The son of renowned actor Jean Smart and actor Richard Gilliland, he grew up in the spotlight of Hollywood, though he’s carved his own path away from the limelight. His father, Richard Gilliland, passed away in Los Angeles on March 18, 2021, marking a deeply emotional moment for the family. Before any fame came his way, his parents actually met on the set of the beloved sitcom Designing Women—a fun bit of trivia that adds to the family’s rich entertainment legacy. As for siblings, he has a transgender brother named Forrest, who was adopted from East Asia, making their family story one rooted in love, diversity, and connection. Being the son of Jean Smart certainly shaped his upbringing, but it’s clear that family bonds and personal history mean just as much—if not more—to him.