Robert Joseph Gilliam became known to the public because of his marriage to actress Lisa Robin Kelly, who played Laurie Forman on the popular TV show That ’70s Show. Before meeting Lisa, Robert lived a quiet life away from cameras and fame. This article tells you everything about Robert Joseph Gilliam, his life, his marriage, and what happened after.
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| Full Name | Robert Joseph Gilliam |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1951 |
| Age | 74 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | United States (possibly North Carolina) |
| Profession | Former Drug Counselor |
| Famous For | Being Lisa Robin Kelly’s husband |
| Marital Status | Widowed |
| Spouse | Lisa Robin Kelly (m. 2012 – d. 2013) |
| Children | None |
Early Life and Background
Robert Joseph Gilliam was born in 1951 in the United States. Not much is known about his childhood, parents, or education because he always kept his personal life private. Unlike celebrities who share their stories, Robert preferred to stay out of the spotlight.
Robert grew up to become a caring person who wanted to help others. He chose a career path that showed his kind heart and strong character.
His Career as a Drug Counselor
Robert spent many years working as a drug counselor. This job involves helping people who struggle with addiction to drugs or alcohol. Drug counselors provide support, create treatment plans, and guide people toward recovery.
This work requires patience, understanding, and real care for others. Robert worked with people during their darkest times, helping them find hope and build better lives. His experience would later play an important role in his personal life.
Meeting Lisa Robin Kelly
Robert met Lisa Robin Kelly in North Carolina around 2010. At that time, Lisa was going through a difficult period. She had become famous for playing Laurie Forman on That ’70s Show, but addiction problems had damaged her career.
Robert’s background as a drug counselor made him understand what Lisa was facing. Their relationship grew quickly, and within a short time, they decided to get married.
The Marriage
In October 2012, Robert and Lisa got married in a small, private ceremony in North Carolina. Robert was 61, and Lisa was 42, making Robert 19 years older. The wedding was simple and quiet. However, the happiness did not last long.
Troubles Begin
In November 2012, police came to their home in Mooresville, North Carolina, after a domestic disturbance. Both were arrested and charged with assault. According to reports, both had been drinking, and a physical fight broke out. They were released on $500 bond.

More Problems and Legal Issues
Things got worse in May 2013. Lisa and Robert had another serious fight in Los Angeles. According to reports, the argument started because Robert wanted Lisa to give him money. When she refused, he became violent.
Lisa claimed that Robert pulled her hair, threw her to the ground, and choked her. A neighbor called the police. Robert was arrested and convicted of domestic battery. The court sentenced him to three years of probation and 69 days in jail.
The Divorce
After this incident, Lisa filed for divorce from Robert in July 2013. She also got a restraining order. Their marriage had lasted less than one year.
Lisa’s Tragic Death
On August 15, 2013, just one month after filing for divorce, Lisa died in her sleep at age 43. She was at Pax House Rehab Center in California for addiction treatment. The cause of death was accidental multiple drug intoxication.
Robert later claimed that Lisa had called him many times before her death, asking for help. However, Lisa’s boyfriend blamed Robert for her relapse.
The Lawsuit
After Lisa’s death, Robert filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Pax House Rehab Center in June 2014. He claimed the facility did not provide proper care. The lawsuit continued for three years and was settled out of court. The terms were kept private.
Life After Lisa
Since the lawsuit ended, Robert has completely disappeared from public life. He is now 74 years old. There have been no news reports about him in recent years. He chose to step away from the spotlight.
Conclusion
Robert Joseph Gilliam will always be remembered as the husband of Lisa Robin Kelly. He was a man who spent years helping others fight addiction, only to find himself in a troubled marriage with someone facing the same struggles.
Today, Robert lives quietly, away from cameras and attention. His story teaches us about the complexity of human relationships and the powerful effects of addiction on everyone it touches. While his time in the public eye was brief and painful, it serves as a reminder of the real struggles people face behind closed doors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How old is Robert Joseph Gilliam?
Robert Joseph Gilliam was born in 1951, which makes him 74 years old as of 2025. He was 61 years old when he married Lisa Robin Kelly in 2012.
2. What did Robert Joseph Gilliam do for a living?
Robert worked as a drug counselor for many years. His job was to help people who struggled with drug and alcohol addiction by providing support and guidance during their recovery.
3. How long were Robert Gilliam and Lisa Robin Kelly married?
They were married for less than one year. They got married in October 2012, and Lisa filed for divorce in July 2013. Sadly, Lisa died in August 2013 before the divorce was finalized.
4. Did Robert Joseph Gilliam have any children?
No, Robert Joseph Gilliam did not have any children. There are no public records showing that he had children from his marriage to Lisa or from any previous relationships.
5. Where is Robert Joseph Gilliam now?
Robert Joseph Gilliam has lived a private life since Lisa’s death and the settlement of his lawsuit. His current location and activities are not publicly known, as he has chosen to stay out of the media spotlight.
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