RIP actor Richard Gilliand

Richard Gilliand, the actor who got his start at the Goodman School of Drama in Chicago playing Jesus in Godspell for a year opposite Joe Mantegna as Judas, passed away March 18 at the age of 71 after a brief illness.

The actor was married to actress Jean Smart, whom he met while guest starring on her hit TV show 'Designing Women' back in 1987. He and Smart starred together on stage in "Love Letters" as well as "It Had to Be You".

Aside from his stage work, Gilliand is known for his work as a character actor in such TV shows as 'MacMillian and Wife', 'Operation Petticoat', 'Desperate Housewives', 'Criminal Minds', 'Becker' and 'Dexter'.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/richard-gilliland-designing-women-actor-and-husband-of-jean-smart-dies-at-71

Updated On: 3/25/21 at 04:04 PM

He was a very handsome man in the 80s and 90s - especially on DW. I would've loved to have seen him with his wife in 'Love Letters'. Then again, I would love to see Jean Smart in anything on the Broadway stage !

Lot666 said: "I always thought it ironic that he married Jean Smart, but played Annie Potts' love interest on Designing Women."

Jean Smart and Richard Gilliand met on the set of Designing Women when he was cast as Annie Potts' love interest. Smart was attracted to Gilliand and asked Potts to find out if Gilliand's marital status. Once Smart found out that Gilliand was available and Gilliand was aware of Smart's interest in him they got to know each other and the rest is history.

I always felt Potts and Gilliand had great chemistry on that show. They were so great and cute together.

Annie Potts is another great actress I would love to see on the Broadway stage.