Robert Joseph Gilliam is best known as the estranged husband of the late actress Lisa Robin Kelly, who famously portrayed Laurie Forman on the hit sitcom That ’70s Show. Born in 1951, Gilliam came into public attention due to his highly publicized and troubled marriage to Kelly, as well as the legal controversies that followed.
Unlike entertainment figures, Robert Joseph Gilliam was not associated with Hollywood prior to his relationship with Kelly. His public profile remains largely tied to the events surrounding their marriage, arrest, divorce, and subsequent legal actions after her death.
Robert Joseph Gilliam Relation With Lisa Robin Kelly
Robert Joseph Gilliam married Lisa Robin Kelly in October 2012, during a difficult period in the actress’s life. Their relationship quickly became turbulent and drew media attention due to legal issues that surfaced shortly after the marriage.
The marriage lasted only a short time and was marked by conflict, legal disputes, and public concern regarding Kelly’s wellbeing.
Marriage and Domestic Issues
Shortly after their wedding, the relationship between Robert Joseph Gilliam and Lisa Robin Kelly deteriorated.
Domestic Disturbance Arrest (2012)
In November 2012, both Gilliam and Kelly were arrested following a domestic disturbance at their home in Mooresville, North Carolina.
- Gilliam was charged with misdemeanor assault on a female
- Kelly was also taken into custody during the incident
- The case attracted widespread media coverage due to Kelly’s celebrity status
The arrest further strained their already fragile relationship.
Divorce and Restraining Order
Following the November 2012 incident, Lisa Robin Kelly took legal action to separate herself from Robert Joseph Gilliam.
- Kelly filed for divorce
- She also obtained a restraining order against Gilliam
- The couple officially separated soon after
Their marriage effectively ended within weeks of the arrest, and they were no longer together at the time of Kelly’s death.
Lisa Robin Kelly’s Death
Lisa Robin Kelly passed away in August 2013 at the age of 43. Her death was ruled an accidental drug overdose while she was staying at a rehabilitation facility.
Her passing shocked fans and reignited public discussion around her struggles with addiction and mental health.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed by Robert Joseph Gilliam
In 2014, Robert Joseph Gilliam filed a wrongful death lawsuit related to Lisa Robin Kelly’s passing.
Lawsuit Details
- The lawsuit was filed against Pax House, the rehabilitation facility where Kelly died
- Gilliam alleged:
- Negligence by the facility
- Improper staff training
- Failure to provide adequate supervision and care
The lawsuit claimed that these failures contributed to Kelly’s death.
This legal action brought Gilliam back into public attention, despite their estranged status at the time of her passing.
Public Perception and Media Coverage
Robert Joseph Gilliam has largely remained out of the public eye aside from legal proceedings. Media coverage surrounding him has focused primarily on:
- His brief and troubled marriage to Lisa Robin Kelly
- The 2012 domestic violence arrest
- The wrongful death lawsuit filed after her death
He has not pursued a public career and maintains a private life.
Robert Joseph Gilliam Attributes
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Joseph Gilliam |
| Year of Birth | 1951 |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Estranged husband of Lisa Robin Kelly |
| Spouse | Lisa Robin Kelly (m. Oct 2012 – separated) |
| Marriage Status | Divorced |
| Legal Issues | 2012 misdemeanor assault charge |
| Restraining Order | Filed by Lisa Robin Kelly |
| Lawsuit | Wrongful death lawsuit filed in 2014 |
| Public Presence | Very limited |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When did he marry Lisa Robin Kelly?
They married in October 2012.
Why did he and Lisa Robin Kelly divorce?
Their marriage ended after a domestic disturbance in November 2012, followed by arrests, a restraining order, and divorce filing.
Did he file a lawsuit after Lisa Robin Kelly’s death?
Yes, he filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the rehabilitation facility where she died.
Conclusion
Robert Joseph Gilliam remains a controversial figure due to his brief and troubled marriage to Lisa Robin Kelly. While not a public figure by profession, his association with the late actress and the legal events surrounding their relationship placed him in the public spotlight.