When people think of Hollywood families, they often expect a lineage of stars continuing their fame across generations. But Connor Douglas Gilliland defies that stereotype. As the son of beloved television actors Jean Smart and the late Richard Gilliland, Connor was born into the entertainment world — yet chose to step away from it.
Despite his famous lineage, very little is known about Connor’s personal life, and that seems to be by design. In this detailed article, we explore who Connor Douglas Gilliland really is, his connection to the late Richard Gilliland, and why he remains a fascinating figure of privacy in a world driven by exposure.
Quick Bio Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Connor Douglas Gilliland |
| Date of Birth | October 1989 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 35 years old |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Jean Smart (mother), Richard Gilliland (father) |
| Siblings | Forrest Gilliland (adopted younger brother) |
| Famous For | Being the son of actors Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland |
| Acting Career | No acting or production credits |
| Residence | Reportedly lives in Los Angeles with his family |
| Public Social Media | None; maintains a private life |
| Known Traits | Private, family-focused, supportive |
A Hollywood Heritage
Connor Douglas Gilliland was born in October 1989 in Los Angeles, California, during a period when both of his parents were active in the television industry. His father, Richard Gilliland, was known for roles in shows like Designing Women, 24, and The Unit, while his mother, Jean Smart, is a multiple Emmy-winning actress best known for Hacks, Watchmen, and Frasier.
The couple met on the set of Designing Women and married in 1987 — two years before Connor’s birth. His early life was steeped in the rhythm of scripts, cameras, and call sheets.
A Childhood on Set
Growing up, Connor was a familiar face behind the scenes. In interviews, Jean Smart recalled that even as a toddler, Connor understood how a film set worked. At just two years old, he would “shush” people when he heard the word “Action!” — an adorable memory that reflects his early exposure to the industry.
But despite being surrounded by show business, his parents aimed to create a home environment grounded in normalcy. They made deliberate efforts to separate their professional and personal lives, shielding Connor from the public eye and media frenzy.
His Relationship with Richard Gilliland
One of the strongest bonds in Connor’s life was with his father, Richard Gilliland. The late actor, known for his soft-spoken charisma and wide-ranging TV roles, was deeply involved in his family’s life.
Richard passed away in March 2021 at age 71 after a brief illness. Following his death, Jean Smart revealed in interviews that Connor had been a pillar of strength during that difficult time. He moved back in with his mother and younger brother Forrest, providing emotional and logistical support, a testament to his deep family loyalty and love for his father.
The Addition of Forrest Gilliland
In 2009, when Connor was 20 years old, the family adopted a second son, Forrest Gilliland, from China. This created a significant age gap between the two brothers, but Jean Smart has often praised Connor’s nurturing and mature role as an older brother.
She has referred to her sons as “my life” in public speeches, highlighting how important family is to her. Connor’s response to the adoption and his ongoing care for Forrest further demonstrates his commitment to his family’s well-being over any personal limelight.
Education and Career Path
Very little is known about Connor’s academic background. While it’s presumed he attended school in Los Angeles, no public records or interviews confirm which institutions he may have attended. Unlike many children of celebrities, he never appeared in tabloids as a student of a high-profile prep school or university.
Career-wise, Connor appears to have taken a route far from Hollywood. He has no known acting credits, no production involvement, and no IMDb page. Various online discussions speculate about him working in tech or private business, but these remain unverified. His absence from LinkedIn or social media contributes to the mystery.
A Digital Ghost
In the age of Instagram and Twitter fame, Connor Douglas Gilliland stands out by not standing out. He has no public social media accounts, which is highly unusual for someone with celebrity parents. This further reinforces that he values privacy and intentionally avoids the limelight.
Even when Jean Smart and Forrest attend public events, Connor is almost never seen. His deliberate absence creates a public image defined more by mystery than visibility — which only fuels curiosity about his life.
Internet Rumors and “Goddard Parents” Confusion
Occasionally, inaccurate or confusing references such as “Goddard parents” appear in relation to Connor online. These seem to be the result of misinformation or misfiled content on low-quality data aggregator sites.
