The Story of Bonnie Kathleen Gilliland
You've probably seen Jean Smart sweeping the Emmys lately for Hacks, or maybe you remember her from the legendary Designing Women days. But for all her time in the spotlight, Jean has been remarkably protective of her youngest. Honestly, in an era where every celebrity kid has an Instagram handle before they can walk, the way Jean handles her family life is kinda refreshing.
Jean Smart's daughter, Bonnie Kathleen Gilliland, isn't someone you'll see splashed across the tabloids. She was born in China in 2008 and joined the Smart-Gilliland household through adoption in May 2009.
The journey to bring her home was a massive family affair. Jean, her late husband Richard Gilliland, and their adult son Connor all flew across the world to meet her. Jean has joked in past interviews that they originally thought the age gap between the siblings would be smaller, but life had other plans.
By the time Bonnie arrived, Connor was already twenty. Imagine being a twenty-year-old and suddenly having an eighteen-month-old sister. It sounds like a sitcom plot, but according to Jean, Connor was immediately smitten.
Navigating Grief and Growing Up
Life hasn't been all red carpets and trophies for this family. In 2021, while Jean was in the middle of filming the first season of Hacks, her husband Richard passed away suddenly. He was only 71.
That left Jean as a single mother to a then-twelve-year-old. Dealing with that kind of loss while your career is hitting a massive second peak is something most people couldn't handle. Jean has been very open about how "awful" it was to lose her partner of nearly 34 years, but she’s also credited her kids for keeping her going.
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Bonnie, who now goes by Forrest, has occasionally stepped out to support her mom at major events. You might have spotted her at the 2022 Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony or the occasional premiere.
The name change to Forrest is something fans noticed on social media and at public events over the last few years. While Jean doesn't sit down for "tell-all" interviews about her children's personal lives—which, frankly, is a great parenting move—she clearly supports her children's identities and choices.
Staying Connected to Her Roots
One thing Jean has been very intentional about is making sure Forrest remains connected to her heritage. For years, the two of them had a tradition of attending Shen Yun together.
Jean has mentioned that she wants her daughter to experience and appreciate Chinese culture. It wasn't just a one-time thing; it became an annual mother-daughter date.
"We try to see it every year. I think it’s so important for her to see and experience that." — Jean Smart
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It’s these small details that show what kind of mom Jean is. She isn't trying to mold her daughter into a "mini-me" actress or a social media influencer. She’s just trying to raise a well-rounded human.
Why We Don't See Much of Her
If you're looking for a "Day in the Life" video or a public TikTok account for Jean Smart's daughter, you're going to be disappointed. And that’s by design.
Jean comes from a generation of actors who believe the work should speak for itself and the home life should stay at home.
- She doesn't post "aesthetic" photos of her living room.
- There are no sponsored posts featuring her kids.
- Public appearances are rare and usually tied to major career milestones.
Forrest is a teenager now, likely dealing with the same stuff every other kid her age deals with: school, friends, and figure out who she is. Doing that in the shadow of a famous parent is hard enough; doing it without a camera in your face is a luxury Jean has made sure to provide.
The Real Impact of Adoption
The adoption process from China in the late 2000s was notoriously long and paperwork-heavy. Jean has shared that it took them quite a while to finally get the call.
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When they did, it changed the family dynamic forever. Most people are winding down their parenting duties in their late 50s, but Jean and Richard dove right back into the world of diapers and toddler tantrums. It’s a testament to how much they wanted to expand their family.
What’s Next for the Family?
As of 2026, Forrest is approaching the end of her teenage years. Whether she decides to follow in her parents' acting footsteps or chooses a path entirely out of the limelight remains to be seen.
What is clear is that she has a rock-solid foundation. Jean continues to dominate the acting world, but she’s made it obvious that her "best" role is at home.
If you're a fan of Jean Smart, the best way to support her is to respect the boundary she’s drawn around her children. You can appreciate her talent on screen while acknowledging that her family life belongs to her, not the public.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Respect Privacy: If you follow Jean on social media, keep comments focused on her professional work rather than asking for updates on her kids.
- Support Adoption Awareness: Jean’s story is a great reminder of the beauty of international adoption. Organizations like CCAI Adoption Services offer resources for those looking to start a similar journey.
- Watch the Work: If you want to see the "why" behind Jean's current success, watch her performances in Hacks and Watchmen. You’ll see a woman who brings a lifetime of real-world experience—including the joys and challenges of motherhood—to every frame.