Robert Joseph Gilliam: The Man Behind Lisa Robin Kelly

Lisa Robin Kelly was a familiar face to millions during the late 1990s and early 2000s, known most for her role as Laurie Forman in the hit TV series That ’70s Show. While fans followed her rise and fall in the public eye, few knew about the man who became a central figure in her personal life—Robert Joseph Gilliam. His name became widely known not through fame of his own, but because of the headlines surrounding his troubled relationship with Lisa.

Who was this man who married a once-beloved sitcom star? What role did he play in the chaotic final years of her life? How did their relationship begin—and end? This article explores the life and history of Robert Joseph Gilliam, uncovering lesser-known facts and shedding light on his impact on Lisa Robin Kelly’s turbulent journey.

Quick Bio Table – Robert Joseph Gilliam

Who Is Robert Joseph Gilliam?

Robert Joseph Gilliam is an American man best known for being the husband of the late actress Lisa Robin Kelly. Unlike his wife, Gilliam was never a public figure or part of the entertainment industry. He gained attention due to his controversial and often troubled relationship with Lisa, which became tabloid material shortly before her untimely death in 2013.

Gilliam was previously involved in business and had a low public profile until his association with Kelly made headlines. He had a criminal record and faced legal issues, some of which were related to domestic disputes, contributing to the downward spiral that many believe impacted Lisa’s well-being.

Early Life and Background

Public records indicate that Robert Joseph Gilliam was born in the United States, but detailed information about his early life, education, or family remains scarce. He lived a largely private life until his marriage to Lisa Robin Kelly brought him under media scrutiny.

However, court documents and police reports from North Carolina and California show Gilliam had brushes with the law prior to and during his relationship with Kelly. These include charges of domestic abuse, assault, and violating probation orders. Though not a celebrity himself, his life became tied closely to one due to the volatile nature of his relationship.

Career Impact and Achievements

Unlike Lisa Robin Kelly, Gilliam did not have a public-facing career. There is no record of him working in entertainment, media, or any field that brought him into the spotlight before 2012.

Some sources suggest that Gilliam had business dealings in the early 2000s in North Carolina, possibly in real estate or small-scale contracting. However, nothing conclusive ties him to any significant business achievements or long-term professional milestones.

As such, his “impact” in terms of career is minimal. His only noted influence was, unfortunately, in the context of his relationship with Kelly, where legal troubles, accusations of abuse, and substance issues dominated headlines.

Meeting and Marriage with Lisa Robin Kelly

The relationship between Robert Joseph Gilliam and Lisa Robin Kelly began sometime around 2011. Reports state that they met in North Carolina, where Gilliam was living at the time, and where Lisa had moved temporarily to distance herself from Hollywood and rebuild her life.

They married in October 2012, but the marriage quickly became stormy. Within weeks, the couple had several domestic disputes that resulted in multiple 911 calls. Both were arrested at different times for assaulting each other, and their relationship was publicly labeled as toxic.

In interviews and legal filings, Kelly accused Gilliam of physical abuse and manipulating her during her vulnerable state. Friends close to Lisa claimed that the marriage worsened her struggles with addiction, and that Gilliam did little to support her recovery.

Current Life

As of the latest available records, Robert Joseph Gilliam has remained out of the public eye since Lisa Robin Kelly’s death in 2013. After the tragic incident, which occurred while Lisa was in a rehab facility in California, Gilliam did not make any public statements or media appearances.

There are unconfirmed reports that he returned to North Carolina and has since avoided public attention. His legal record remains public, but there have been no major incidents involving him in recent years.

Relationship to Lisa Robin Kelly

Gilliam’s relationship with Lisa Robin Kelly is often described as turbulent and tragic. Though the two were legally married, their relationship was fraught with arrests, restraining orders, and allegations of abuse.

At the time of her death, Lisa was trying to escape the environment that surrounded their marriage. She had voluntarily checked into rehab to seek help for substance abuse issues. Lisa’s death was officially ruled as an accidental overdose, but many fans and even family members believed the toxic relationship with Gilliam played a role in her downward spiral.

Current Age

As of 2025, Robert Joseph Gilliam would be approximately in his early-to-mid 60s. His exact birth date has not been publicly confirmed, but court records and official documents from 2012–2013 place him in the age bracket of 50 at the time.

Robert Joseph Gilliam Net Worth

Due to his private life and lack of involvement in any known high-income profession, Robert Joseph Gilliam’s net worth is not publicly recorded, but it is estimated to be under $100,000.

Unlike his late wife, who once had potential earnings from a successful TV career, Gilliam’s financial background appears limited. Court filings from their legal disputes even listed him as having minimal assets.

Conclusion

The story of Robert Joseph Gilliam is not one of fame or success, but rather of caution and tragedy. While his name might never have surfaced in the public domain without his association with Lisa Robin Kelly, he became a key figure in the final chapter of her life.

Their short-lived and troubled marriage brought more pain than healing to a woman already battling her demons. Gilliam’s history, marked by legal troubles and accusations, has left a lasting shadow over Lisa’s legacy.

Today, Robert Joseph Gilliam lives far from the public eye, with little known about his current whereabouts or lifestyle. Though the full truth of their relationship may never be known, the facts that have surfaced serve as a grim reminder of how private struggles can so often play out in public tragedy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is Robert Joseph Gilliam?
   Robert Joseph Gilliam is the late husband of actress Lisa Robin Kelly, known for their troubled relationship.

2. When did Robert Joseph Gilliam and Lisa Robin Kelly get married?
   They married in October 2012.

3. Did Robert Joseph Gilliam have a criminal record?
   Yes, he had prior arrests related to domestic violence and assault.

4. What was Robert Joseph Gilliam’s profession?
   His exact profession is unknown, but he had no ties to Hollywood or the entertainment industry.

5. Is Robert Joseph Gilliam still alive?
   As of 2025, there are no public reports confirming his death.

6. How did Lisa Robin Kelly die?
   She died from an accidental overdose while in rehab in 2013.

7. Where is Robert Joseph Gilliam now?
   He is believed to be living a private life in North Carolina.