Not many people knew who Robert Joseph Gilliam was — until he married a famous actress from That ’70s Show. His name came into the spotlight after he became the husband of Lisa Robin Kelly, a star once loved for her bright smile and screen presence.
But their love story was not a happy one.
This article will tell the full story of Robert Joseph Gilliam. We’ll learn who he was, how he met Lisa, how they got married, and how everything fell apart. From love and trouble to heartbreak and silence — this is a story that shows how real-life problems can touch anyone, even those who once lived in the world of fame.
Robert Joseph Gilliam Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Joseph Gilliam |
| Known For | Husband of actress Lisa Robin Kelly |
| Year of Birth | 1951 |
| Age (as of 2025) | Around 74 years old |
| Profession | Former drug counselor |
| Place Met Lisa | North Carolina |
| Marriage Date | October 2012 |
| Age Gap with Lisa | 19 years older |
| Legal Issues | Convicted of domestic battery (2012) |
| Jail Time | 69 days + 3 years probation |
| Divorce Filed By Lisa | July 2013 (not finalized) |
| Lisa’s Death | August 15, 2013 (accidental overdose) |
| Lawsuit Filed | Wrongful death suit vs rehab center |
| Current Life | Living privately, away from media |
Who Was Robert Joseph Gilliam?
Robert Joseph Gilliam was not a celebrity. He wasn’t an actor or someone from TV. Most people only heard about him because of his marriage to Lisa Robin Kelly.
He lived a quiet life for many years. There’s no big public record about his childhood or where he grew up. He didn’t talk to the media. He kept to himself and stayed far from the spotlight — until one big change brought him into the news.
That change was marrying Lisa Robin Kelly.
Early Life of Robert Joseph Gilliam
Robert Joseph Gilliam was born in 1951. That means he was 19 years older than Lisa. When they got married in 2012, he was 61 years old, and she was 42.
There’s no known information about his parents, schooling, or early work. He never tried to be famous. He wasn’t seen at red carpet events or talked about in magazines. He seemed to live a regular, quiet life.
And that life stayed quiet — until he crossed paths with someone from Hollywood.
Robert Joseph Gilliam’s Career
Before meeting Lisa, Robert Joseph Gilliam worked as a drug counselor. That means he helped people who were struggling with addiction, especially drugs or alcohol. His job was to guide them toward recovery, to offer support, and help them live better lives.
This shows that Robert understood how hard addiction can be. He saw the pain, the setbacks, and the long road it takes to get better. It was a serious and helpful job. It also played a big role in how he got close to Lisa Robin Kelly.
He wasn’t just a husband — he was someone who had once helped others fight the same battles Lisa was going through.
How Robert Met Lisa Robin Kelly
Robert met Lisa Robin Kelly in North Carolina. At that time, Lisa was not doing well. She had already faced big problems in her acting career. She was also dealing with serious addiction issues. That’s when Robert Joseph Gilliam came into her life. Maybe it felt like good timing. Maybe they both hoped to start again.
Robert’s experience as a counselor made him a strong support for Lisa — at least in the beginning. He knew what she was facing. He understood her pain. Their bond grew quickly. Some people believed it could be a fresh start for both of them.
But things didn’t go the way they hoped.
Robert Married Lisa Robin Kelly
In October 2012, they got married. It was a small, private wedding. Only a few close people were there.
At first, the marriage looked like a step forward. Lisa needed support. Robert Joseph Gilliam had the background to help her. It felt like they might get through this together.
But the problems came fast.
Just one month later, in November 2012, both of them were arrested after a physical fight. It happened in Mooresville, North Carolina. They were both charged with misdemeanor assault and later released on bond.
This was the first sign that things were falling apart. News of their fight and arrest quickly spread. Their relationship became a public story — and not a happy one.
Gilliam’s Legal Problems
The trouble didn’t stop there. The fights continued, and things became worse.
Robert Joseph Gilliam was later convicted of domestic battery. That means a court found him guilty of hurting Lisa during one of their arguments. The judge gave him serious punishments:
-
He had to spend 69 days in jail
-
He got 3 years of probation
-
He had to complete a 52-week domestic violence class
-
He was ordered to stay 100 yards away from Lisa at all times
These were heavy legal steps. It showed that their problems weren’t small or private anymore. They were real, serious, and dangerous.
