From 1976 to 1981, Gilliam worked as a legislative aide to United States Senator
Mark Hatfield. Gilliam was an actor and a member of the
Screen Actors Guild. From 1984 to 1985, he served as the director of alumni relations at
Willamette University.
Oregon House of Representatives Elections During the 1986 elections, Gilliam ran for the Republican nomination for the
Oregon House of Representatives from the 31st district. During the campaign, he was endorsed by the
Statesman Journal editorial board. He was defeated in the Republican primary by Al Riebel. In 1987, Gilliam announced that he would seek the Republican nomination in the 31st district, but was defeated by
Gene Derfler. In 2006, State Representative
Mac Sumner announced his resignation due to his lung cancer. On December 27, Gilliam was selected to replace Sumner as representative from the 18th district by the county commissioners of
Marion and
Clackamas counties.
Tenure On January 8, 2007, Gilliam was sworn into the Oregon House of Representatives and was appointed to serve on the consumer protection, and the human services and women's wellness committee during the 2007–2009 legislative session. In 2007, Gilliam voted against legislation that would allow
domestic partnerships for same-sex couples, and legislation that would prohibit discrimination against LGBT people in housing, employment, and access to public places. In 2013, he was one of five Republicans in the House of Representatives to vote in favor of allowing illegal immigrants to receive driver licenses. ==Death==