Robert Joseph Gilliam is best known as the former husband of Lisa Robin Kelly, the actress who played Laurie Forman on the popular TV show “That ’70s Show.” While Gilliam lived a quiet life as a drug counselor before meeting Kelly, his relationship with the actress brought him into the public eye. Their short marriage was filled with difficulties, ending tragically with Kelly’s death in 2013.
Bio Table
| Full Name | Robert Joseph Gilliam |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1951 |
| Current Age | Around 73 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former Drug Counselor |
| Famous For | Ex-husband of actress Lisa Robin Kelly |
| Marriage Date | October 2012 |
| Divorce Filed | July 2013 |
| Spouse | Lisa Robin Kelly (deceased 2013) |
| Children | None |
Early Life and Career
Robert Joseph Gilliam was born in 1951, making him around 73 years old today. Not much information is available about his childhood, parents, or early education. He has always kept his personal life private, staying away from media attention.
Gilliam spent most of his working life as a drug counselor. This job involves helping people who struggle with addiction problems. It is not an easy career. Drug counselors need patience, understanding, and emotional strength. They work with people who are trying to recover from alcohol or drug abuse. Gilliam’s experience in this field would later become important when he met Lisa Robin Kelly, who had her own battles with addiction.
Working as a counselor gave Gilliam deep knowledge about how addiction affects people and their families. He understood the challenges that come with trying to overcome substance abuse. This background made him someone who could relate to the struggles that many people face when dealing with addiction.
Meeting Lisa Robin Kelly
Robert Joseph Gilliam met actress Lisa Robin Kelly in North Carolina. At the time they met, Kelly was going through a very difficult period in her life. She had been struggling with alcohol and drug problems for several years. These issues had already affected her acting career on “That ’70s Show.”
When they met, Gilliam was 61 years old and Kelly was 42. Despite the 19-year age difference, they formed a connection. Gilliam tried to support Kelly through her addiction struggles. As a drug counselor, he had experience helping people with similar problems. Their relationship moved quickly, and they decided to get married.
Marriage to Lisa Robin Kelly
The couple got married in October 2012. They hoped for a fresh start together. However, their marriage faced serious problems from the beginning. Both Gilliam and Kelly struggled with their relationship, and addiction made everything worse.
Troubled Relationship
The marriage became known for domestic violence incidents. In November 2012, just one month after their wedding, both Gilliam and Kelly were arrested. They were charged with assault after a fight at their home in Mooresville, North Carolina. Both were released on bond after the arrest.
Things got worse in May 2013 when another major fight happened. According to reports, the argument started over money. Kelly claimed that Gilliam wanted her to empty her bank account and give him the money. When she refused, Kelly said Gilliam attacked her. She reported that he pulled her hair, threw her to the ground, and choked her. She also said he threatened to shoot her.
Kelly tried to call the police, but Gilliam took her phone away. Luckily, a neighbor heard the fight and called the police for her. Gilliam was arrested and later convicted of domestic battery. He was sentenced to 69 days in jail, which he served. He also received three years of probation and had to attend a 52-week domestic violence program. The court ordered him to stay 100 yards away from Kelly.
Divorce and Lisa’s Death
After the violent incidents, Lisa Robin Kelly filed for divorce from Gilliam in July 2013. This was less than a year after their October 2012 wedding. She also got a restraining order against him to stay safe.
Sadly, just one month after filing for divorce, Lisa Robin Kelly died. On August 15, 2013, she passed away at Pax Rehab House in Altadena, California. She had checked herself into the rehab facility just days before, hoping to get help for her addiction problems. Her agent said she was hopeful and confident about her recovery.
The Los Angeles County Coroner later ruled that Kelly’s death was accidental. The cause was multiple drug intoxication from oral ingestion of various substances. She was only 43 years old when she died.
Who Was Lisa Robin Kelly?
Lisa Robin Kelly was an American actress born on March 5, 1970. She became famous for playing Laurie Forman, the older sister character on “That ’70s Show.” The show was very popular and ran from 1998 to 2006.
Kelly appeared on the show during its early seasons but left after the third season in 2001. She struggled with alcohol abuse, which she said started after experiencing a miscarriage. This personal tragedy affected her deeply and led to drinking problems. Her addiction caused her to miss work and behave erratically, which eventually led to her being replaced on the show by actress Christina Moore.
Throughout her life, Kelly had several run-ins with the law. She was arrested multiple times for DUI (driving under the influence) and domestic violence incidents. Despite these struggles, many people remembered her as a talented actress whose life was cut short by addiction.
Legal Battle After Lisa’s Death
After Kelly died, Robert Joseph Gilliam filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Pax House Rehab Center in June 2014. In the lawsuit, he claimed that the rehab facility was negligent. He said the staff was not properly trained to care for patients like Kelly. He also claimed they failed to monitor her properly, which led to her death.
Gilliam asked for damages for the “loss of love, affection, society, comfort, support, companionship, and mental support” of his late wife. The case brought attention to how rehab centers care for their patients and whether they provide adequate supervision.
The lawsuit went on for nearly three years. It was finally settled, bringing some closure to this painful chapter. The exact settlement details were not made public.
Conclusion
Robert Joseph Gilliam’s story is closely tied to Lisa Robin Kelly and her struggles with addiction. As a drug counselor, he understood addiction, but that knowledge could not save their troubled marriage or prevent Kelly’s tragic death. Their relationship showed how addiction can destroy even those who try to help and support someone struggling with substance abuse.
Today, Gilliam remains a private person, living away from the spotlight. His story reminds us about the serious consequences of domestic violence and the devastating effects of addiction. It also highlights the importance of proper care in rehab facilities and the need for better support systems for people battling substance abuse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Robert Joseph Gilliam?
Robert Joseph Gilliam is a former drug counselor who became publicly known as the ex-husband of actress Lisa Robin Kelly from “That ’70s Show.” He was born in 1951 and is now around 73 years old.
2. How old was Robert Joseph Gilliam when he married Lisa Robin Kelly?
Robert Joseph Gilliam was 61 years old when he married Lisa Robin Kelly in October 2012. Kelly was 42 at the time, making him 19 years older than her.
3. Why did Lisa Robin Kelly file for divorce?
Lisa Robin Kelly filed for divorce in July 2013 after several violent incidents with Gilliam. She claimed he physically attacked her, tried to take her money, and threatened her. She also obtained a restraining order against him.
4. What happened to Lisa Robin Kelly?
Lisa Robin Kelly died on August 15, 2013, at a rehab facility in California. She was 43 years old. The Los Angeles County Coroner ruled her death accidental, caused by multiple drug intoxication. She had voluntarily checked into the facility just days before her death.
5. Did Robert Joseph Gilliam sue anyone after Lisa’s death?
Yes, Robert Joseph Gilliam filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Pax House Rehab Center, where Lisa died. He claimed the facility was negligent and failed to properly care for her. The lawsuit was settled after nearly three years of legal proceedings.
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