Updated: September 15, 2026
Jean Smart is one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses, known for her Emmy-winning work on Hacks and a career spanning decades. Beyond the red carpets and awards, she is a devoted mother to two sons, Connor and Forrest Gilliland. Fans often search for details about Jean Smart’s kids, especially given the nearly 20-year age gap between them and the quiet way the family keeps private matters out of the spotlight.
Here’s a clear, up-to-date look at her children based on publicly shared information.
Table of Contents
Who Are Jean Smart’s Kids?
Jean Smart and her late husband, actor Richard Gilliland (who passed away in 2021), share two sons. Connor is their biological child, while Forrest joined the family through adoption from China. Detail Connor Gilliland Forrest Gilliland Birth / Arrival Year October 1989 Adopted May 2009 (born mid-2008) Approximate Age (2026) 36–37 17–18 Relationship Biological son Adopted son Public Profile Very private Occasional public appearances Notable Interest Prefers privacy Has shown interest in acting
The big age difference has shaped a unique sibling dynamic, with Connor already an adult when Forrest arrived as a toddler.
Connor Gilliland – The Quiet Older Brother
Connor has largely stayed out of the public eye. He is not active on social media and rarely appears in interviews or red-carpet photos with his mother. Jean has described him as a serious child from a young age who quickly understood the rhythms of film sets when he visited as a toddler.
After Richard Gilliland’s death, Connor stepped up to support the family. Jean has spoken warmly about how he moved in to help with daily life and emotional support, especially while she continued working. In interviews she has called both sons caring and protective, noting that Connor’s presence made the transition to single parenthood more manageable.
Forrest Gilliland – The Younger Son with Creative Spark
Forrest was adopted from China when he was about 18 months old. The process took longer than expected, but Jean has repeatedly said the moment they held him was pure joy. She has called him an “amazing person” and has shared that the whole family, including Connor, fell in love with him instantly.
Forrest has appeared with his mother at events, including the Emmys, and has expressed pride in her achievements. In recent years he has shown interest in acting. Jean has mentioned bringing him along for special moments and has been open about the challenges of raising a teenager while managing a high-profile career and her own health.
Jean Smart as a Mother: Real Talk on Family Life
Raising two sons with such an age gap, then navigating widowhood, has not been easy. Jean has been honest about the difficulties of single parenthood, especially after losing her husband of more than 30 years. She has credited her boys with looking after her and has spoken about prioritizing her health (including a heart procedure in recent years) so she can stay present for them.
Key points from her public comments over the years:
- Both sons have been a steady source of support.
- The family values privacy while still sharing genuine affection.
- Jean continues to balance a demanding career with being present as a parent.
- Forrest’s arrival later in life brought unexpected joy and a second chapter of motherhood.
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Conclusion
Jean Smart’s kids, Connor and Forrest Gilliland, represent two different stages of her life as a mother—one rooted in the early years of her marriage and the other in a later decision to expand the family through adoption. Connor remains private and supportive, while Forrest is growing into his own interests, including possible acting pursuits. Together they form a close, resilient unit that Jean often credits as her anchor. As of 2026, the family continues to navigate life with the same quiet strength that has defined them for years.