Richard Gilliland was an American actor.

He is perhaps best known for portraying J.D. Shackelford on the television series Designing Women, where he also met and married actress Jean Smart.

A prolific character actor, Gilliland had recurring roles in a number of other television shows such as McMillion & Wife, Operation Petticoat, The Waltons, Just Our Luck, Heartland, Thirtysomething, Party of Five, Dark Skies, and Imposters.

He also guest starred in Marcus Welby, M.D., Trapper John, M.D., Fantasy Island, The Love Boat, St. Elsewhere, Night Court, Murder, She Wrote, Matlock, The Practice, Judging Amy, Becker, Crossing Jordan, 24, Dexter, Desperate Housewives, and Criminal Minds.

On the big screen, Gilliland appeared in Case 347 (2020), Home Room (2002), Star Kid (1997), Escape (1990), Airplane II: The Sequel (1982), The White Buffalo (1977), Stay Hungry (1976), and The Bug (1975).

Gilliland died March 18, 2021, in Los Angeles, California. He was 71.