Hollywood actor Clarence Gilyard dies at 66

 

The late actor Clarence Gilyard Junior was most known for his work in the films "Top Gun" and "Die Hard." He was 66. His death has not been given any additional public information, according to a Variety report. The University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) issued a statement confirming Mr. Gilyard's passing. According to the outlet, the actor was a professor of film and theatre at UNLV College of Fine Arts.

Professor Gilyard, according to UNLV film chair Heather Addison, "was a source of light and power for everyone around him." "He enthusiastically responded, "Blessed!" whenever we inquired how he was doing. But we are the ones who were actually fortunate to work with him and learn from him for such a long time. Professor G, we adore you and will miss you terribly!"

Variety reports that Mr. Gilyard was born in Moses Lake, Washington, on December 24, 1955. Mr. Gilyard spent a year as a cadet at the US Air Force Academy prior to starting his acting career. He further got his bachelor's degree in acting from California State University.

In the 1980s, the actor appeared as a guest star on numerous occasions. In "Top Gun," Mr. Gilyard made his acting debut as Sundown, and in "Die Hard," he portrayed the terrorist computer genius Theo.

Following this, Mr. Gilyard was cast in the TV series Matlock and appeared in 85 of its episodes. In 1993, he left the programme to become the lead in the crime drama Walker, Texas Ranger.

Before the show's conclusion in 2001, Mr. Gilyard made appearances in all 196 of its episodes. After then, he made numerous film and television appearances.

Prior to this, he was wed to Catherine Dutko. Later, in 2001, Mr. Gilyard married Elena.