18, 2021, when Richard Gilliland passed away unexpectedly at age 71 from a heart condition.
In the face of this loss, Connor stepped up in a way that shows his true character. He moved back home to help his mom care for his then 12-year-old brother Forrest, providing both emotional support and practical help.
“He’s been helping me a lot since we lost his dad, and so it’s been very nice to have him around,” Jean told PEOPLE Magazine in 2023. Connor’s support allowed Jean to continue her award-winning work on “Hacks” while adjusting to life as a single parent.
Connor Douglas Gilliland Personal Life
You might be wondering – what does Connor actually do? The truth is, we don’t really know! And isn’t that refreshing in today’s oversharing culture?
Unlike many celebrity kids, Connor has no public social media profiles and rarely makes appearances. His private life remains just that – private.
What we do know is that his values center around family loyalty. When Jean needed a heart procedure in 2023, she credited her sons with motivating her to seek medical attention. “If I hadn’t been in the position of being a single mom, I’m not sure I would have pursued it as quickly as I did,” she told PEOPLE.
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Public Appearances
Ever noticed how some people only show up when it really matters? That’s Connor for you. While he stays out of the spotlight, he has made a few meaningful public appearances to support his mom.
One notable moment came on April 25, 2022, when Connor joined Jean and Forrest at her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in Los Angeles. The rare photos from this event show a tall, well-dressed young man standing proudly beside his family.
Connor’s selective appearances seem to revolve around celebrating his mother’s achievements rather than seeking attention for himself.
Legacy and Values
What kind of legacy do you want to leave? For Connor, it seems to be one of integrity, family commitment, and authentic living.
Though he hasn’t followed his parents into acting, Connor carries forward their legacy in different ways. From Richard Gilliland’s career in shows like “Thirtysomething” and “Desperate Housewives” to Jean Smart’s success in “Fargo”, “Watchmen”, and “Hacks”, the family has deep roots in television.
Connor’s choice to maintain privacy offers a thoughtful counterpoint in our digital age. It reminds us that you don’t need public validation to live a meaningful life – sometimes the most impactful contributions happen behind the scenes.
Interesting Facts About Connor:
- Grew up on the set of “Designing Women” where both parents worked
- Was described as a “very serious child” despite being raised around comedy
- Moved home to help his mother after his father’s passing in 2021
- Has a nearly 20-year age gap with his younger brother
- Maintains no public social media presence
- Supported his mother during her heart procedure in 2023
- Present at Jean Smart’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2022
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Conclusion
So what can we learn from Connor Douglas Gilliland? In a world obsessed with fame, Connor’s story shows there’s power in choosing privacy and living by your own rules.
His journey from a serious child on Hollywood sets to a supportive family member in times of crisis speaks to values that never go out of style – loyalty, integrity, and being there when it matters most.
What do you think about Connor’s choices? Would you make the same decisions if you were born into a famous family?
FAQ About Connor Douglas Gilliland
What does Connor Douglas Gilliland do for a living?
Connor keeps his professional life private. Unlike his actor parents, he hasn’t pursued a public career in entertainment.
How old is Connor Douglas Gilliland?
Born on October 25, 1989, Connor is 35 years old as of 2025.
Who are Connor Douglas Gilliland’s parents?
His parents are actress Jean Smart and the late actor Richard Gilliland, who passed away in 2021.
Does Connor Douglas Gilliland have siblings?
Yes, he has a younger brother named Forrest who was adopted from China in 2009.
Is Connor Douglas Gilliland on social media?
No, Connor maintains his privacy and doesn’t have public social media profiles.
What happened to Connor’s father?
Richard Gilliland passed away on March 18, 2021, at age 71 from a heart condition.
Has Connor ever appeared in any TV shows or movies?
Unlike his parents, Connor hasn’t pursued acting or appeared in entertainment productions.
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