In Memoriam
Actor Clarence Gilyard passes away at 66
Clarence Gilyard, the actor best known for his roles in “Die Hard”, “Sundown”, “Walker, Texas Ranger”, has died. He was 66.

Clarence Gilyard, the actor best known for his roles in “Die Hard”, “Top Gun”, and “Walker, Texas Ranger”, has died. He was 66.
Death details for Clarence Gilyard
His death was announced by the University of Las Vegas Nevada where he was currently an associate professor for the College of Fine Arts.
“It is with profound sadness that I share this news,” Dean Nancy Uscher said in the statement shared on Instagram.
“His students were deeply inspired by him, as were all who knew him. He had many extraordinary talents and was extremely well-known in the university through his dedication to teaching and his professional accomplishments.”
A cause of death was not revealed.
Acting career
Born Dec. 24, 1955 in Moses Lake, Wash, Gilyard began his journey in acting after studying Theatre Arts at California State University. Thereafter, he landed his first role on the TV show “Diff’rent Strokes” in 1981.
In 1986, Gilyard made his film debut in “Top Gun,” in which he played Sundown.
Two years later, he was cast as Theo, the computer expert in the thriller “Die Hard.”
He got his big TV break in 1989, when he landed the role of Conrad McMasters on “Matlock,” starring opposite iconic actot Andy Griffith.
He then played Chuck Norris’ crime-fighting partner Jimmy Trivette on “Walker, Texas Ranger.”
After “Walker, Texas Ranger” ended, Gilyard returned to school and received his Masters of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance at Southern Methodist University.
He previously tied the knot with Catherine Dutko and went on to marry his current wife, Elena Gilyard in 2001.
Discover more from Unheard Voices Magazine
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
-
Culture2 weeks ago
Brooklyn community rallies behind beloved shoe shiner Byron Neal known as “The Light on the Corner”
-
Social Justice2 weeks ago
Family of Jabari Peoples demands answers after fatal police ehooting in Alabama
-
Crime & Justice16 hours ago
North Carolina detention officer’s slaying devastates community; GoFundMe launched
-
News2 days ago
UPS Driver Who Saved Woman’s Life Becomes Lifelong Supporter as She Battles Cancer
-
News1 week ago
Marilyn Mosby completes home detention, begins new chapter after federal convictions
-
Crime & Justice1 week ago
14-year-old was shot by best friend since 3rd grade while playing with gun
-
Health & Wellness1 week ago
Teen misses graduation while awaiting heart transplant—hospital hosts emotional ceremony
-
News1 week ago
Louisville teen 13-year-old Derrick Saunders Jr. drowns in Ohio River