Clarence Darnell Gilyard Jr was a university professor, actor, and novelist from the United States. He appeared in cinema, television, and theatre performances as a performer; some sources put his middle name as Alfred.
Quick Facts About Clarence Gilyard
| Name | Clarence Gilyard |
|---|---|
| D.O.B | December 24, 1955 |
| Died on | November 28, 2022 |
| Gender | Male |
| Spouse | Elena Castillo |
| Profession | University Professor, Actor, Author |
What is Clarence Gilyard Best Known for?
Gilyard was best known for his roles as Conrad McMasters, Ben Matlock’s (Andy Griffith) right-hand man, on the legal drama series Matlock from 1989 to 1993; Pastor Bruce Barnes in the Left Behind film trilogy; Cordell Walker‘s (Chuck Norris) Texas Ranger partner, James “Jimmy” Trivette, in the 1990s crime drama Walker, Texas Ranger; Theo, the terrorist computer expert in Die Hard; and Lieutenant (junior grade) Marcus “Sund.
Clarence Gilyard’s Biography
Gilyard was born on Christmas Eve, 1955, in Moses Lake, Washington, to Barbara and Clarence Darnell Gilyard Sr., a United States Air Force officer.
Gilyard was the second child of six. Gilyard was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, but grew up on Air Force bases in Hawaii, Texas, and Florida. He was raised mostly as a Lutheran before becoming Catholic in the 1990s.
Gilyard spent his adolescence in the San Bernardino town of Rialto, California, where he attended Eisenhower High School. He graduated from high school in 1974 and then spent a year as an Air Force Academy cadet before quitting the service to attend Sterling College.
He played football in college and was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He was also awarded a tennis scholarship, but he pulled out before completing his studies.
Gilyard was fascinated with women, booze, and, on occasion, narcotics while living with his parents in high school. His parents pressured him to leave, so he moved to Long Beach, California, with a buddy.
He majored in acting at California State University, Long Beach, and worked as a server while looking for acting jobs. His bachelor’s degree was earned at California State University, Dominguez Hills.
Gilyard worked at a clothes store with a housemate and was promoted to manager. He momentarily abandoned this to work selling industrial chemicals. Gilyard returned to school in 2003, earning a master’s degree in theatre performance from Southern Methodist University.
Clarence Gilyard Was Still Married
Clarence Gilyard was, in fact, a happily married man before his death. On two separate occasions, the late professor married. His first marriage to Catherine Dutko ended in divorce, and he married Elena in 2001.
Elena Gilyard was the late American university professor’s second wife. After he (Clarence) divorced his first wife, Catherine, the couple married in 2001.
Elena Gilyard had children with her husband, Clarence Gilyard. They had two kids. Their names, however, are unknown because they spent the majority of their lives hidden from the public eye.
Death of Clarence Gilyard
Clarence Gilyard Jr., well known for his depiction of James Trivette in Walker, Texas Ranger, has died. The actor, who also appeared in Top Gun, Die Hard, and From Above, was only 66 years old.
On Nov. 28, 2022, his employer, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ College of Fine Arts — where he taught film and theatre — announced his death.
What Was the Cause of Death for Clarence Gilyard Jr.?
Though no cause of death has been disclosed, Clarence had been suffering from a “long illness.” Clarence’s death was announced in a press release by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ College of Fine Arts.
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His Acting Career of Over Three Decades
Clarence Gilyard Jr. has over 30 acting credits and has worked in the entertainment industry for over three decades. Clarence is no longer with us, but his spirit and performing abilities will carry on forever. Clarence’s IMDB website reveals that the 66-year-old has appeared in a number of cult-favorite shows throughout the years.
Clarence played Sundown in Top Gun in 1986, Theo in Die Hard in 1988, and Conrad McMasters on Matlock from 1989 to 1993. The actor went on to star in a slew of movies, amassing a slew of acting credits over the course of three decades.
While some performers brag about being self-taught, Clarence works hard academically to advance his career.
Clarence will be remembered for his contributions to entertainment, despite the fact that Hollywood has lost a dazzling light. Our hearts go out to Clarence Gilyard Jr.‘s family and loved ones.