Connor Douglas Gilliland: The Private Life, Family Legacy & Untold Story of Jean Smart’s Son

In recent years, growing curiosity has surrounded the name Connor Douglas Gilliland, the eldest son of Emmy-winning actress Jean Smart and the late actor Richard Gilliland. Although Connor was born into a Hollywood household filled with creativity, cameras, and celebrity attention, he has chosen a drastically different path—one built entirely on privacy, quiet living, and strong family values. As Jean Smart experiences a major career renaissance through her award-winning performance in Hacks, fans naturally begin searching for details about her family, especially her children. This renewed spotlight has led to a sharp rise in Google searches such as “Who is Connor Gilliland?” and “Jean Smart son Connor.”

What makes Connor so fascinating is the contrast between the fame surrounding his parents and his decision to stay out of the public eye. People want to know his age, what he looks like today, why he never pursued acting, and what he does for a living. With very limited public appearances, no interviews, and a nearly invisible online footprint, Connor represents a rare Hollywood figure—someone born into a famous family who still manages to live life on his own terms. This article provides a complete, detailed, easy-to-read biography of Connor Douglas Gilliland, covering his early life, family background, personality, education, current lifestyle, and everything fans want to understand about him.

Profile Bio: Connor Douglas Gilliland

Personal Detail	Information
Full Name	Connor Douglas Gilliland
Date of Birth	October 25, 1989
Age (2025)	35 years old
Birthplace	Los Angeles, California, USA
Nationality	American
Zodiac Sign	Scorpio
Parents	Jean Smart & Richard Gilliland
Siblings	Forrest Gilliland (younger brother)
Height	~5’9” (175 cm)
Weight	~74 kg
Eye Color	Blue
Hair Color	Black
Known For	Being the private son of actress Jean Smart
Net Worth	Not publicly known
Residence (2025)	San Clemente, California
Profession	Private / undisclosed

Who Is Connor Douglas Gilliland?

Connor Douglas Gilliland is the firstborn son of acclaimed actress Jean Smart and actor Richard Gilliland. He was born on October 25, 1989, in Los Angeles, California, and raised in an environment deeply connected to the entertainment industry. Yet, despite growing up on movie and TV sets, Connor consciously stepped away from pursuing a life in front of the camera. He rarely appears in public, avoids the spotlight, and maintains a quiet, low-key presence that reflects his personality.

Many Hollywood children follow their parents’ footsteps into acting, modeling, or the influencer world, but Connor stands out because he simply chose a private life. He values independence, family support, and personal space more than public attention. This sense of maturity became even more evident after his father, Richard Gilliland, passed away in 2021. During that heartbreaking time, Jean Smart revealed in interviews that her sons were her strongest support system, highlighting the important emotional role Connor plays in the family. His quiet strength and protective nature make him an essential figure not just in his mother’s life, but also in the entire Gilliland household.

How Old Is Connor Douglas Gilliland?

Connor was born on October 25, 1989, which makes him 35 years old as of 2025. His birthdate places him under the zodiac sign Scorpio, known for personality traits such as intensity, loyalty, depth, independence, and emotional intelligence—qualities that remarkably align with how people describe him. Scorpios are also known for valuing privacy, which is consistent with Connor’s lifestyle and low-profile nature.

The search phrase “Connor Gilliland age” frequently trends online because fans expect children of celebrities to grow up publicly, but Connor has done the opposite. With few public appearances, limited photos, and no official social media presence, people naturally want to confirm his age and how he looks today. Media outlets sometimes mix him up with other individuals sharing similar names, causing confusion. But officially, Connor is 35 years old and remains one of Hollywood’s most private celebrity children.

Early Life & Childhood — Growing Up With Two Famous Parents

Growing up in Los Angeles as the child of well-known actors meant that Connor’s early years were full of unique experiences. He often spent time on film and television sets where his parents worked, absorbing the atmosphere of scripts, costumes, and production. Jean Smart has shared light-hearted stories about Connor wandering into the makeup trailer as a toddler, curiously examining brushes and powders, charming everyone around.

