Richard Gilliland
Biography
Richard Morris Gilliland was an American television and movie actor born on January 23, 1950, in Fort Worth, Texas. He began appearing onscreen in the 1970s and accumulated numerous acting credits throughout his career. Among his notable television appearances were roles in Thirtysomething, Party of Five, Little Women, and a recurring role as JD Shackleford on Designing Women from 1986 to 1992. On that series, he met his wife, Jean Smart, who starred as Charlene. The couple had one son named Connor. Later in his career, he played Ellis Kapp on The Unit and Captain Stan Cotter on 24. Gilliland passed away on March 18, 2021, at the age of 71.
Career overview
Richard Morris Gilliland was an American television and movie actor born on January 23, 1950, in Fort Worth, Texas. He began appearing onscreen in the 1970s and built a career with numerous television and film credits. Among his notable television appearances are roles in Thirtysomething and Party of Five, as well as a recurring role as JD Shackleford on Designing Women from 1986 to 1992. On the set of Designing Women, he met his wife, Jean Smart, who starred in the series as Charlene. The couple had one son, Connor.
Later in his television career, Gilliland played the character Ellis Kapp on The Unit and Captain Stan Cotter on 24. His wife also appeared in season five of 24 as First Lady Martha Logan, and Gilliland appeared in the episode spanning from 2:00 am to 3:00 am. In addition to his television work, his filmography includes appearances in movies such as Little Women, Dexter, Under Suspicion, and The Designing Women Reunion. Outside of his professional career, he was best friends with actor Joe Mantegna.
Richard Gilliland passed away on March 18, 2021, at the age of 71.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
76 titles- Case 347 (2020) as Gustaf Berchum
- Imposters (2017) as Arlen Jonson
- Parts Per Billion (2014) as Anchor 1
- Call Me Crazy: A Five Film (2013) as Hugh
- Scandal (2012) as Barry
- Dexter (2006)
- The Unit (2006) as Ellis Kapp
- Torchwood (2006) as Congressman Morganthall
- The Powder Puff Principle (2006) as Andy
- Criminal Minds (2005) as Bob Orci
- Desperate Housewives (2004) as Dr. Avedon
- Joan of Arcadia (2003) as Mayor Albert Dunbar
- Audrey's Rain (2003) as Terry Lloyd
- The Designing Women Reunion (2003)
- Vampire Clan (2002) as Sgt. Ben Odom
- 24 (2001) as Stan Cotter
- Crossing Jordan (2001) as Charles Monroe
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000) as Mr. Steiner
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000) as Stan Brock / Charlene 'Living Doll'
- Judging Amy (1999) as Dr. Brent Reynolds
- Becker (1998) as Frank
- The Practice (1997) as Attorney Walter Myron
- Brooklyn South (1997) as Neil Jessop
- Star Kid (1997) as Roland Griffith
- Dog Watch (1997) as Orlanser
- Two Voices (1997) as Louis McClennon
- Early Edition (1996) as Fred Meanwell
- The Man Next Door (1996) as Moe
- Playing Dangerous 2 (1996) as Jack Harrison
- The West Side Waltz (1995) as Neil
- Touched by an Angel (1994) as Stan Miller
- Party of Five (1994) as Mr. Reeves
- Not in My Family (1993) as Tom Worth
- Batman: The Animated Series (1992) as Frank / Raven (voice)
- Just My Imagination (1992) as Carl Chester
- A Killing in a Small Town (1990) as Dale Morrison
- Heartland (1989) as Tom Stafford
- Police Story (1988)
- Jake and the Fatman (1987) as Elliot Edwards
- thirtysomething (1987) as Jeffrey Milgrom
- Happy Hour (1987) as Blakely
- Matlock (1986) as Jeffrey Spidell
- Matlock (1986) as Gil Stoddard
- Designing Women (1986) as J.D. Shackleford
- Acceptable Risks (1986) as David Kohler
- Challenge of a Lifetime (1985) as Will Brodsky
- Embassy (1985) as Ted Davidson
- Murder, She Wrote (1984) as Steve Landon
- Murder, She Wrote (1984) as Charles Weatherly
- Night Court (1984) as Brian Kapshaw
- Hunter (1984) as Ralph Ormond
- Just Our Luck (1983) as Keith Burrows
- St. Elsewhere (1982) as Tim Fitzsimmons
- Hotel (1982) as Joe
- Airplane II: The Sequel (1982) as Pervis
- A Day for Thanks on Waltons Mountain (1982) as Arlington 'Jonesy' Wescott Jones III
- Mother's Day on Waltons Mountain (1982) as Jonesy
- A Wedding on Waltons Mountain (1982) as Arlington Wescott 'Jonesy' Jones III
- The Night the Bridge Fell Down (1980) as Harvey Lewis
- Trapper John, M.D. (1979)
- Little Women (1978) as Theodore 'Laurie' Laurence
- The Love Boat (1977) as Ron
- The Love Boat (1977) as Wally Fontaine
- The Love Boat (1977) as Alvin Beale
- The Love Boat (1977) as Lyle Blatnick
- Operation Petticoat (1977) as Lt. Nick Holden
- The White Buffalo (1977) as Corporal Kileen
- Stay Hungry (1976) as Hal
- Bug (1975) as Gerald Metbaum
- Unwed Father (1974) as Jeff
- The Family Kovack (1974) as Lennie Kovack
- The Waltons (1972) as Arlington Wescott 'Jonesy' Jones
- The Streets of San Francisco (1972) as Canford
- McMillan & Wife (1971) as Sgt. Steve DiMaggio
- Marcus Welby, M.D. (1969) as Ronnie Morgan
- Medical Center (1969) as David Weldman
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Richard Gilliland best known for?
Richard Gilliland is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Scandal (2012), Dexter (2006), Married to the Mob (1988), Schindler's List (1993).
When and where was Richard Gilliland born?
Richard Gilliland was born on January 23, 1950 in Fort Worth, Texas, USA. They passed away on March 18, 2021.
How many credits does Richard Gilliland have?
Richard Gilliland has accumulated over 76 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1969 to 2020.
What is Richard Gilliland's background in cinema and television?
Richard Morris Gilliland was an American television and movie actor born on January 23, 1950, in Fort Worth, Texas. He began appearing onscreen in the 1970s and accumulated numerous acting credits throughout his career. Among his notable television appearances were roles in Thirtysomething, Party of Five, Little Women,...
Richard Gilliland by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Brooklyn South (1997) as Neil Jessop — aged about 47
- Batman: The Animated Series (1992) as Frank / Raven (voice) — aged about 42
- Criminal Minds (2005) as Bob Orci — aged about 55
- Dexter (2006) — aged about 56
- Desperate Housewives (2004) as Dr. Avedon — aged about 54
- 24 (2001) as Stan Cotter — aged about 51
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