Celebrity News March 25, 2021
Actor Richard Gilliland Dead at 71
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Richard Gilliland, who appeared on “Designing Women,” has died. He was 71.
Gilliland, who was married to actress Jean Smart, passed away March 18 in L.A. after a brief illness, The Wrap reports.
He played Annie Potts’ boyfriend on “Designing Women,” but Gilliland met his wife Jean while working on the show. They wed in 1987.
They went on to work together in the TV movies “Just My Imagination” (1992) and “Audrey’s Rain” (2003), as well as on the stage in “It Had to Be You” and “Love Letters.”
Fans might also know Richard from his many other acting credits, including “McMillan & Wife” (1976-1977), “Airplane II: The Sequel” (1982), “Thirtysomething” (1989-1990), “Dexter” (2009), “Desperate Housewives” (2010), and “Scandal” (2012).
He is survived by Jean and their two children, Connor and Bonnie (“Ani”).
Annie Potts remembered Richard on Instagram, writing, “Sweet Richard. You are missed already. Please say hello to Dixie and Hal, Meschach and Alice. Table read Monday. 😘😘 Love, Annie.”
