Meet Bonnie Kathleen Gilliland: Truth of Richard Gilliland’s Adopted Daughter

Bonnie Kathleen Gilliland is a famous celebrity who is the adopted daughter of American actors Richard Gilliland and Jean Smart. Although born a girl, she later changed her gender and currently identifies herself as Forrest Gilliland.

Both his parents are well-known Hollywood figures. His father Richard was popular for his portrayal of JD Shackleford in the American TV series “Designing Women” (1986-1992). As of 2022, he is no longer in the world, having died on 18 March 2021 at the age of 71.

As the child of famous Asian American parents, Bonnie was also the most googled child of celebrities. Well, what was his relationship with his parents like when he was an adopted child? In this article, we explore all aspects of Bonnie Caitlyn Gilliland along with his age, family life, transgender identity, and more. Let’s go inside.

Bonnie Kathleen Gilliland Is Originally From China

As we mentioned earlier, Bonnie is the child of adopted parents. Her current parents, Jane Smart and Richard Gilliland traveled to China to bring her home. The couple traveled to East Asia with all their biological sons to add a baby girl to their family in May 2009.

At the time, Bonnie was a 10-month-old baby girl. Although the exact date of birth is not available to the media, Bonnie’s adoption information indicates that Bonnie was born in July 2008. So, in 2022, Bonnie Katherine Gilliland will celebrate her 14th birthday. The famous celebrity child grew up in California, of course, in the home of her famous parents.

Moreover, Bonnie is of Asian ethnic origin and American by nationality.

Bonnie Is Now Forrest Gilliland: She Came Out As Transgender

Jane and Richard’s adopted daughter has now transitioned into a boy. Bonnie’s mother-in-law first introduced her as her son Forrest at the 2021 Emmy Awards. Now Bonnie has officially changed her name to Forrest Gilliland.

Jane attended the 2021 Emmy Awards with her daughter-turned-son Forrest. Parents and children walked the red carpet together proudly. During her speech, the actress’ mother thanked both her sons and said: “My two wonderful and selfless children… who are both very brave in their own right”.

Although the family has not opened up about Bonnie’s journey to transsexuality, Bonnie – now Forrest – continues to appear at awards ceremonies with her mother.

ALSO READ: Craig Melton: Untold Facts About Glennon Doyle’s Ex-Husband

Bonnie Kathleen Gilliland’s Parents Were Together Forever

His father and mother, Jane and Richard, were married for 34 years and their cohabitation ended after Richard Gilliland’s death in March 2021.

The couple first met on the set of the American TV series Designing Women. According to Jane, when she first saw her now-deceased husband Richard, he was kissing someone else.

She had a huge crush on the actor at first sight and asked a fellow cast member called Delta about him to find out whether Richard was single or not. She said, “Deltar is very concerned,

“Naturally, Delta walked up to him and blurted, ‘Jean wants to know if you’re married.’”

Eventually, a year later, in June 1987, the couple shared their marriage vows. From then on, the lovely couple was together until his death.

Bonnie’s Parents Inseparable Bond: Jean Gave A Tribute To Her Late Husband 

Their bond was so admirable and strong that even after her husband’s death, Jane Smard paid tribute to her late husband. When she received the Emmy Award for Best Actress in 2021, she remembered her late partner and his contribution to her career. She stated,

I must acknowledge my late husband, who passed away six months ago yesterday,” the Seattle-born actress said in her eulogy. I wouldn’t be here without him and without the fact that he seemingly put his career on the back burner so that I could take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities I’ve had.

Bonnie Is Growing Up With His Mother, Jean Smart

Bonnie (aka Forrest) lost her beloved father in March 2021 to a short illness. Jane is subsequently raising a teenage boy on her own. Speaking about being a single parent, she shared her troubles with People magazine. She said: ‘John and she is very keen for John and her to live together,

“Being a single mother is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. And having a young child, it’s been unimaginable,”

Apart from some difficulties, Jane is really proud of her children and is very close to both Bonnie and his older brother Conor. She continues to appear at various award shows with her teenage son by her side. At the 2021 awards ceremony, when receiving an award, she shouted out to her children and announced “To my two children, Forest and Connor, you are my life”.

Bonnie Is Proud Of His Mom

At the 2021 Emmy Awards, Bonnie, aka Forrest, talked to Karamo Brown on the red carpet about his mum’s achievements. He said he was very proud of his mum and added:

“she deserved all the accolades because “she worked really hard.”

Bonnie Kathleen Gilliland’s Sibling

Forrest has a brother, Connor Douglas Gilliland, who is her parents’ only biological child. Connor was born on 25 October 1989 in Los Angeles, California, and will be 32 years old in 2022.

In terms of their age differences, there is an 18-year age difference between the two siblings. Bonnie joined the family when his elder brother Conor had just turned 20.

ALSO READ: Who is Eliza Rose Watson? Her Instagram, Boyfriend, Drug Addiction…

What Is Bonnie Kathleen Gilliland Doing In 2022?

Apparently, the 14-year-old should go to school to excel academically. So definitely the actress’s son is in school, although his educational record is unattainable. Bonnie is not on any social network and his famous mother has not shared him on her social media handles either.

Despite appearing at more than a few award ceremonies, his personal life is completely private.

What is Bonnie’s Net worth?

As we mentioned above, Bonnie is only 14 years old. So She has plenty of time left to start her career. Therefore, her net worth has not yet been estimated. On the other hand, her famous mother, Jane Smart, has a net worth of $10 million, while her father, Richard, has a net worth of $4 million.

Quick Facts About Bonnie Kathleen Gilliland