Richard Gilliland - Remembering A Beloved Actor

The entertainment world, you know, recently marked the passing of a familiar face, a seasoned performer who brought many characters to life on screens big and small. Richard Gilliland, an actor whose work spanned several decades, departed at the age of seventy-one. He was, as a matter of fact, a presence many viewers recognized from a variety of popular television shows and motion pictures, leaving behind a significant collection of performances for people to enjoy for years to come.

His passing, which occurred after a rather brief illness, left a quiet space in the lives of those who knew him, especially his wife, the well-regarded actress Jean Smart. Their connection, a bond that lasted nearly thirty-four years, was, in a way, a remarkable story within the acting community itself. It shows, too, how personal lives can intertwine with public careers.

This particular individual, Richard Gilliland, was, you see, someone who contributed to the fabric of storytelling through his acting, often in roles that, perhaps, supported the main narrative but were no less important. His work, in some respects, helped shape many memorable moments in popular culture, making him a figure worth remembering for his artistic contributions.

A Look at Richard Gilliland's Life Story
Who Was Richard Gilliland Beyond the Screen?
What Were Some Notable Richard Gilliland Acting Roles?
How Did Richard Gilliland Pass Away?
What Made Richard Gilliland's Performances Special?
Where Can We See More of Richard Gilliland's Work?
Remembering Richard Gilliland's Contributions
How Has Richard Gilliland Been Remembered?

A Look at Richard Gilliland's Life Story

Richard Gilliland, a person who would go on to become a familiar face in the world of acting, first entered this life on January 23, 1950. His beginnings were in Fort Worth, a city in the state of Texas, USA. From those early days, it seems, he found his way into a career that would bring him into the homes and hearts of many viewers. He was, in fact, a person who dedicated a significant portion of his life to the craft of performing, taking on various parts that showcased his abilities.

His work as an actor meant he spent time in front of cameras, bringing characters to life for audiences. This kind of work, you know, requires a certain kind of dedication and a willingness to step into different shoes. Richard Gilliland, by all accounts, had that particular quality, which allowed him to move between different types of stories and settings on screen. He became, in a way, a dependable presence in many productions, often lending his talents to support the main story being told.

As his career progressed, he gathered a collection of experiences and parts that made up his professional life. It was, perhaps, a journey filled with different challenges and rewards, as is often the case for those who choose a path in the performing arts. His time on screen, as a matter of fact, touched upon various genres, from lighthearted comedies to more intense dramas, showing a certain versatility in his work. He really did make his mark in a number of places.

Personal Details - Richard Gilliland

Full Name	Richard Gilliland
Date of Birth	January 23, 1950
Place of Birth	Fort Worth, Texas, USA
Date of Passing	March 18, 2021
Place of Passing	Los Angeles, California, USA
Spouse	Jean Smart
Occupation	Actor
Known For	Designing Women, Airplane II, 24, Desperate Housewives

Who Was Richard Gilliland Beyond the Screen?

Beyond the parts he played on television and in films, Richard Gilliland had a very important part in his personal life as well. He was, you know, the husband of actress Jean Smart, a well-known performer in her own right. Their connection was quite a long one, lasting for almost thirty-four years, which is, in some respects, a considerable amount of time for any couple, especially in the public eye. This long-standing bond speaks volumes about their shared life and experiences.

Their story together began, actually, on the set of a popular television show called Designing Women. It was during the making of this program that they met, and their relationship grew from there. This particular show, as a matter of fact, brought them together in a way that truly shaped their lives. It's a rather lovely thought, isn't it, that work can sometimes lead to such deep personal connections? Their meeting on that set, you see, was a pivotal moment for both of them.

Jean Smart, his wife, has, more or less, spoken about his passing in recent times, sharing some thoughts about what happened. It was, apparently, a sudden occurrence, which, you know, can be very difficult for anyone to process. Her comments, made in a new profile by The New Yorker, revealed that she was still working on a show when her husband passed away. This detail, in a way, highlights the unexpected nature of his departure and the impact it had on her life at that particular moment. It just goes to show how life can, sometimes, present us with very difficult situations when we least expect them.

What Were Some Notable Richard Gilliland Acting Roles?

When thinking about Richard Gilliland's work, a few particular roles, you know, often come to mind for people who followed his career. One of the most remembered is his recurring part on the CBS sitcom Designing Women. This show was, as a matter of fact, quite popular, and his appearances on it were certainly a highlight for many viewers. It was, of course, where he also met his future wife, Jean Smart, making that role extra special in his life story.

Beyond that well-known television series, Richard Gilliland also appeared in films, including a part in Airplane II. This movie, you see, was a continuation of a very famous comedy, and his presence in it added to its appeal. These sorts of roles, in a way, helped solidify his place as a performer who could handle both television and the big screen, showing a good range in his acting abilities. He really did have a knack for being in memorable productions.

His professional life was, apparently, quite busy, as he took on many different parts across various productions. He was, in some respects, known as a character actor, which means he often played supporting roles that were, nonetheless, very important to the story. This kind of work involves bringing depth and believability to a wide array of individuals, whether they were on screen for a short time or for many episodes. For instance, he also showed up in popular dramas like 24 and Desperate Housewives, which, you know, are shows that reached a very wide audience. His contributions to these programs, in a way, helped shape the narratives and made them more engaging for those watching.

How Did Richard Gilliland Pass Away?

The news of Richard Gilliland's passing came as a surprise to many, especially given the circumstances surrounding it. He passed away on March 18, 2021, at the age of seventy-one. His departure occurred in Los Angeles, a place where many people in the entertainment field live and work. The cause of his death was, as a matter of fact, a heart condition. This particular health issue, you see, led to his unexpected departure, which can be a very difficult thing for families to cope with.

