Actor Clarence Gilyard passes away at 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.