All About Jean Smart’s 2 Children, Connor and Forrest

**Jean Smart: A Loving Mother to Two Very Different Sons**

Jean Smart, the acclaimed actress known for her role in the award-winning series “Hacks,” has been navigating the early years of motherhood with remarkable resilience. The dedicated mother of two sons, Connor and Forrest Gilliland, her family journey has been marked by both joy and profound loss.

Smart’s life took a significant turn in June 1987 when she married fellow actor Richard Gilliland on the set of the CBS sitcom “Designing Women.” Their first child, Connor, was born in October 1989, followed by the adoption of Forrest in May 2009, nearly twenty years later. Tragically, Richard Gilliland passed away in 2021 at the age of 71 after a brief illness, forcing Smart to shoulder the responsibility of raising their children largely on her own.

In a candid interview, Smart reflected on the challenges she faced while raising Forrest, who was just twelve years old when his father died. “For a couple of years, I was running on adrenaline and absolutely obsessed with the idea of being able to do it all and be strong for my kids, especially my young one,” she admitted during an appearance on CBS News Sunday Morning. This maternal instinct prompted her to ensure that her children felt assured of her capability as a parent.

Smart has consistently expressed her gratitude for her boys, often referring to them as her pillars of support. The strong bond with her children was evident when Forrest accompanied her to the Emmy Awards in 2026, marking a memorable moment as Smart snagged her fifth Emmy for her performance in “Hacks,” a record-breaking achievement. During her acceptance speech, she expressed heartfelt thanks to her sons, describing them as her “anchor.”

Connor, the eldest sibling, has largely stayed out of the public eye but played an essential role in Smart’s life, particularly after their father’s passing. Smart shared that Connor moved back in with her and Forrest to help maintain stability during a tumultuous period. “He’s been helping me a lot since we lost his dad, and so it’s been very nice to have him around,” she confided in an interview with PEOPLE, highlighting the importance of family cohesion during difficult times.

Forrest, the younger of the two brothers, has taken a more public approach, often making appearances alongside his mother at various events. After being welcomed into the family in 2009, Forrest quickly captured the hearts of his parents. Smart recalled how Connor initially reacted to the news of his new brother, expressing excitement about the trip to China where Forrest was adopted. However, his enthusiasm blossomed further upon seeing the baby for the first time, emotions he did not anticipate feeling.

The age gap of nearly twenty years between the brothers has often led to intriguing dynamics within the family. While Smart had initially envisioned her children being closer in age, she embraced the unexpected difference that arose. In a conversation about their adoption journey, she shared, “The second this baby was handed to us, we were just so besotted.”

As Forrest has grown, he has made several notable public appearances with his mother, including the Emmys and other award ceremonies. Yet, with fame comes the protection of privacy—particularly when it comes to her work. Smart candidly shared that certain projects of hers are off-limits for her sons. However, she gradually introduced him to her work, including “Hacks,” with careful consideration of what was appropriate for him to view.

In a testament to the family’s creative spirit, there are indications that Forrest may follow in his mother’s footsteps. Reports suggest he is rehearsing for his high school’s rendition of “The Pirates of Penzance,” igniting hopes that the talented young performer might someday carve out his own niche in the acting world, just as his mother has done over her illustrious career.

As Jean Smart continues to shine brightly in her professional life, it is her dedication to her children that remains most prominent. Through both ups and downs, Smart exemplifies how love and support can help navigate the complexities of family life, ultimately proving that the bonds of motherhood are as unwavering as they are beautiful.