Clarence Gilyard Jr. Useless: ‘Die Exhausting,’ ‘Matlock,’ ‘Walker’ Star Was 66

Clarence Gilyard Jr., an actor greatest identified for starring in “Walker, Texas Ranger” and his supporting efficiency in “Die Exhausting,” has died. He was 66 years outdated. No additional particulars about his loss of life can be found right now.

Gilyard’s loss of life was confirmed by an announcement by the College of Nevada, Las Vegas. Gilyard had been working as a movie and theatre professor at UNLV School of Advantageous Arts.

“Professor Gilyard was a beacon of sunshine and energy for everybody round him,” UNLV movie chair Heather Addison stated. “Each time we requested him how he was, he would cheerfully declare that he was ‘Blessed!’ However we’re actually those who have been blessed to be his colleagues and college students for thus a few years. We love you and can miss you dearly, Professor G!”

An completed movie, tv and theatre actor, Gilyard made an enduring impression within the 1980’s after a sequence of visitor star TV appearances, making his movie debut as Sunset in “Prime Gun” and taking part in the terrorist laptop whiz Theo in “Die Exhausting” with a gleeful menace. In 1989, he scored a daily gig on primetime tv with “Matlock,” taking part in Conrad McMasters, a P.I. for Andy Griffith’s lead legal protection lawyer.

Gilyard appeared on 85 episodes of “Matlock” earlier than departing the sequence in 1993 for a good greater position: Jimmy Trivette, the precise hand man to Chuck Norris’ powerful sergeant on CBS’ Western crime sequence “Walker, Texas Ranger.” He appeared in all 196 episodes of the sequence’ eight season. After the finale in 2001, Gilyard continued to behave in varied movies and TV exhibits.

Born Dec. 24, 1955 in Moses Lake, Wash., Gilyard grew up a army brat, shifting throughout air bases all through the U.S. throughout his adolescence earlier than his household settled in California. After spending a 12 months on the Air Pressure Academy as a cadet, Gilyard attended Sterling School and, later, California State College, Lengthy Seashore and California State College, Dominguez Hills, the place he earned a bachelor’s diploma in performing.

Gilyard returned to academia later in life, becoming a member of the division of theatre on the College of Nevada, Las Vegas as an affiliate professor in 2006. Gilyard additionally labored as a producer and director, helming an episode of “Walker, Texas Ranger.”

Gilyard was beforehand married to Catherine Dutko. He married Elena Gilyard in 2001.