Vic Gilliam

Oregon State Representative from the 18th District[16]

What is Vic Gilliam known for?

Victor Stephen "Vic" Gilliam, a native of Dover, Ohio, was an American politician and actor who made significant contributions to his state and community. Born on July 21, 1953, Gilliam embarked on his higher education journey at Warner Pacific University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. He furthered his studies at the University of South Carolina, where he attained a Master of Education in 1982, and was later awarded an honorary Doctor of Law degree in 2016.

Gilliam started his career as a legislative aide to United States Senator Mark Hatfield from 1976 to 1981. He tried his luck in acting and became a member of the Screen Actors Guild, appearing in several television shows. He also served as the director of alumni relations at Willamette University from 1984 to 1985.

In politics, Gilliam represented the 18th district in the Oregon House of Representatives as a member of the Republican Party. This journey started in 2007 when Gilliam was selected to fill the vacancy left by Mac Sumner's resignation due to lung cancer, a position he held until his own resignation in 2017 because of health problems. During his tenure, Gilliam served on various committees, including the consumer protection, and the human services and women's wellness committee. He was known for his stand on various social issues, notably voting against legislation for domestic partnerships for same-sex couples in 2007.

Despite his busy political and acting careers, Gilliam was also known for his philanthropy. In 2014, he participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge with Brian Clem to raise donations for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research. Unfortunately, the following year, Gilliam was diagnosed with the same disease. His condition worsened over time, leading to his resignation from the House of Representatives in 2017. Gilliam passed away on June 17, 2020, leaving an unforgettable legacy in the realms of politics, acting, and philanthropy.

For more information, you can visit his Find a Grave memorial or the official Oregon Legislature website.