Connor Douglas Gilliland, born on October 25, 1989, is the elder son of acclaimed actress Jean Smart and actor Richard Gilliland. Though born into Hollywood, Connor has notably chosen a path of discretion, maintaining a private life and staying out of the celebrity spotlight.
Early Years in Hollywood’s Embrace
Raised amid the creative energy of his parents’ acting careers, Connor spent his earliest years surrounded by cameras and scripts. Both Jean and Richard met and married after working together on the sitcom Designing Women, where Connor would later accompany them on set as a toddler.
Jean Smart fondly recalled in an interview a memory of two-year-old Connor perched in a director’s chair, headphones on, instinctively understanding when to hush at the sound of the “buzz” before “action.” She described him then as “a very serious child… formed hearing lots of laughter but came out very serious.” Even from such a young age, Connor’s introspective nature was evident.
A Family Grows and a Brother Joins
Nearly two decades later, in 2009, Jean and Richard expanded their family by adopting Forrest from China. Connor, then twenty, initially focused more on the excitement of the adoption process than on the sibling it would bring—though Jean joked he ultimately responded with heartfelt wonder: “I didn’t know I was going to feel this way”.
This nearly twenty-year age gap between brothers created a special dynamic. Jean described Forrest as “amazing,” and though Connor remained rooted in his private life, he embraced big brotherhood with quiet care and attention.
Stepping Up After Loss
In March 2021, the family faced profound grief with the sudden passing of Richard Gilliland at age 71 following a brief illness. His demise was a heavy loss for Jean and her sons—something she later spoke of as particularly devastating, calling it “the worst” and reflecting on how it continually reverberated in her life.
In the months and years since, Connor quietly emerged as a source of support. He moved back in with his mother and Forrest during that transitional period. Jean shared that Connor had been invaluable since losing his dad: “He’s been helping me a lot… and so it’s been very nice to have him around”.
More than emotional support, his presence also motivated Jean to take her health seriously. Concerned for her well-being, Connor encouraged her to address heart issues, leading to a minor but meaningful procedure. As Jean reflected, she realized: “I’m the one running the show now… and if something happens to me, what happens to my kids?”.
His Public Presence—or Lack Thereof
Despite his Hollywood roots, Connor has steadfastly avoided the glare of public attention. There are no known social media profiles, and he rarely, if ever, appears at public events with his famous mother. Instead, he opts for the solace of anonymity, quietly present behind the scenes rather than center stage.
This privacy doesn’t stem from estrangement but appears to reflect a personal choice—enjoying family and life’s quieter joys, away from the public domain. It’s a choice that seems to be respected and cherished by both him and his family.
Glimpses Through His Mother’s Love
Though Connor avoids publicity, Jean Smart’s interviews often reveal her deep appreciation for him. After award wins—for instance, at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Emmys—she devoted heartfelt tributes to her children: “To my two children, Forrest and Connor, you are my life,” she declared. At another Emmys, she described both boys as “wonderful and unselfish… very courageous in their own right”.
Their relationship, though private, is underscored by love, respect, and quiet dedication. Connor’s consistent presence and grounded nature suggest a strong bond rooted in genuine connection, not publicity.
In Summary
Connor Douglas Gilliland leads a life both shaped by and shielded from his family’s fame. Born in 1989 to two celebrated actors, he grew up absorbing the rhythms of Hollywood without seeking its limelight. Known for his seriousness as a child, Connor evolved into a solid, thoughtful adult—one whose greatest visibility is perhaps in the emotional steadiness he brings to his family.
Following his father’s unexpected death, Connor became a supportive pillar for his mother and brother, stepping into a caregiver’s role with humility and grace. He motivated Jean to care for her own health, showing a depth of concern that speaks volumes about his character.
And while the world may know little about what Connor does or where he goes, what shines through is clear: he values family, privacy, and loyalty. His is a quiet story—yet one that resonates with warmth, strength, and understated love.
