Photo: ABC Television / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Richard Gilliland was born in Fort Worth, Texas, United States on January 23, 1950. Richard Gilliland was a television actor, film actor and stage actor. Death is recorded on March 18, 2021, at the age of 71. Education on record includes Shawnee Mission South High School and DePaul University.
My Take
Richard Gilliland is the kind of actor I have deep respect for: the reliable supporting craftsman who makes everyone around him better. His JD Shackleford on Designing Women anchored a beloved ensemble for years, and that consistency across television, film, and stage speaks to genuine love of the work rather than chasing the spotlight. Trained at DePaul and rooted in Fort Worth, he had the unglamorous discipline that sustains a four-decade career. When he passed in 2021, the warmth he brought to the screen did not leave with him. Character actors like him are the quiet backbone of the industry.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Richard Gilliland
- Name (Japanese)
- リチャード・ギリランド
- Reading
- りちゃーど・ぎりらんど
- Born
- January 23, 1950 – March 18, 2021
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Aquarius / Tiger
- Origin
- Fort Worth, Texas, United States
- Occupation
- television actor / film actor / stage actor / actor
2. Background
- High school
- Shawnee Mission South High School
- University
- DePaul University
3. Links
- Wikipedia (English)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard%20Gilliland
- Wikidatahttps://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1900896
4. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-17
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Richard Gilliland born?
Born January 23, 1950.
When did Richard Gilliland die?
Died March 18, 2021, aged 71.
Where was Richard Gilliland from?
Richard Gilliland was from Fort Worth, Texas, United States.
What did Richard Gilliland do?
Richard Gilliland worked as television actor, film actor, stage actor, actor.
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