Forrest Gilliland is the younger son of Emmy-winning actress Jean Smart and her late husband Richard Gilliland. Born in China in 2008 and adopted by the family in 2009, Forrest has grown up both in the spotlight and away from it. Over time, his story has drawn interest not only because of his famous mother but also due to his identity journey and his life as a teenager.
Quick Bio Table of Forrest Gilliland
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Forrest Gilliland |
| Former Name | Bonnie Kathleen Gilliland |
| Date of Birth | 2008 |
| Age (2025) | 17 |
| Place of Birth | China |
| Adoption Year | 2009 |
| Mother | Jean Smart (Emmy-winning actress) |
| Father | Richard Gilliland (late actor) |
| Sibling | Connor Gilliland |
| Identity | Male, Transgender |
| Education | High School student |
| Known For | Son of Jean Smart, red-carpet appearances |
| Interests | Theater, creative arts (Pirates of Penzance school play) |
Early Life and Adoption
Forrest Gilliland entered Jean Smart’s life when she adopted him from China in May 2009. At the time, he was about 18 months old, placing his birth in 2008. His arrival made the Smart-Gilliland family complete, as Jean and Richard were already raising their son Connor Gilliland. Adoption was a special moment for Jean, who had long wanted to expand her family.
Family Roots
The actor couple gave Forrest a nurturing home filled with love and creativity. His father, Richard Gilliland, was known for his roles in Designing Women and many TV projects. Sadly, Richard passed away in 2021, leaving Jean to raise their two sons alone. Forrest shares a deep connection with his mother and brother Connor, who are his main family support system today.
Growing Up in the Spotlight
Although Jean Smart values privacy, Forrest has occasionally appeared at public events. In 2021, he attended the Emmy Awards alongside his mom, who won for her role in Hacks. Later, he joined her at the Critics Choice Awards, showing how close they are. These red-carpet moments gave fans a glimpse of their warm mother-son bond.
School and Interests
Forrest Gilliland is now in high school, where he has already shown an interest in the arts. Reports say he took part in a school performance of The Pirates of Penzance. With parents rooted in acting, it seems natural that Forrest has a love for creative expression. Still, his future path remains open, as he is young and exploring different interests.
Identity and Transition
Much public curiosity centers on Forrest’s identity. Earlier media coverage used the name Bonnie Gilliland or Bonnie Kathleen Gilliland, but today Forrest is recognized as male. Many search for terms like is Forrest Gilliland transgender, Bonnie Gilliland Forrest Gilliland, or is Bonnie Gilliland now Forrest Gilliland. Reputable outlets confirm he identifies as male, and he is living openly as Forrest Gilliland.
How Media Covers Him
Because of this shift in identity, older articles and photos may still use the name Bonnie. This causes confusion in searches, with phrases like Bonnie and Forrest Gilliland or Bonnie Kathleen Gilliland Forrest Gilliland. However, current and respectful reporting refers to him correctly as Forrest. This change highlights the importance of honoring how someone identifies today.
Jean Smart’s Role as a Mother
Jean Smart has spoken about how her children are her greatest joy. She often credits them as her motivation, even during the hardest times. After Richard’s death, she leaned on her sons for strength, especially Forrest, who was still young. Forrest Gilliland Jean Smart moments at events show how proud she is of him, and he clearly admires her as well.
Life After Richard Gilliland
The passing of Richard Gilliland in 2021 was a huge loss for the family. Forrest was only 13 at the time. Jean later said the hardest part was watching her children grieve their father. For Forrest, this loss shaped his teenage years, but his close relationship with his mom and brother Connor has given him a strong foundation.
Forrest Gilliland Age Today
Born in 2008, Forrest Gilliland age is around 17 in 2025. This is a stage of growth, learning, and discovery. As a high school student, Forrest is in the middle of shaping his identity, passions, and goals for the future. Fans who wonder who is Forrest Gilliland should know he is still a teen, living a life much like others his age, though with a famous mom by his side.
Private Yet Public Life
Although Forrest attends events with Jean, he mostly stays away from the media. There are no official social media accounts or personal interviews, which helps him live privately. Most details about him, such as school and daily life, are kept quiet. This balance between public and private life is something Jean works hard to protect for her son.
Why People Search for Him
Searches often connect Forrest Gilliland with his old name, leading to terms like Forrest Gilliland trans or Forrest Gilliland transgender. Others look for ties like Jean Smart Forrest Gilliland or Richard Gilliland Forrest Gilliland. These searches show public curiosity, but also a desire to understand his personal story. Still, the key fact is that Forrest is simply Jean Smart’s beloved son.
Forrest Gilliland and Hollywood
Even though he is not yet in the acting world, Forrest has grown up surrounded by Hollywood through his parents. Watching his mom win Emmys and his dad’s long career has likely shaped his view of the entertainment industry. Still, whether Forrest follows this path remains to be seen. For now, he is enjoying life as a student.
Jean Smart’s Achievements and Forrest’s Support
When Jean Smart won awards for her role in Hacks, Forrest was there to celebrate. In interviews, he praised her hard work and said how proud he was. These moments reveal a close family bond and show Forrest as a caring son. Jean Smart and Forrest Gilliland together at these events became touching highlights for fans.
Connection With Brother Connor
Forrest also shares a strong bond with his older brother, Connor Gilliland. Though less is known about Connor, the two brothers share the experience of growing up with famous parents. Having Connor by his side gives Forrest another anchor as he navigates teenage years, identity, and the loss of their father.
Respecting His Privacy
While Forrest’s story often appears in searches, it is important to remember he is still a teenager. Much of the public information comes from appearances with his mom or coverage in major outlets. For personal life details, Jean has kept boundaries clear. This helps Forrest grow up with more freedom, away from constant public attention.
The Legacy of Richard Gilliland
Forrest’s connection to his father remains strong through memories and family history. Richard Gilliland was a respected actor, and his legacy lives on in his children. Many fans connect Forrest to his dad through the shared Gilliland name, often searching Richard Gilliland Forrest Gilliland as part of family history.
What the Future Holds
The future for Forrest Gilliland is still open. Whether he steps into acting, continues with music or theater, or chooses a completely different path, he carries the love of his mother and the support of his family. His journey reflects both personal growth and the influence of being part of a well-known Hollywood family.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Forrest Gilliland?
Forrest Gilliland is the son of actress Jean Smart and late actor Richard Gilliland, adopted from China in 2009.
2. How old is Forrest Gilliland today?
Forrest Gilliland age is 17 in 2025, as he was born in 2008.
3. Was Forrest Gilliland once called Bonnie?
Yes, earlier media referred to him as Bonnie Gilliland, but today he identifies as male and goes by Forrest.
4. Is Forrest Gilliland transgender?
Yes, Forrest identifies as male. Earlier reports using his former name are outdated.
5. Does Forrest Gilliland appear in public with Jean Smart?
Yes, Forrest has joined Jean Smart at major events, including the Emmys and Critics Choice Awards.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Forrest Gilliland is more than just the son of Jean Smart and Richard Gilliland. He is a teenager finding his own place in the world, balancing identity, family, and life in the public eye. While older stories may refer to him as Bonnie Gilliland, today he is recognized proudly as Forrest. His journey shows strength, change, and the power of family support.
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