Net Worth Ranker
What Is Richard Gilliland’s Net Worth?
Richard Gilliland, a seasoned American character actor, accumulated a net worth of $12 million by the time of his passing in March 2021. This figure represents the combined net worth he shared with his wife, actress Jean Smart, from 2017 until his death.
Richard Gilliland’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on January 23, 1950, in Fort Worth, Texas, Richard Gilliland’s early life laid the foundation for his prolific acting career. While specific details about his childhood home or early schooling in Fort Worth remain undocumented in publicly available sources, his passion for acting led him to pursue theater studies at the Goodman School of Drama in Chicago. The Goodman School of Drama, now part of DePaul University, provided Gilliland with the formal training that would shape his acting abilities and prepare him for a career spanning over four decades.
Richard Gilliland’s Television Career and “Designing Women”
Gilliland’s entry into television began in the 1970s with appearances in various shows. However, his breakthrough role came with his recurring part as J.D. Shackelford in the television series “Designing Women” (1986-1992). Although his salary per episode or for the entire duration of his role in “Designing Women” isn’t publicly available, this role was pivotal as it led to his meeting actress Jean Smart on set. They married in 1987 and remained together until his death in 2021. The success of “Designing Women,” which ran for seven seasons, undoubtedly contributed to Gilliland’s visibility and subsequent opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Throughout his career, Gilliland demonstrated versatility, appearing in numerous popular television series. His credits included roles in “Operation Petticoat,” “McMillan & Wife,” “The Waltons,” “Thirtysomething,” “Party of Five,” and “Dexter.” The specific earnings from each of these roles are not publicly disclosed. However, guest appearances and recurring roles in such well-known shows would have contributed to his income over the years. He showed particular skill in both dramatic and comedic roles, often playing characters that ranged from authoritative figures to endearing supporting roles.
Richard Gilliland’s Theater Work and Collaborations
Beyond television, Gilliland maintained strong connections to theater, performing in various stage productions throughout his career. Specific theaters where he performed or the names of particular plays are not readily available in public sources. He and his wife Jean Smart occasionally worked together, including appearing in various stage productions and television projects. One notable collaboration was on season five of “24.” The financial specifics of these collaborations, such as salaries or royalties, are not publicly documented.
Richard Gilliland’s Later Career and Final Years
He continued working consistently through the 2000s and 2010s, taking on guest roles in shows like “Crossing Jordan,” “24,” and “Criminal Minds.” The precise compensation he received for these guest appearances is not publicly available. However, consistent work in the industry allowed him to maintain a steady income stream, contributing to his overall net worth.
Richard Gilliland’s Personal Life and Real Estate
Richard and Jean Smart were married from 1987 until his death in 2021. They met while working on “Designing Women,” where he played the boyfriend of Annie Pott’s character. They also worked together decades later on season five of “24.” They have two sons. They welcomed their first son in 1989 and adopted a second son in 2009.
In 2002, Jean and Richard paid $1.525 million for a home in Encino, California. She continues to own this home as of this writing. The home’s estimated value is $4 million. This Encino property, acquired for $1.525 million, represents a significant real estate investment that appreciated in value over the years, adding to their combined net worth. The estimated value of $4 million indicates a considerable increase in the property’s worth since its purchase. In December 2022, Jean paid $5.25 million for a home in Toluca Lake, California. Just under a decade earlier, the home was owned by George Lopez and his then-wife Ann. Ann received the property in 2011 as part of their divorce and sold it to Jean. This Toluca Lake property was not co-owned with Richard Gilliland as it was purchased after his death.
Richard Gilliland’s Net Worth Considerations
It’s important to note that the $12 million figure represents the combined net worth shared with Jean Smart. This means that the assets and income of both individuals were considered together when calculating this value. Factors contributing to their combined net worth would include salaries from acting roles, real estate holdings, potential investments, and other assets acquired throughout their careers. While the exact breakdown of individual contributions to the $12 million is not publicly available, it provides a comprehensive view of their financial standing as a couple.
Summary of Key Financial Elements
Richard Gilliland’s net worth of $12 million at the time of his death reflects a combination of factors accumulated over a long and successful career: Acting Salaries from Television and Theater: His consistent work in television series such as “Designing Women,” “Dexter,” and “24,” along with theater roles, contributed to his income over the years. Real Estate Investments: The purchase and appreciation of their home in Encino, California, represented a significant asset. Combined Income with Jean Smart: As a married couple, their combined income and assets contributed to their overall net worth. While specific details about investment portfolios, royalties, or other income sources are not available, these elements likely played a role in building their financial security.