Despite these glamorous surroundings, Jean and Richard worked extremely hard to ensure that their son had a normal childhood. Their household was grounded, routine-oriented, and centered around family values rather than fame. Dinner time, schoolwork, and regular hobbies mattered just as much as their Hollywood careers. Unlike many celebrity kids who become accustomed to red carpets and public events, Connor experienced Hollywood from a distance while still being deeply connected to it. This balance shaped him into someone mature, observant, and grounded—qualities that have stayed with him throughout adulthood.

Family Background — Parents, Siblings & Hollywood Legacy

Jean Smart — His Mother’s Career & Influence

Jean Smart is one of the most respected actresses in Hollywood, with six Primetime Emmy Awards to her name. From Designing Women to Frasier, Watchmen, 24, and Hacks, her career spans decades and genres. Despite her demanding schedule, Jean always prioritized motherhood. She intentionally shielded her children from paparazzi and public pressure, encouraging them to grow at their own pace. Her dedication to maintaining privacy in a very public industry had a profound impact on Connor’s personality and values.

Richard Gilliland — His Father’s Career & Legacy

Richard Gilliland enjoyed a long, successful acting career with roles in Thirtysomething, The Waltons, Designing Women, and Desperate Housewives. He met Jean Smart on the set of Designing Women, and the two formed one of Hollywood’s strongest and most admired marriages. His sudden death in 2021 deeply affected the family, and Connor stepped into a supportive role, helping his mother navigate grief and change. Richard’s warmth, creativity, and dedication influence Connor’s character even today.

His Sibling — Forrest Gilliland

Connor has one sibling, Forrest Gilliland, who was adopted from China in 2009 when Connor was already 20 years old. Their large age gap created a unique dynamic, with Connor naturally stepping into a mentor-like role. Forrest, formerly known as Bonnie Kathleen, later embraced his identity as a transgender boy. Throughout this journey, Connor has been a steady, supportive big brother, emphasizing compassion, family loyalty, and understanding.

Growing Up on Hollywood Sets — Lessons, Experiences & Memories

Connor’s childhood was enriched with experiences most kids will never have—watching actors rehearse, observing directors command scenes, and listening to scripts being discussed behind the scenes. Instead of being dazzled by fame, he learned discipline, patience, storytelling, and respect for creative workers. He asked curious questions about characters, motivations, and narrative choices, not because he wanted to act, but because he found human stories fascinating. These early lessons shaped his analytical, thoughtful personality and gave him a deep appreciation for the entertainment world, even though he chose not to be part of it professionally.

Education & Personal Development — Schools, Interests & Personality

Connor attended private schools in Los Angeles where his parents ensured he was treated like any other student, not a celebrity child. His teachers described him as smart, articulate, and observant. He gravitated toward subjects such as literature, history, and social sciences and participated in extracurricular activities like writing, debate team, and Model UN.

For college, Connor chose to study away from Hollywood, opting for a life that let him build his identity outside his parents’ fame. While the exact university is kept private, he is believed to have pursued fields related to humanities, writing, or communication. His mature outlook, combined with his early exposure to storytelling, shaped him into someone introspective and grounded.

Professional Life — What Does Connor Douglas Gilliland Do for a Living?

One of the biggest mysteries about Connor is his professional life. Unlike most celebrity children who enter acting, modeling, or entertainment, Connor keeps his career entirely private. There is no public record of him joining Hollywood, and he has never used his parents’ fame to build a following.

Industry insiders speculate that he may work in writing, production, content development, or media consulting—fields that align with his analytical and creative upbringing. Others believe he might work outside entertainment completely. Regardless of the career path he has chosen, Connor’s quiet approach shows he values personal fulfillment and independence over fame.

Life After His Father’s Death — A Turning Point for Connor

The passing of Richard Gilliland in 2021 was a major turning point in the family’s life. Jean Smart publicly shared how emotionally challenging the loss was and how her sons stepped up to support her. Connor moved closer to help take care of his mother and younger brother during their grieving period. His steady presence, maturity, and compassion demonstrated the depth of his character. This time highlighted how deeply family-oriented Connor truly is.

