Richard Gilliland, who had a recurring role on the ‘80s sitcom “Designing Women,” has died. He was 71.
Gilliland passed away on March 18th after a brief illness, his publicist said, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
On “Designing Women,” he played J.D. Shackleford, the boyfriend of Annie Potts’ character Mary Jo Shively. While filming the CBS series, Gilliland began a relationship with co-star Jean Smart, who portrayed Charlene Frazier-Stillfield. The pair married in 1987.
Gilliland and Smart went on to have two children and would later share the screen again during the fifth season of the Fox series "24" in 2006.
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Gilliland attended Goodman School of Drama in Chicago. After moving to Los Angeles, he got parts in several '70s series including "McMillan & Wife" and "Operation Petticoat."
A veteran character actor, he would go on to have recurring roles on "The Waltons," "Matlock," "thirtysomething," "Party of Five," and "Desperate Housewives."
Other television credits include "Criminal Minds," "Dexter," "Scandal," "Crossing Jordan," and "The Practice."
Movie roles include parts in the 1975 film "Bug" and "Airplane II: The Sequel" in 1982.
Gilliland was set to work alongside Smart again in a new film directed by Tate Taylor.
Gilliland is survived by his wife, Jean, his two children, Connor and Bonnie, and two sisters and a brother.
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