Jean Smart Recalls Depressing First Date Following Death Of Husband

Jean Smart is getting candid about the emotional difficulty of returning to the dating world following the death of her husband, Richard Gilliland. During an appearance on the "Table for Two with Bruce Bozzi" podcast, the "Hacks" star described her first foray back into romance as "so depressing." Smart and Gilliland were married for nearly 34 years before he passed away in March 2021 due to heart complications.

The veteran actress admitted that the transition from a decades-long marriage to a dinner date with a stranger felt jarring and unnatural. Despite the initial setback, Smart revealed that the experience did not discourage her forever. She confirmed that she has since found companionship again and is currently in a relationship with a man she met through a mutual friend.

The story highlights the personal challenges of navigating grief while in the public eye. Smart noted that while nothing will ever replace her late husband, finding a new partner has brought a different kind of joy to her life. She remains one of Hollywood's most celebrated performers, currently enjoying a career peak with her award-winning role as Deborah Vance.

This story was first reported by People.com.