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The Private Lives Of Jean Smart’s Two Children: Connor And Forrest Gilliland, Updated December 2025

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Jean Smart’s children, Connor and Forrest Gilliland, are the center of the Emmy-winning actress’s life, especially as she navigates her incredible career resurgence while being a single parent and widow. As of late December 2025, fans are increasingly curious about the two sons the Hacks star shared with her late husband, Richard Gilliland, and how they are adapting to life in the public eye.

The family dynamic is a compelling blend of Hollywood lineage and deeply private lives, with one son being a private adult professional and the other a high schooler who has bravely embraced his authentic identity. Smart has openly discussed the challenges and joys of raising her two boys, who are separated by nearly two decades in age, ensuring they remain grounded despite their mother’s mega-fame.

Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland: A Biographical Profile

Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland’s enduring marriage was one of Hollywood’s quiet success stories, lasting over three decades until his passing. Their family life provides the essential context for understanding the world their children grew up in.

  • Jean Elizabeth Smart: Born September 13, 1951, in Seattle, Washington. She is an acclaimed American actress whose career spans stage, film, and television, with recent, high-profile roles in Hacks, Mare of Easttown, and Watchmen. Her accolades include multiple Emmy Awards.
  • Richard Morris Gilliland: Born January 23, 1950, in Fort Worth, Texas. He was a veteran television and movie actor, best known for his role as J.D. Shackleford on the sitcom Designing Women.
  • Meeting and Marriage: The couple met on the set of Designing Women, where Smart played Charlene Frazier Stillfield and Gilliland played her love interest, J.D. Shackleford. They married in 1987.
  • Death of Richard Gilliland: Richard Gilliland passed away on March 18, 2021, at the age of 71, following a brief illness. His death came just days before Jean Smart was set to begin filming the second season of Hacks, a period she has described as unimaginably difficult.

Connor Douglas Gilliland: The Adult Son Who Stepped Up

The eldest of Jean Smart’s children, Connor Douglas Gilliland, has maintained a remarkably low profile despite his parents’ high-visibility careers. His life choices reflect a desire for privacy and independence, though he remains a vital part of the Smart-Gilliland family.

Connor’s Age, Career, and Private Life

Connor Douglas Gilliland was born in October 1989, making him approximately 36 years old as of late 2025.

  • Career Background: Connor has pursued a career outside of the entertainment industry. Reports indicate he has worked in the oil and gas sector, though he has also expressed a personal desire to transition into a more creative field.
  • A Private Figure: Unlike many children of celebrities, Connor has no public social media presence and rarely makes public appearances. He has successfully carved out a private life away from the Hollywood spotlight.
  • Stepping Up for the Family: Following the passing of Richard Gilliland in 2021, Connor moved back into the family home to provide support for his mother and his younger brother. Jean Smart has spoken movingly about his help, calling the transition to single motherhood "unimaginable" without him.

His decision to move home and support his mother and sibling during a time of immense grief highlights the strong family bonds that Jean Smart has nurtured, demonstrating a quiet strength and maturity that fans admire.

Forrest Gilliland: Embracing Authenticity and the Arts

Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland’s second child, Forrest Gilliland, joined the family later in life. His journey has been one of great personal courage and a burgeoning interest in the arts, continuing the family's creative legacy.

The Adoption and Identity Journey

Forrest was adopted from China by Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland in May 2009. He was initially introduced as their daughter, Bonnie Kathleen Gilliland.

  • Current Age and School: Forrest was born around 2008, making him about 16 or 17 years old in late 2025. He is currently in high school.
  • Name and Identity: More recent reports and family context indicate that the child now identifies as Forrest Gilliland and is transgender. This represents a significant and personal evolution for the teen, which the family supports.
  • Interest in the Arts: Forrest is already showing an aptitude for performance, following in his parents’ footsteps. He has participated in school productions, including a performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta The Pirates of Penzance.

Forrest made a rare public appearance with his mother at the 2021 Emmy Awards, where Jean Smart won for her role in Hacks. Smart introduced him as her "courageous" son, a moment that resonated with fans and highlighted her devotion to her children.

The Family Legacy and Jean Smart’s Role as a Widow

Jean Smart’s career success, particularly her multiple Emmy wins for Hacks, has often been a platform for her to acknowledge the profound impact her family has had on her life. Her acceptance speeches frequently include heartfelt thanks to her sons, solidifying their status as her greatest priority.

The actress has been candid about the unexpected challenge of becoming a single mother to a teenager and a widow in her 70s. She has credited her eldest son, Connor, with helping her navigate the emotional and logistical difficulties following Richard Gilliland’s death.

The family’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, unconditional love, and the complex reality of modern family life. From Connor's quiet support to Forrest's bold journey of self-discovery, Jean Smart’s children are a living continuation of the deep, loving bond she shared with her late husband, Richard Gilliland.

As Jean Smart continues her reign as one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses, her focus remains firmly on her children and fostering an environment where they can thrive, whether in the private world of business or the public arena of the arts. Their collective strength as a family unit is a true reflection of the woman known for her powerful, unforgettable roles.

jean smart children
jean smart children

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