Richard Gilliland - A Look Back At His Acting Life
When we think about folks who have spent a good deal of their lives making television and movies, sometimes a face or a name comes to mind that, you know, just feels familiar, even if you can't quite place every single thing they've done. Richard Gilliland, a performer who worked for many years, was certainly one of those people. His passing, which happened just recently, brought forth a moment for many to think about the body of work he left behind, a collection of roles that touched a lot of different projects over a long stretch of time.
He was a person who, in a way, made his mark on a variety of shows and films, quietly, yet effectively, bringing characters to life. His contributions to the acting profession stretched across many decades, allowing him to be a part of stories that, you know, resonated with audiences for a good while. This look back at his life helps us consider the path he walked, from his beginnings in Texas to the roles that made him a recognizable presence on screens both big and small, basically.
It's always a moment of reflection when someone who has been a part of our shared entertainment experiences leaves us. Richard Gilliland, as a seasoned performer, had a career that, you know, spanned a significant period, allowing him to be a part of many memorable productions. His story, in some respects, is a quiet testament to a life dedicated to the craft of acting, and it's worth taking a moment to think about the journey he had, really.
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Table of Contents
- A Look at Richard Gilliland's Life
- What Roles Did Richard Gilliland Take On?
- How Did Richard Gilliland Meet Jean Smart?
- When Did Richard Gilliland Pass Away?
- What Was Richard Gilliland's Career Like?
- A Final Summary of Richard Gilliland's Story
A Look at Richard Gilliland's Life
The story of Richard Gilliland began on a specific day, January 23, in the year 1950, in a place called Fort Worth, which is located in Texas, a state in the United States. This start in Texas set the stage for a life that would, you know, eventually lead him to a career in front of the camera. He was a person whose early days were spent in this part of the country, before his work took him to other places and brought him into the homes of many through his acting, really.
His early life in Fort Worth, Texas, basically formed the foundation for the man he would become, a performer who would spend many years making television and films. The time he spent growing up there, you know, contributed to the person he was, someone who would go on to have a career that spanned quite a bit of time. It's interesting to consider how a person's beginnings can, in a way, set them on a path that unfolds over decades, and that was certainly the case for Richard Gilliland.
Personal Details for Richard Gilliland
| Born | January 23, 1950 |
| Birthplace | Fort Worth, Texas, USA |
| Died | March 18, 2021 |
| Age at Passing | 71 |
| Spouse | Jean Smart |
| Years Married | Nearly 34 years |
| Occupation | Actor |
What Roles Did Richard Gilliland Take On?
Richard Gilliland was a performer who took on a number of roles across different kinds of projects, basically. He was known for his appearances in films and television shows, building a body of work that showed his range as an actor. People recognized him for his contributions to productions like "Airplane II, The Sequel," which came out in 1982, a film that, you know, many folks remember. He also had a part in "Designing Women," a television show that started in 1986, and something called "CBS Summer," which was also a television project, apparently.
His career included a variety of parts, making him a familiar face to those who followed television and movies over the years. He was a busy character actor, meaning he often played supporting roles that, you know, helped shape the stories he was a part of. These kinds of roles, while perhaps not always the main focus, are actually very important to the overall feel of a show or a film, and Richard Gilliland was someone who, you know, brought a certain presence to these parts, in some respects.
Beyond those mentioned, his list of acting credits included other well-known television shows and films. For example, he was a part of "24," a show that, you know, had a lot of viewers, and also "Desperate Housewives," another very popular program. This shows that his ability to act was something that, you know, allowed him to move between different types of stories and genres, which is pretty impressive for a performer, honestly.
Richard Gilliland's Time on Designing Women
One of the places where Richard Gilliland spent a good amount of time, and where he became quite recognizable, was on the CBS sitcom "Designing Women." He had a recurring part on this show, meaning his character would appear in episodes over time, not just in one or two. This particular show was, you know, a significant point in his life, both for his work and for something else that happened there, which we'll talk about a little more later, really.
His presence on "Designing Women" meant that many people watching at home would see him regularly, making his face and his acting style something that, you know, became familiar to a wide audience. The nature of a recurring role on a popular sitcom means that a performer gets to, in a way, develop a character over time, allowing viewers to get to know them. This was certainly a key part of Richard Gilliland's public acting life, basically.
How Did Richard Gilliland Meet Jean Smart?
It's a rather interesting bit of personal history that Richard Gilliland met his future wife, the actress Jean Smart, while they were both working on "Designing Women." This show, which was a significant part of his acting career, also turned out to be the place where a very important personal connection was made. They were both performers on the same set, and that's where their paths crossed in a way that led to something much more, you know.