There is no credible source or official biography linking Connor to any “Goddard” family. His parents are definitively Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland. These digital mix-ups underscore the importance of fact-checking, especially when dealing with the private lives of public figures.
Public Appearances — Or Lack Thereof
Connor Douglas Gilliland has rarely, if ever, appeared at major public events with his family. While his younger brother Forrest has occasionally walked red carpets with Jean Smart (including appearances at award ceremonies), Connor remains absent.
Even during Jean Smart’s emotional speeches after her husband’s passing, she refers to Connor lovingly — but he prefers to remain behind the scenes. This pattern of privacy extends to all areas of his public persona.
Life After His Father’s Death
Richard Gilliland’s passing in 2021 marked a turning point for the family. Jean Smart spoke candidly about the loss in interviews with People and The Hollywood Reporter, and she credited Connor for being “so supportive” during this time.
His decision to move back in with his family highlights his deep sense of duty. Rather than pursue fame or fortune, Connor focused on family healing — a quality that reflects both his upbringing and character.
Connor Douglas Gilliland Role in Jean Smart’s Life
Jean Smart has called Connor a “wonderful, kind son” in interviews and public appearances. She acknowledges that, despite living in a Hollywood world, her sons are grounded and not interested in stardom. Her pride in Connor is evident and consistent.
Even as she continues to receive acclaim for her acting roles in Hacks and Watchmen, she often credits her children with giving her purpose beyond the screen.
The Future of a Private Legacy
Whether Connor will ever step into a more public role remains uncertain. As of 2025, there are no signs that he plans to do so. He seems content with a life away from Hollywood — possibly involved in another profession entirely.
And while his famous last name may always follow him, Connor has created his own legacy: one of quiet strength, family loyalty, and emotional maturity.
Why Connor Matters to Fans
Even though Connor isn’t a public figure, he holds a unique place in the hearts of fans of Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland. His existence connects generations of entertainment history — and symbolizes the idea that not every Hollywood child needs to become a celebrity.
His choice to live privately offers a refreshing counter-narrative in a world obsessed with celebrity offspring. Fans admire that choice and continue to search for updates about him out of curiosity and respect.
Final Thoughts
In a celebrity culture often defined by exposure and viral moments, Connor Douglas Gilliland is a notable exception. He is the child of two accomplished actors, but his life is not a sequel to their fame — it’s a quiet story of love, family, and privacy.
Whether he ever steps into public view or continues his current path, one thing is clear: Connor is a devoted son, loyal brother, and a living tribute to the legacy of Richard Gilliland, the father who helped shape his grounded character.
FAQs About Connor Douglas Gilliland
1. How old is Connor Douglas Gilliland and where was he born?
Connor Douglas Gilliland was born in October 1989, making him 35 years old as of 2025. He was born in Los Angeles, California, during the height of his parents’ acting careers. His upbringing was closely tied to Hollywood, but his lifestyle has remained grounded and private throughout adulthood.
2. Who are Connor Douglas Gilliland’s real parents?
Connor’s parents are the Emmy-winning actress Jean Smart and the late actor Richard Gilliland. They met on the set of Designing Women and married in 1987. Any references to “Goddard parents” are errors found in misindexed internet databases. Verified sources confirm that Smart and Gilliland are his only parents.
3. Has Connor Douglas Gilliland ever acted in movies or TV shows?
No, Connor has never pursued an acting career. Despite growing up on film sets and having two actor parents, Connor chose a life outside of the entertainment industry. As of 2025, he has no IMDb credits, no appearances in film or television, and no known professional connections to Hollywood.
4. What is Connor Douglas Gilliland doing now?
Although Connor lives a private life, it is confirmed that he resides in Los Angeles with his mother and younger brother. After the passing of his father in 2021, he took on a more involved family role, helping his mother and supporting his brother. His professional career remains unconfirmed, but he is known to value family above fame.
5. Why do people search for “Goddard parents” in relation to Connor?
The term “Goddard parents” appears in scattered, inaccurate online listings but has no factual link to Connor Douglas Gilliland. It’s likely a result of algorithmic confusion or spam pages. All credible biographical sources list only Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland as his parents. There is no association with the name Goddard.
