Richard Gilliland - A Life On Screen Remembered
It was, you know, with a heavy heart that many of us learned about the passing of a familiar face from our screens, a performer who had graced television shows and films for quite some time. Richard Gilliland, a seasoned actor whose presence was always a welcome sight, concluded his life at the age of 71. His departure, which happened just recently, marked the end of a career that brought him into many homes and left a quiet impression on those who watched his work.
This news, it seems, was shared through various channels, with reports indicating his life ended following a brief period of illness. For those who followed the lives of people working in entertainment, this was a moment of quiet reflection, especially given his personal connection to another well-known figure. He was, in a way, a part of the fabric of the acting community for a very long time, and his contributions were certainly felt by those who admired his craft.
His passing, which occurred in Los Angeles, brought forth remembrances of his time in front of the camera, highlighting a career that spanned several decades. People who knew his work, or perhaps simply recognized his face, might remember him from various popular programs and cinematic creations. It was, after all, a life dedicated to performing, and that, in some respects, is quite a remarkable thing to consider for someone who gives so much of themselves to their chosen profession.
Table of Contents
- Who Was Richard Gilliland - A Biographical Sketch
- What Personal Details Do We Know About Richard Gilliland?
- When Did Richard Gilliland Leave Us?
- Where Did Richard Gilliland Spend His Final Moments?
- What Were Some Notable Works of Richard Gilliland?
- How Did The News of Richard Gilliland's Passing Emerge?
- Richard Gilliland - A Life Connected to Jean Smart
- What Was The Cause of Richard Gilliland's Passing?
Who Was Richard Gilliland - A Biographical Sketch
Richard Gilliland, a performer who dedicated many years to his craft, was born on January 23, 1950. His place of birth was Fort Worth, a city in the state of Texas, in the United States of America. He was, you know, a person who came into the world in the middle of the last century, and from that point, his path eventually led him to the stage and screen. His journey in the acting world spanned more than four decades, which is quite a considerable length of time for anyone to spend doing one thing. During these years, he managed to make a distinct impression on the different areas of entertainment where he worked. This includes his contributions to television programs, motion pictures, and also live stage productions. He was, in a way, someone who was always working, always putting his abilities on display for audiences to appreciate. His work, it seems, touched a lot of different projects over the years, showing his versatility and his willingness to take on various kinds of roles. He was, essentially, a professional who kept busy and contributed to many well-known productions, leaving behind a body of work that people can still look back on and remember him for. This includes, of course, his part in "Designing Women," a show for which he became quite well-known, as a matter of fact, to many viewers.
What Personal Details Do We Know About Richard Gilliland?
When we think about the people who entertain us, it's natural to wonder a little about their personal lives, too. For Richard Gilliland, a few key pieces of information stand out, giving us a slightly fuller picture of the person behind the roles. He was, in fact, a man who built a life that included a long-lasting partnership with another well-known individual from the acting community. This connection, as we will see, was a significant part of his story. His life began in a specific place and time, and his career, as mentioned, spanned a good portion of his adult years. These details, though simple, help us to understand the timeline of his existence and the context of his work. It’s a way, you know, of putting a human face to the name we hear and the performances we've seen. So, here are some of those personal facts, presented in a way that gives a quick look at some of the basic information about him, offering a glimpse into the individual behind the public persona.
| Full Name | Richard Gilliland |
| Date of Birth | January 23, 1950 |
| Place of Birth | Fort Worth, Texas, USA |
| Date of Passing | March 18, 2021 |
| Age at Passing | 71 years old |
| Spouse | Jean Smart |
| Years of Marriage | Nearly 34 years |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Known For | "Designing Women," "Airplane II: The Sequel," "CBS Summer Playhouse," "24," "Desperate Housewives" |
When Did Richard Gilliland Leave Us?
The time of Richard Gilliland's passing has been noted in several reports, providing a specific date for when this performer's life concluded. It was, you know, on March 18, 2021, that he passed away. This date, which is quite precise, marks the moment when the acting world and his loved ones said their goodbyes. The news of his departure came out shortly after this date, letting people know about the loss. So, that particular day in March was when his life on earth came to an end. It's a detail that helps us place the event in time, giving a clear reference point for those who might be looking for this information. His age at the time, 71 years, also helps to paint a picture of a life that had seen many seasons and experiences, a life that spanned a good number of decades, as a matter of fact, before its conclusion. The reports were pretty consistent on this timing, making it a clear point of fact regarding his passing.
Where Did Richard Gilliland Spend His Final Moments?