Prior to his passing, it was mentioned that he suffered from a brief illness. This suggests that his decline was, in a way, somewhat sudden, without a long period of decline. The quick nature of his illness and subsequent death made the event, perhaps, even more impactful for those close to him. It's just a reminder, you know, of how quickly things can change in life, and how precious each moment truly is.

His wife, Jean Smart, has, in fact, spoken about this time, mentioning that she was still working on a show when her husband passed. This detail, in some respects, paints a picture of the abruptness of the situation. To be in the middle of a demanding work schedule and then receive such news must have been, well, incredibly challenging. It highlights, too, the personal difficulties that people in the public eye face, even as they continue with their professional commitments. It really puts things into perspective, doesn't it?

What Made Richard Gilliland's Performances Special?

Thinking about what made Richard Gilliland's acting stand out, it's fair to say, you know, he had a particular way of inhabiting the characters he played. As a veteran character actor, his strength often lay in bringing a sense of realness to even smaller parts. He had, in a way, a knack for making these individuals feel like actual people you might know, rather than just figures on a screen. This quality, as a matter of fact, is something that truly resonates with audiences, making his contributions quite memorable.

His performances, in some respects, often added a layer of depth to the stories he was a part of. Whether he was playing a comedic role or something more serious, he typically brought a certain honesty to his portrayal. This meant that even if his character wasn't the main focus, his presence was, you see, felt and appreciated. It's almost as if he had a quiet strength in his acting, which allowed him to support the overall narrative effectively without needing to be at the very center of attention. He really did have a way of making his mark without needing to shout about it.

The ability to consistently deliver believable performances across many different types of shows and films is, you know, a true mark of a skilled actor. Richard Gilliland, apparently, possessed this kind of consistency. He was, in a way, a reliable presence for directors and fellow performers, someone who could be counted on to bring his best to each project. This dedication to his craft, as a matter of fact, is what makes his body of work something to look back on with appreciation. It just goes to show, doesn't it, that every part, no matter how big or small, contributes to the whole picture.

Where Can We See More of Richard Gilliland's Work?

For those who might be curious to see more of Richard Gilliland's acting, there are, you know, quite a few places to look. His credits, as a matter of fact, spanned a good number of years and included appearances in many television shows and films. This means that his work is, in some respects, fairly accessible for people who wish to explore it. You can, for instance, find him in episodes of classic sitcoms and even more recent dramas, showing the breadth of his career.

His time on Designing Women is, perhaps, one of the easiest places to start, as that show has been widely available for viewers to revisit. Then, of course, there's his part in Airplane II, which, you see, is a movie that many people remember and can find on various streaming platforms or through home video. These particular roles, in a way, offer a good starting point for understanding his presence on screen and the kinds of projects he contributed to. He really did leave a good trail of work behind him.

Beyond those, looking into his appearances on shows like 24 and Desperate Housewives would, you know, give a broader picture of his range. He also had many other parts in various productions, which speaks to his long and active professional life. If you're interested, apparently, a quick search for his filmography would bring up a whole list of opportunities to see his performances. It just goes to show, doesn't it, how much an actor can contribute over a career that spans decades?

Remembering Richard Gilliland's Contributions

As we look back on the life of Richard Gilliland, it's clear, you know, that he made a notable contribution to the world of entertainment. His work as an actor, spanning many years, brought a particular kind of presence to both television and films. He was, in some respects, a dependable performer, someone who could always be counted on to bring a certain quality to his roles. This consistency, as a matter of fact, is a mark of a true professional in any field, and it certainly was for him in acting.

His legacy is, you see, not just in the individual parts he played, but also in the way he approached his craft. He embodied the idea of a working actor, someone who consistently showed up, delivered, and helped tell stories. This kind of dedication, in a way, is what keeps the entertainment industry moving forward, with many talented individuals contributing to the collective output. Richard Gilliland was, apparently, one of those individuals who quietly but effectively made his mark, building a body of work that people can still appreciate today.

Beyond his professional life, his long marriage to Jean Smart also stands as a part of his story. It highlights, too, the personal side of a life lived in the public eye, showing that deep and lasting connections are possible. His passing, while a sad event, reminds us, you know, of the lives that actors lead both on and off the screen, and the impact they have on those around them. He truly was a person who touched many lives, both through his work and his personal connections.

How Has Richard Gilliland Been Remembered?

The way Richard Gilliland has been remembered, you know, seems to be with a sense of quiet respect for his work and his life. His wife, Jean Smart, has, as a matter of fact, been the most public voice in sharing thoughts about his passing. Her comments, made in a profile, offered a personal glimpse into the impact his sudden departure had on her and, by extension, on those who knew him well. This kind of personal reflection, in some respects, often carries the most weight when someone passes away.

His death, while unexpected, was, you see, noted by those in the industry and by fans who appreciated his performances. The fact that he was a veteran actor, someone with a long list of credits, means that his work spoke for itself over many years. There wasn't, perhaps, a need for grand pronouncements, as his contributions were already well-established. It's almost as if his body of work stands as its own tribute, a lasting record of his time as a performer. He truly did leave a collection of memorable performances.

The memory of Richard Gilliland, in a way, lives on through the many shows and films he was a part of. For those who watched him, his presence on screen will, apparently, continue to be a reminder of his talent and dedication. It's a testament, too, to the enduring nature of recorded performances, allowing future generations to discover his work. His life, in short, was one dedicated to acting and to his family, and that is, you know, how many will continue to hold him in their thoughts.