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Richard Gilliland, the actor best known for playing J.D. Shackelford on Designing Women, died in Los Angeles on March 18, 2021. He was 71. Gilliland was married to actress Jean Smart; they met on the series and married in 1987.
When did Richard Gilliland die?
Gilliland died on March 18, 2021, in Los Angeles, at age 71, according to the Television Academy and contemporaneous coverage by Entertainment Tonight.
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What was reported about his cause of death?
TheWrap reported that Gilliland died following a brief illness, citing his publicist. HistoryLink later reported that he died of a heart condition. The accounts differ in specificity: the heart-condition description is HistoryLink’s account, rather than a cause established here by an official medical record or direct family statement.
Who was Richard Gilliland?
Gilliland was an American character actor whose best-known role, according to the Television Academy’s biographical profile, was J.D. Shackelford on Designing Women. His character was the boyfriend of Mary Jo Shively, played by Annie Potts.
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A career beyond Designing Women
Gilliland worked across television and film. The Television Academy lists recurring roles in The Waltons, Thirtysomething, Party of Five, Dark Skies and Imposters, alongside numerous guest appearances. His film credits included Airplane II: The Sequel and Stay Hungry.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How did Richard Gilliland meet Jean Smart?
Gilliland and Smart met while working on Designing Women and married in 1987, as reported by Entertainment Tonight and HistoryLink. They were married for nearly 34 years. TheWrap also reported that they appeared together in 24 and in stage productions.
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