Clarence Gilyard Jr. Useless: ‘Walker Texas Ranger’ Star Was 66

Clarence Gilyard Jr., an actor finest identified for starring in “Walker, Texas Ranger” and his supporting efficiency in “Die Onerous,” has died. He was 66 years previous. 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 Wonderful Arts.

“Professor Gilyard was a beacon of sunshine and power 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 had been blessed to be his colleagues and college students for therefore a few years. We love you and can miss you dearly, Professor G!”

An achieved movie, tv and theatre actor, Gilyard made an enduring impression within the 1980’s after a collection of visitor star TV appearances, making his movie debut as Sunset in “High Gun” and taking part in the terrorist pc whiz Theo in “Die Onerous” with a gleeful menace. In 1989, he scored an everyday 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 collection in 1993 for a fair greater function: Jimmy Trivette, the precise hand man to Chuck Norris’ powerful sergeant on CBS’ Western crime collection “Walker, Texas Ranger.” He appeared in all 196 episodes of the collection’ eight season. After the finale in 2001, Gilyard continued to behave in numerous movies and TV reveals.

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

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.