Even though Robert had once helped people deal with addiction, he now found himself in the middle of a relationship full of violence, control, and hurt.
Lisa Robin Kelly’s Divorce
After months of fights and legal trouble, Lisa Robin Kelly decided she could not stay in the marriage anymore. In July 2013, she officially filed for divorce from Robert Joseph Gilliam. She listed the reason as “irreconcilable differences,” which means they could no longer live together in peace.
Before filing for divorce, there was a serious argument between them. Reports said the fight involved money. Lisa claimed Robert asked her to empty her bank account and give him the money. When she refused, the argument became physical. A neighbor heard the fight and called the police.
Soon after this, Lisa also asked for a restraining order. The court ordered Robert Joseph Gilliam to stay away from her. The divorce process had started, but it was never finished. Life took a very tragic turn before the court could finalize anything.
Lisa Robin Kelly’s Sudden Death
On August 15, 2013, very sad news shocked everyone. Lisa Robin Kelly died in her sleep. She was only 43 years old. At the time, she was staying at a rehab center in Los Angeles, trying to get help for her addiction.
Her death was later ruled accidental. Doctors said it was linked to her long struggle with drugs and alcohol. Just two days earlier, her boyfriend and roommate had taken her to the rehab center, hoping she could recover again.
Even more heartbreaking, the day Lisa died was also the day she was supposed to go to court for a legal hearing. Her life ended before she could move forward or start fresh.
What Robert Said After Her Death
About one week after Lisa’s death, Robert Joseph Gilliam spoke to the media. This was rare, as he usually stayed quiet. He said that despite everything, they were still “very much in love.”
Robert explained that when they married, Lisa was sober. He said she later relapsed after taking pain pills for a back injury. According to him, drugs and alcohol were the only things that came between them. He said he wanted her to get help and even threatened to leave if she did not seek treatment.
Robert also shared something surprising. He said Lisa had called him 22 times, asking for help to leave her boyfriend. He claimed he was preparing for her to return to North Carolina so she could enter a rehab center closer to him. Sadly, she passed away before that could happen.
Blame, Arguments, and Public Claims
After Lisa’s death, her boyfriend blamed Robert for causing her relapse. This created more tension and public anger. Many people did not know who to believe.
Robert denied the blame. He said the boyfriend was only trying to protect himself. He explained that he was willing to help Lisa, but only if she agreed to treatment. He said he truly wanted her to live and recover.
These public claims showed how confusing and painful everything had become. Even after her death, the story was full of anger, blame, and unanswered questions.
Life After Lisa Robin Kelly
After the lawsuit ended, Robert Joseph Gilliam disappeared from public view. He stopped speaking to the media. He did not give interviews or make public appearances.
Now in his early 70s, Robert lives a quiet and private life. There are no known updates about his personal relationships or work. He chose silence after years of noise, pain, and public attention.
His name is still searched today, but mostly because of his connection to Lisa Robin Kelly. He remains a very private person, far away from fame.
Final Thoughts
The story of Robert Joseph Gilliam is deeply tied to the tragic life of Lisa Robin Kelly. Their relationship started with hope but ended in pain, legal trouble, and loss.
This story shows how addiction can damage lives, even when love and help are present. It reminds us that recovery is not easy, and sometimes support is not enough.
Today, Robert Joseph Gilliam lives quietly, carrying a past filled with love, regret, and silence. Their story remains a sad reminder of how real struggles can change lives forever.
(FAQs)
Was Robert Joseph Gilliam famous before marrying Lisa Robin Kelly?
No, he wasn’t famous. Robert lived a private life and only became known after marrying Lisa Robin Kelly, a star from That ’70s Show.
How much older was Robert Gilliam than Lisa Robin Kelly?
Robert was 19 years older than Lisa. He was 61, and she was 42 when they got married in 2012.
Did both Robert and Lisa get arrested during their marriage?
Yes, both were arrested in 2012 after a fight. Later, Robert was convicted of domestic battery and faced jail time, probation, and a restraining order.
Did Lisa Robin Kelly finish her divorce before she died?
No. Lisa filed for divorce in July 2013, but she died in August 2013 before the process was complete.
What happened to Robert Joseph Gilliam after Lisa’s death?
He filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the rehab center and later stepped away from the public. He now lives a very private life and hasn’t made any public statements since.
More Explore:
Nicole Threatt: Her Marriage to Dr. Dre, Divorce, and Life Today