Public Appearances — Rare Moments Fans Have Seen Him

Although Connor avoids publicity, he has been seen at a handful of significant events, including:

• Jean Smart’s Emmy Award win for Hacks in 2021

• Critics Choice Awards

• Occasional red carpet appearances supporting his mother

In these moments, fans noticed his calm, respectful demeanor and protective presence toward Jean. These glimpses of his personality make people even more curious about who he is.

Social Media Presence — How Private Is Connor Really?

Unlike many celebrity offspring, Connor does not maintain a public social media presence. His Instagram account is reportedly private, followed only by a close circle of friends and family. He posts selectively and avoids public interactions, preferring to keep his personal life offline. His approach reflects a conscious decision to maintain digital boundaries and protect his younger brother Forrest’s privacy as well.

Physical Appearance — Height, Weight, Hair, Eyes

Connor has a distinctive appearance, including:

• Height: Approximately 5’9” (175 cm)

• Weight: About 74 kg

• Hair: Black

• Eyes: Blue

Many fans note that Connor strongly resembles his father, Richard Gilliland, especially in facial structure and eye shape.

Net Worth — Rumors, Reality & What We Actually Know

There is no confirmed or public information about Connor’s net worth, mainly due to his private life and unknown career field. While he undoubtedly grew up in a financially comfortable household, Connor has always valued independence. Jean Smart is estimated to have a $10 million net worth, but Connor does not rely on public fame or brand deals to make a living. His lifestyle suggests stability and simplicity rather than luxury.

Personality & Interests — A Look at the Man Behind the Mystery

Connor is described as quiet, thoughtful, and analytical. He prefers meaningful conversations and family time over public attention. His personality reflects a blend of artistic influence from his parents and personal introspection. He is believed to enjoy photography, travel, coastal living, sailing, and outdoor activities—simple pleasures that align with his low-key lifestyle.

Where Is Connor Douglas Gilliland Now?

As of 2025, Connor lives in San Clemente, California, a peaceful coastal city far removed from Hollywood glamour. He enjoys a quiet life and continues to support Jean Smart and Forrest. His choice to remain away from the spotlight reflects his grounded personality and preference for authentic living.

Will Connor Ever Enter Showbiz?

While Connor has the background, talent, and family connections to succeed in Hollywood, he has shown no interest in acting or public entertainment. If he ever joins the industry, it would likely be behind the scenes—writing, producing, or consulting—aligning with his thoughtful and creative nature.

Why People Search for Connor Douglas Gilliland

The rise in interest comes from:

• Jean Smart’s renewed fame

• Curiosity about celebrity children

• His mysterious, private lifestyle

• Very few photos or public details

• Fan fascination with low-profile Hollywood families

When someone avoids the spotlight, people naturally want to know more.

Conclusion

In a world where fame often seems unavoidable for children of celebrities, Connor Douglas Gilliland stands as a refreshing exception. He represents quiet strength, family loyalty, and the courage to build a life based on personal values rather than public expectations. By choosing privacy, he honors his parents’ legacy in a meaningful way while crafting his own identity. His story shows that a life outside the spotlight can be just as powerful, inspiring, and authentic.

FAQs About Connor Douglas Gilliland

1. Who is Connor Douglas Gilliland?

Connor Douglas Gilliland is the son of award-winning actress Jean Smart and the late actor Richard Gilliland. He is known for living a very private life, staying away from Hollywood and public attention despite growing up around the entertainment industry.

2. How old is Connor Douglas Gilliland?

Connor Douglas Gilliland is 35 years old, born on October 25, 1989, in Los Angeles, California. His age is one of the most searched details about him because he avoids the spotlight.

3. What does Connor Douglas Gilliland do for a living?

Connor keeps his professional life private, and no confirmed public information exists about his career. Most reports suggest he works in a behind-the-scenes or creative field rather than acting like his parents.

4. Who are Connor Douglas Gilliland’s parents and siblings?

He is the son of Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland and the older brother of Forrest Gilliland, who was adopted from China in 2009. The family remains extremely close, especially after Richard’s passing in 2021.

5. Where is Connor Douglas Gilliland now?

Connor Douglas Gilliland currently lives a low-key life in San Clemente, California, focusing on family and maintaining his privacy. He occasionally appears at major events supporting his mother.