The place where Richard Gilliland passed away was Los Angeles, California. This city, as many know, is a central hub for the entertainment business, a place where many performers live and work. So, it's perhaps not surprising that his life concluded there. Reports from various sources, including Entertainment Online, confirmed that his passing happened in Los Angeles. This detail gives us a geographical reference point for the event, grounding the news in a specific location. He had, you know, lived and worked in that area for a significant part of his career, so it was, in a way, his home base. The city of Los Angeles, with its connection to so many figures in film and television, was the setting for the end of his journey. It was, basically, where he had built much of his life and professional endeavors, so his final moments occurring there feels, in some respects, quite fitting for someone who dedicated his life to the performing arts in that region.
What Were Some Notable Works of Richard Gilliland?
Richard Gilliland, as a performer, appeared in a variety of projects over his many years in the business. He was, in fact, recognized for his work in several popular television shows and films. One of the most prominent roles that many people remember him for was on the television program "Designing Women." This show, which was quite popular, gave him a chance to display his abilities to a wide audience. Beyond that, his acting credits included a part in the movie "Airplane II: The Sequel," which came out in 1982. He also made appearances in "CBS Summer Playhouse" in 1987. His career wasn't limited to just these; he also had roles in other well-known television series such as "24" and "Desperate Housewives." These are just a few examples, you know, of the many different productions he contributed to. His presence in these shows and films meant that he was a familiar face to many viewers over the years, demonstrating his steady work and his ability to fit into different kinds of stories. He was, really, a character performer who brought something special to each part he took on, leaving a mark on the various productions he was a part of.
How Did The News of Richard Gilliland's Passing Emerge?
The information about Richard Gilliland's passing came to light through various channels, reaching the public in a gradual manner. Reports from sources like People magazine confirmed his departure. They stated that he passed away last week, referring to the week the news broke, at the age of 71. This information was shared, you know, following a brief period of illness, and was communicated to the public through a press release. Entertainment Online also reported on his passing, noting that he died on March 18, 2021, in Los Angeles, after an unspecified short illness. Jean Smart, his spouse, also spoke about his passing in a profile by The New Yorker, revealing that she was still working on a show when her husband of nearly 34 years passed suddenly. So, the news, it seems, spread through these different outlets, each confirming the sad event and providing a few more details about the circumstances. It was, basically, a quiet announcement that brought a sense of loss to those who followed his career and admired his work, letting people know about the conclusion of his life after a brief health challenge.
Richard Gilliland - A Life Connected to Jean Smart
A very significant part of Richard Gilliland's personal story was his long-standing connection to actress Jean Smart. These two performers were, in fact, wed for a considerable period of time, a partnership that lasted for nearly 34 years. This is, you know, quite a remarkable length for any marriage, especially within the world of entertainment, where relationships can sometimes be quite brief. Their bond was, it seems, a strong one, enduring for more than three decades. Jean Smart herself spoke about his passing in a recent profile, sharing how his departure affected her while she was still involved in her professional commitments. The fact that they were together for so long really highlights a deep personal connection that went beyond their individual acting careers. He was, basically, her husband for a very, very long time, and that relationship was clearly a central part of both their lives. Their story together is, in some respects, a testament to a lasting partnership, showing a steadfastness that is quite admirable. This connection to Jean Smart is, you know, a key piece of information when we think about Richard Gilliland's life, as it shows a profound personal bond that lasted for a significant portion of his adult years, making their shared journey a notable aspect of his personal history.
What Was The Cause of Richard Gilliland's Passing?
The information available regarding the cause of Richard Gilliland's passing points to a health issue that was, you know, quite sudden. Reports indicate that he passed away unexpectedly due to a heart condition. This occurred on March 18, 2021, when he was 71 years old. Other accounts also mention that his death followed a brief illness, though the specific nature of this illness was not always detailed. For instance, a press release mentioned a brief illness, and Entertainment Online also noted an unspecified brief illness. Jean Smart, his wife, mentioned in a profile that he died suddenly. So, while the exact medical details are not fully laid out for the public, the general understanding is that his passing was the result of a heart condition that came on rather quickly. It was, essentially, a health challenge that led to his unexpected departure at the age of 71. This piece of information helps to clarify the circumstances surrounding his death, giving a general idea of what happened without going into overly specific medical terms. It was, basically, a sudden health event that led to the conclusion of his life, a sad development for those who knew him and his work.
The information presented here has focused on recounting the details surrounding the life and passing of Richard Gilliland. We covered his birth in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1950, and his passing in Los Angeles on March 18, 2021, at the age of 71. The article touched upon his career as an actor, noting his roles in productions like "Designing Women," "Airplane II: The Sequel," "24," and "Desperate Housewives." We also looked at his long marriage to actress Jean Smart, which spanned nearly 34 years. The reports regarding his passing, stemming from a brief illness and a heart condition, were also discussed. This account provides a factual overview of his personal and professional journey, as gathered from the available information.
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