Clarence Gilyard Jr. dies: “Walker, Texas Ranger”, “Die Hard” star was 66

Actor and academic Clarence Gilyard Jr., known for roles in TV shows such as Walker, Texas Ranger and Matlockas well as movies, including So difficult and boss, deceased. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas College of Fine Arts, where Gilyard was a professor of film and theater, announced the news of his death. No cause of death was given. He was 66.

Gilyard’s career spans more than 30 years in film, television and theatre. His first film role was as Sundown in the original boss (1986) and later made a lasting impression in 1989 So difficult as intelligent computer genius villain Theo.

On television, Gilyard starred opposite Andy Griffith in a legal drama Matlock appeared in 85 episodes from 1989-1993 as private investigator Conrad McMasters. Then, from 1993 to 2001, he co-starred with Chuck Norris as Jimmy Trevette on CBS’s Walker, Texas Ranger.

Gilyard was born in Moses Lake, Washington in 1955 and later attended high school in California. He earned a BA in Theater Arts from California State University and moved to Los Angeles in the late 1970s to pursue an acting career.

About Walker, Texas RangerGilyard took a sabbatical from acting and earned an MFA in Theater Performance from Southern Methodist University before joining the UNLV College of Fine Arts.

In 2020, Gilyard has the role of So difficultsays Theo in a major ad for Advanced Auto Parts celebrating the acquisition of battery brand DieHard. The ad featured John McClane, Bruce Willis’ legendary hero, and cameos from De’voreaux White, who played limousine driver Argyle, and Gilyard. Gilyard told Nevada Public Radio at the time that the experience was “surreal.”

UNLV Dean Nancy J. Uscher of Gilyard said, “His students were deeply inspired by him, as were all who knew him. He had many exceptional talents and was well known at university for his dedication to teaching and professional achievements.

“His generosity knew no bounds – he was always willing to contribute to projects and performances whenever possible. We remember Clarence with joy and gratitude for all that he contributed to the College of Fine Arts, to the UNLV community and to the world through his impressive personal achievements.”

UNLV Film President Heather Addison added, “Professor Gilyard was a beacon of light and strength to all around him at UNLV. Every time we asked him how he was doing, he cheerfully said, “Blessed!” But we are truly the ones blessed to have been his colleagues and students for so many years. We love you and will miss you very much, Professor G!