Connor Douglas Gilliland, the son of celebrated actress Jean Smart and the late actor Richard Gilliland, has led a life far removed from the public eye, despite being born into a Hollywood family. While his parents’ careers have kept them in the spotlight for decades, Connor has chosen a more private path, opting to stay out of the limelight and away from social media. This article explores what little is known about Connor, his family, and his life outside of the Hollywood glare.
Connor Douglas Gilliland Early Life and Family Background
Connor Douglas Gilliland was born on October 25, 1989, in Los Angeles, California, into a family that would later shape his understanding of the entertainment world. His mother, Jean Smart, is an award-winning actress known for her roles in Designing Women, Fargo, and Hacks, while his father, Richard Gilliland, was a well-respected actor with notable appearances in shows like Designing Women and 24.
Growing up in a Hollywood household, Connor had a front-row seat to the entertainment industry. However, despite his parents’ fame, Connor has mostly stayed out of the public eye, with little known about his personal life, career, or ambitions. His parents, both seasoned actors, met on the set of Designing Women in the late 1980s and married in 1987.
Connor’s younger brother, Forrest Gilliland, was adopted in 2009 by Jean and Richard from China, creating a notable age gap between the two siblings. While Connor was nearly an adult at the time of Forrest’s adoption, the brothers share a strong bond.
Connor Douglas Gilliland Age, Net Worth, and Occupation
As of 2025, Connor is 36 years old. Despite his connection to two high-profile actors, Connor has maintained a private life. His career, net worth, and personal endeavors remain largely unreported in the public domain. Unlike many children of celebrities who use their parents’ fame to advance their own careers, Connor has opted for a low-profile existence.
There are no credible public records regarding Connor’s net worth, and he has not pursued a public-facing career in entertainment, business, or other high-profile industries. Because he avoids social media and does not appear in the media, any estimates of his net worth are speculative at best.
It is possible that Connor has pursued a career outside of the entertainment industry, though no verified sources provide details on his professional life. This decision to remain out of the public eye reflects his desire for privacy and his preference for a life away from the glitz and glam of Hollywood.
Connor Douglas Gilliland Marriage, Spouse, and Children
There is no publicly available information regarding whether Connor is married or has children. Given his commitment to maintaining a private life, it is possible that details about his relationships remain undisclosed. As of now, there are no confirmed reports or interviews confirming his marital status or children.
The Loss of His Father, Richard Gilliland
In March 2021, the Gilliland family faced the heartbreaking loss of Richard Gilliland, Connor’s father. Richard passed away at the age of 71 after a brief illness. The death of his father was a devastating blow to the family, and Connor, along with his younger brother Forrest, reportedly played a crucial role in supporting their mother, Jean, during this challenging time.
Jean Smart publicly praised both of her sons for being a source of strength following Richard’s death, noting that their support helped her through one of the most difficult times in her life. Despite the personal tragedy, Connor’s family has remained close-knit, and their bond seems to have only grown stronger in the aftermath.
Family Life and Privacy
Throughout his life, Connor has stayed true to his desire for privacy. Unlike many children of celebrities who pursue public-facing careers or share aspects of their lives on social media, Connor has remained completely out of the public spotlight. There are no official social media profiles under his name, and he rarely appears at public events or in the media.
This choice to live a quieter, more private life is something that has drawn attention in the media, especially considering his famous parents. His mother, Jean Smart, has occasionally referenced him in interviews, but always in the context of being a supportive son rather than a public figure.
Conclusion
Connor Douglas Gilliland is a private individual who, despite being born into a family of famous actors, has chosen to keep his life outside the spotlight. At 36 years old, Connor’s life remains largely a mystery to the public. He has not pursued a career in entertainment, and there are no credible sources or media outlets that provide details about his professional life, relationships, or personal achievements. His net worth remains unreported, and any claims about his wealth or status should be taken with caution.
What is known, however, is that Connor has been a strong support system for his mother, Jean Smart, particularly after the loss of his father, Richard Gilliland, in 2021. The Gilliland family continues to value their privacy, and Connor’s choice to stay out of the public eye is a testament to his desire for a peaceful and private life away from the glare of Hollywood.
While much about Connor’s life remains private, his role in his family’s story is undeniably important. Whether it’s his support for his mother or the bond he shares with his brother, Connor Douglas Gilliland is an essential part of the Gilliland family legacy, even if he chooses to remain behind the scenes.
