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.
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.
Received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Washington. Is a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority.
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).
He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television at 6150 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on April 24, 2022. Her Walk of Fame star is located in front of El Centro Theatre.
She appeared in the original cast of the Broadway show "Piaf" (1981). She also appeared at Atlanta's Alliance Theatre.