| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Connor Douglas Gilliland |
| Date of Birth | October 25, 1989 |
| Age | 35 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Gender | Male |
| Profession | Undisclosed (Non-entertainment industry) |
| Net Worth | Unknown (Parents’ estate estimated $10M+) |
| Marital Status | Single (Publicly unknown) |
| Parents | Jean Smart (Mother), Richard Gilliland (Father) |
| Siblings | Forrest Gilliland (Adopted brother), Bonnie Kathleen Gilliland (Adopted sister) |
| Education | Private education (Details undisclosed) |
| Height | Approx. 5’9” |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Hometown | Los Angeles, CA |
Connor Douglas Gilliland is the eldest son of celebrated Hollywood actors Jean Smart and the late Richard Gilliland.
Born into television royalty on October 25, 1989, Connor arrived just two years after his parents met on the set of the hit sitcom Designing Women. Despite his pedigree, Connor has taken a path distinctly different from his famous parents.
While many children of Hollywood stars gravitate toward the spotlight, Connor has deliberately cultivated a private life.
He does not maintain public social media accounts, rarely walks red carpets, and has kept his professional endeavors out of the public eye.
He is perhaps best known today as a pillar of support for his mother and younger siblings following the unexpected passing of his father in 2021.
Early Life
Connor’s birth was a celebrated event in the entertainment world. Jean Smart’s pregnancy was written into the storyline of Designing Women, blending fiction with reality.
However, the pregnancy was not without complications; Jean managed gestational diabetes throughout the term, a challenge she navigated while maintaining a demanding shooting schedule.
A “Serious” Child
Jean Smart has often described Connor as an observant and serious child. In interviews, she recalled bringing him to the set as a toddler.
Remarkably, at just two years old, he understood the mechanics of filming. When the buzzer sounded to signal rolling cameras.
Connor would sit in a director’s chair and hush the people around him, displaying an innate respect for the craft even if he didn’t pursue it himself.
Family Dynamics and Siblings
The Role of Big Brother
For nearly two decades, Connor was an only child. This changed in 2009 when his parents adopted a baby boy from China, named Forrest (originally named Bonnie).
- A Significant Age Gap: There is a nearly 20-year age gap between Connor and his younger brother.
- Initial Hesitation: Jean Smart jokingly revealed that as a 20-year-old, Connor was initially “more excited about the trip to China than the baby.”
- A Deep Bond: Upon meeting his new sibling, Connor’s perspective shifted immediately. He reportedly told his mother, “I didn’t know I was going to feel this way,” marking the start of a protective and loving relationship.
Supporting the Family Through Tragedy
In March 2021, the Gilliland family suffered a devastating loss when Richard Gilliland died unexpectedly of a heart condition.
Connor stepped into a crucial role during this period. Jean Smart has publicly credited Connor for his immense support, revealing that he moved back into the family home to help care for her and his teenage brother, Forrest, during their grief.
Career and Personal Life
Unlike the “nepo baby” trend where celebrity children leverage their parents’ fame, Connor has opted for total anonymity regarding his career.
- No Acting Credits: There are no verified records of Connor working as an actor, director, or producer.
- Private Profession: His current occupation remains undisclosed, suggesting he works in a field unrelated to entertainment.
Financial Status
While Connor’s personal net worth is unknown, he comes from a background of financial security.
Jean Smart’s successful career, experiencing a massive resurgence with Hacks, has garnered an estimated net worth of over $10 million.
Connor’s financial stability is likely secured through family trusts and inheritance, allowing him the freedom to pursue a private life without financial public scrutiny.
Final Thought
Connor Douglas Gilliland stands as a rare figure in modern Hollywood: a man who could have had fame but chose privacy.
He is defined not by headlines or roles, but by his loyalty to his family. From a “serious” toddler on the set of Designing Women to a supportive son helping his mother navigate widowhood, Connor’s legacy is one of quiet strength.
He proves that in an era of oversharing, the most dignified choice is often to keep one’s life beautifully private.
Maya Collins is a writer at WorthAura.com with over 3 years of experience researching celebrity lifestyles and net worth facts. She enjoys sharing clear and trustworthy information about how famous athletes and sports stars earn and grow their money. Maya makes sure every article is accurate and easy to understand for readers.
