Smart's Pregnancy Surprise on Set

Actress Jean Smart shared a surprising personal milestone that coincided with her role on the 1986 series "Designing Women." While filming the show, Smart learned she was pregnant with the couple's first child, Connor.

This revelation occurred on the very night her character was married on-screen. Smart recalled being in her dressing room, wearing a tight wedding dress, when she confirmed her pregnancy with a doctor's message.

Smart met her future husband, Richard Gilliland, who guest-starred on the show's fifth episode before it aired. Their connection was immediate, and they married in June 1987. Gilliland passed away in 2021.

Later, the couple expanded their family by adopting their son Forrest in 2010. Smart also notably appeared on "24" with Gilliland, playing First Lady Martha Logan while he played Captain Stan Cotter.