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Seattle native Jean Smart was born on September 13, 1951. Attending the University of Washington after high school, she received her BA degree in fine arts. Her first professional season was with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival where she performed in "Much Ado About Nothing," among others. During this time she built up a strong resume in regional theater with such companies as the Hartford Stage Company, Pittsburgh Public Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Alaska Repertory Theatre and Alliance Theatre. Her first significant break came with a starring role in the potent, critically-acclaimed lesbian drama "Last Summer at Bluefish Cove," which earned her an Off-Broadway Drama Desk nomination in 1980. She capped this honor with a Los Angeles Drama Critics award in 1983 when she repeated her triumph on the West Coast. Jean made an auspicious Broadway debut in 1981 playing 'Marlene Dietrich' . Diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at age 13, Jean has played an active part over the years in public awareness.
Appeared in original cast of the Broadway show, "Piaf," 1979. Also appeared at Atlantas Alliance Theatre, same year.
Left "Designing Women" in 1991 to pursue other projects and to focus on her family.
She is the 2nd of 4 children. Her parents were a teacher and a homemaker.
At age 13, Jean was diagnosed with diabetes. Originally planned to be a veterinarian, but got interested in theater during her senior year in high school. Studied theater at the University of Washington.
Met her husband when he guest-starred on "Designing Women" . Delta Burke arranged for the two to meet.
Is a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority.
Graduated from Ballard High School in Seattle, Washington, in 1969.
Was married to Richard Gilliland in "Designing Women" co-star Dixie Carter s rose garden.
Gave birth to her 1st child at age 38, a son Connor Douglas Gilliland on October 25, 1989. Childs father is her husband, Richard Gilliland.
Became a mother for the second time, at age 57, when she adopted her daughter, Bonnie Kathleen Gilliland (b.July 2008) in May 2009. Childs father is her husband, Richard Gilliland.
I think that people get to a certain point in their life and they think,that nothing can change.
You know as far as diet goes, for a while I was really obsessed with,counting fat grams along with the rest of the world.
Personally, I think life offers us the opportunity to take chances and,make changes all the time.
You know as far as diet goes, for a while I was really obsessed with counting fat grams along with the rest of the world. .
