Jean Smart has reminisced about the early days of her career, specifically the moment she met her late husband, Richard Gilliland, while filming the iconic television series *Designing Women* in 1986. The actress, now 74, discussed their relationship during a recent episode of *Wiser Than Me* with Julia Louis-Dreyfus, shedding light on their whirlwind romance and the life they built together.
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Smart’s experience on *Designing Women*, which featured a talented ensemble cast including Dixie Carter, Annie Potts, Delta Burke, and Meshach Taylor, began during a particularly pivotal moment in her life. She first encountered Gilliland on set when he made a guest appearance in the fifth episode, shortly before the show officially aired. “The show hadn’t even aired yet,” she recalled, prompting Louis-Dreyfus to describe their relationship as a “fast and furious love affair”.
During a table read for the show, Smart spotted Gilliland engaging in conversation with another colleague. While she had seen him in previous productions, it was his charming smile that captured her attention immediately. “I thought, ‘Oh, I hope he’s here to be on our show,’” Smart remembered fondly. Their chemistry was undeniable, leading to Gilliland being cast as J.D. Shackelford, who became the boyfriend of Potts’ character, Mary Jo.
The couple quickly hit it off, with Smart noting Gilliland’s “very forward and cheeky” nature. Their connection grew as Smart invited him into her trailer for casual conversations and to collaborate on crossword puzzles, an invitation that hinted at their budding romance. As Louis-Dreyfus jested about the underlying motives of their interactions, Smart laughed, recalling her playful admissions regarding their time together.
Their romance culminated in marriage in June 1987, just a year after their initial meeting. Shortly thereafter, Smart discovered she was expecting their first child. The actress gave birth to their son, Connor, in October 1989. Unlike Louis-Dreyfus, who faced a different scenario on *Seinfeld*, Smart’s pregnancy was woven into her character’s storyline on *Designing Women*. “They married my character off just in time,” she joked, recalling how the revelation of her pregnancy aligned with her character’s wedding nuptials.
The joyous occasion of her marriage was soon overshadowed by a moment of realisation. Smart remembered sitting in her dressing room, dressed in a tightly corseted wedding gown, when the news of her pregnancy was confirmed that very evening. “I was looking in the mirror, smoking a cigarette, and I thought, ‘Jean, you are pregnant. You know you are pregnant,’” she said, reflecting on the moment that changed her life.
Having been part of *Designing Women* until its fifth season in 1991, Smart’s journey did not end there. The series continued to capture audience attention until 1993, and Smart reunited with her former co-stars for a special in 2003. In addition to *Designing Women*, she has built a remarkable career with appearances in other renowned shows including *Frasier*, *Samantha Who?*, *Fargo*, and *Watchmen*.
Expanding her family, Smart and Gilliland welcomed their second son, Forrest, through adoption in 2010. The pair not only shared personal lives but also collaborated on-screen, with Smart portraying First Lady Martha Logan in season five of the series *24*, while Gilliland played a supporting role in a separate episode.
Tragically, Gilliland passed away in March 2021 at the age of 71, a loss that left Smart grappling with profound grief. In a candid interview with Chris Wallace in early 2024, she shared her heartache, describing his unexpected death as “the worst” experience of her life. “Losing your mate of 35 years…is just kind of indescribable,” she expressed, capturing the deep void left in her life.
Smart’s reflections not only celebrate the love they shared but also highlight the challenges of navigating life after such a profound loss. As she continues to honour Gilliland’s memory, Smart remains a testament to resilience, embodying both the joys of love and the complexities of enduring heartache.