Their meeting on the set of "Designing Women" basically started a relationship that would last for many years. It's not uncommon for people in the acting world to meet their partners while working on projects, but it's always, you know, a special thing when it happens. For Richard Gilliland and Jean Smart, this shared work experience led to a partnership that endured for a very long time, nearly 34 years, in fact, which is quite a stretch of time, honestly.
Jean Smart, who is known for her own considerable acting work, including winning an Emmy, met Richard Gilliland on the set of that CBS sitcom. This particular detail about their first meeting is something that, you know, often comes up when people talk about their relationship. It shows how their professional lives and personal lives became intertwined through their shared experiences in the world of television production, in some respects.
When Did Richard Gilliland Pass Away?
The passing of Richard Gilliland happened on March 18, in the year 2021. He was 71 years old at the time of his death. This event, which took place in Los Angeles, was something that, you know, happened without much warning, in a way. His life came to an end at an age that, for many, still holds the promise of more years, making his passing a moment of sadness for those who knew him and his work, basically.
His passing came as a surprise to many, including his wife, Jean Smart. A new profile written by The New Yorker, for example, shares that Jean Smart, who was 69 at the time, was actually still filming a show when her husband of almost 34 years, Richard Gilliland, passed away suddenly. This detail really highlights the unexpected nature of his death, you know, showing how quickly things can change, apparently.
The Circumstances of Richard Gilliland's Passing
The information available states that Richard Gilliland suffered from a brief illness before his passing. More specifically, his death was the result of a heart condition. This medical detail provides some clarity on the circumstances surrounding his death, indicating that it was related to a health matter that, you know, developed over a short period of time. He was 71 when this happened, basically.
The fact that his passing was unexpected, particularly due to a heart condition, is a detail that, you know, emphasizes the suddenness of the event. It was not a long, drawn-out illness, but rather something that, in a way, took a quick turn. This kind of sudden event can be quite difficult for those left behind, and it certainly seems to have been the case for his loved ones, including his wife, Jean Smart, you know.
What Was Richard Gilliland's Career Like?
Richard Gilliland's career was characterized by his consistent presence as a character actor, meaning he often played roles that supported the main story, adding depth and authenticity to various productions. He was a performer who, in a way, contributed steadily to the acting profession for many years, building up a considerable list of credits across both television and film. His work shows that he was someone who could fit into different kinds of stories and deliver a solid performance, basically.
He was a talented American television and movie actor whose career stretched over decades. This long period of work meant he was a part of the entertainment world for a significant amount of time, seeing many changes and being a part of various eras of television and film. His dedication to acting earned him, you know, a place in the memories of those who watched his performances, in some respects.
The range of shows he appeared in, from sitcoms like "Designing Women" to dramas like "24" and "Desperate Housewives," shows that he was a versatile performer. This ability to move between different types of projects and still make an impact is a mark of a performer who, you know, understands the craft well. His contributions, though often in supporting capacities, were clearly valued by those who cast him, apparently.
Remembering Richard Gilliland's Contributions
When we think about Richard Gilliland, it's about remembering a performer who, you know, consistently brought his skills to the screen. His contributions to shows like "Designing Women," where he had that recurring role, and films like "Airplane II, The Sequel," are parts of his lasting work. He was a person who, in a way, helped tell many stories over his long career, leaving behind a body of acting work for people to look back on, really.
His role as a character actor meant that he was often the person who helped make a scene feel more real, or who provided a key reaction, or who, you know, moved the story along in a subtle but important way. These kinds of contributions are very valuable in the world of acting, and Richard Gilliland was someone who, you know, did this consistently throughout his time in the profession. It's a quiet but very important kind of contribution, basically.
A Final Summary of Richard Gilliland's Story
Richard Gilliland, a performer who worked for many years, passed away at 71 on March 18, 2021, in Los Angeles, due to a heart condition after a brief illness. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 23, 1950, he was known for roles in "Airplane II, The Sequel," "Designing Women," and "CBS Summer," among others like "24" and "Desperate Housewives." He met his wife, actress Jean Smart, on the set of "Designing Women," and they were wed for nearly 34 years. His career involved being a busy character actor, appearing in a variety of television shows and films over decades.
Pictures of Richard Gilliland
Richard Gilliland – Movies, Bio and Lists on MUBI
Richard Gilliland Movies & TV Shows | The Roku Channel | Roku
