Trivia

She met her husband when he guest-starred on Chicas con clase (1986). Delta Burke arranged for the two to meet.

She married Richard Gilliland in the rose garden of her Chicas con clase (1986) co-star Dixie Carter.

Gave birth to her first child at age 38, a son Connor Douglas Gilliland on October 25, 1989. Child's father is her late husband, Richard Gilliland.

Became a mother for the second time, at age 57, when she adopted her son, Forrest Gilliland (born July 2008) in May 2009. Child's father is her late husband, Richard Gilliland.

In 1991, she departed from Chicas con clase (1986) to pursue other projects and to focus on her family.

At age 13, Jean was diagnosed with diabetes. Originally planned to be a veterinarian, but got interested in theater during her senior year in high school. Studied theater at the University of Washington.

She was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television at 6150 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on April 24, 2022. Producer Linda Bloodworth-Thomason and Hannah Einbinder were guest speakers at the ceremony. Her Walk of Fame star is located in front of El Centro Theatre.

Received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Washington. Is a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority.

She appeared in the original cast of the Broadway show "Piaf" (1981). She also appeared at Atlanta's Alliance Theatre.

She is the second of four children. Her parents were a schoolteacher and a homemaker.

Attended and graduated from Ballard High School in Seattle, Washington (1969).