Updated: September 15, 2026
Jean Smart has built one of the most impressive late-career runs in television, but off-screen she is first and foremost a devoted mother. The Emmy-winning star of Hacks shares two sons with her late husband, actor Richard Gilliland. Their family story is warm, resilient, and refreshingly private by Hollywood standards.
Here’s everything known about Jean Smart children as of 2026.
Table of Contents
Who Are Jean Smart’s Children?
Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland married in 1987 after meeting on the set of Designing Women. They welcomed their first son a couple of years later and expanded their family through adoption nearly two decades after that. The age gap between the brothers is almost 20 years, something Smart has spoken about with affection and honesty. Son Birth / Adoption Details Approximate Age in 2026 Notes Connor Gilliland Born October 1989 (biological) 36–37 years Private life, supportive of family Forrest Gilliland Adopted May 2009 from China (born ~2008) 17–18 years Interest in acting, often appears with mom
Connor Gilliland: The Private Older Son
Connor is Jean Smart’s first child. Born in October 1989, he has largely stayed out of the spotlight. Smart has described him as a serious child even when surrounded by the laughter of television sets. He grew up watching both parents work and once, as a toddler, already understood the meaning of the word “action” on set.
After Richard Gilliland’s sudden death in 2021, Connor stepped up in a big way. Smart has said her older son moved back home for a period to help care for her and his younger brother. She has publicly thanked both sons for taking good care of her during that difficult time. Connor continues to keep a low profile and is not active on social media.
Forrest Gilliland: The Adopted Younger Son
In May 2009, Jean and Richard adopted Forrest from China. The process took longer than expected, and by the time the adoption was finalized Connor was already 20. Smart has recalled how quickly the whole family fell in love once Forrest arrived. She has called him “an amazing person” and spoken about the pure joy of that moment.
Forrest has shown interest in performing. He has attended major awards shows with his mother, including the Emmys, and has been involved in school theater productions. Smart has expressed pride in both sons and often brings them up when talking about the support system that keeps her grounded.
Family Life After Loss and Jean’s Parenting Approach
Losing Richard in 2021 was a profound shock. Smart has described single motherhood with a still-young child as “unimaginable” and one of the hardest things she has faced. Yet she continues to balance a demanding career with raising Forrest and staying close to Connor.
A few things stand out about how she approaches family:
- She prioritizes privacy for her children while still sharing genuine moments of pride.
- She has been open about the challenges of the large age gap and the unexpected path of adoption.
- Both sons have been present at key career milestones, showing a tight family bond.
- Smart frequently credits her children as a major source of strength and joy.
Her story resonates with many parents who navigate unexpected life changes while trying to keep family first.
Conclusion
Jean Smart’s children, Connor and Forrest Gilliland, represent the quieter, deeply personal side of a woman celebrated for her sharp comedic timing and dramatic range. One son chose privacy, the other is beginning to explore the creative world his parents inhabited. Together they form a resilient family that has supported Smart through both career highs and profound personal loss. As of 2026, she continues to speak of them with clear love and gratitude.
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