The Real-Life Love Story Behind the Iconic Star
- 1987. Their partnership lasted 34 years. It ended only with his death in
- 2021. Fans of Designing Women often wonder about the off-screen life of the star who played Lana Gardener. Smart brought a sharp, witty energy to every role. But her private life remained fiercely guarded for decades. Here is the full story of the man standing beside her.
A Chance Meeting on Set
Smart and Gilliland met while working together. The setting was the hit ABC sitcom Designing Women in the late 1980s. She was a recurring cast member. He was a regular player too. He portrayed the character J.D. Shackelford. On-screen chemistry often signals real-life connection. This was certainly true for the pair. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and who was jean smart married to.
Richard Gilliland was born on May 23, 1950. He hailed from Fort Worth, Texas. Before Designing Women, he had a steady career in television. He appeared in McMillan & Wife and Operation Petticoat. His tall frame and easy charm made him a reliable supporting actor. He never chased A-list fame. He preferred the steady rhythm of a working actor’s life.
The Quiet Wedding in 1987
Their marriage took place in 1987. It was a private affair. Neither Smart nor Gilliland ever disclosed specific details. They avoided the Hollywood spotlight whenever possible. The couple chose a life of deliberate anonymity. In an industry built on self-promotion, this stance felt radical. They treated their union as a shared project, not a performance.
Jean Smart was previously married to businessman Richard Barker. That marriage lasted from 1967 to 1985. She had two sons, Connor and Forrest, from that relationship. Co-parenting meant navigating life as a single mother for years. Gilliland entered the picture later. He stepped into a blended family with grace. He treated Connor and Forrest as his own. That quiet loyalty defined his role as a partner and father figure.
Building a Life Between Sets
Smart and Gilliland rarely appeared together publicly. They skipped red carpets and premiere events. Instead, they focused on the mundane textures of daily life. Gilliland supported Smart’s meteoric rise in comedy. She became a fixture in the Frasier universe, playing Lana. Later, she won Emmys for Hacks. He cheered from the sidelines without a trace of jealousy.
The couple shared a home in Los Angeles. They cultivated a garden. They enjoyed quiet weekends away from the entertainment bubble. Gilliland passed away on March 18, 2021. The cause was cancer. He was 70 years old. Smart confirmed the loss with a brief, dignified statement. She spoke of him as her partner for 34 years. The grief was palpable but private.
What Jean Smart Has Shared Publicly
Smart rarely discusses her personal history in interviews. When she does, the tone is measured. She honors Gilliland with a simple, steady reverence. In a Variety interview, she described their bond as deep and foundational. She never sought pity or attention for her loss. The actor’s death marked the end of a significant chapter. Yet she continues to carry forward their shared values.
The partnership with Richard Gilliland shaped Smart’s off-screen identity. It grounded her during the chaotic years of her career. She navigated divorce, single parenthood, and later, massive success. Through it all, Gilliland remained a constant. Their story proves that love can exist outside the glare of fame. It thrived in silence and mutual respect.