A Tributes To Clarence Gilyard Jr.: The Legacy Of An Acting Legend

Who is Clarence Gilyard?

Clarence Gilyard was an American actor and university professor. He was best known for his roles as private investigator Conrad McMasters in the television series Matlock (19891993) and as Cordell Walker's partner, James "Jimmy" Trivette, on Walker, Texas Ranger (19932001).

Gilyard was born in Moses Lake, Washington, and raised in Fairfield, California. He attended California State University, Long Beach, where he earned a degree in theater arts. After graduating from college, Gilyard worked as a stage actor before landing his first major role in the 1982 film The Toy.

Gilyard's other notable film and television credits include Top Gun (1986), Die Hard (1988), and Left Behind (2000). He also had a recurring role as Theo Carver on the television series The Rockford Files (19741980).

In addition to his acting career, Gilyard was also a professor of theater at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He taught acting and film for over 20 years.

Gilyard died on November 28, 2022, at the age of 66.

Clarence Gilyard was a talented actor and professor who made significant contributions to the entertainment industry and academia.

Clarence Gilyard

Clarence Gilyard was an American actor and university professor. He was best known for his roles in television series such as Matlock and Walker, Texas Ranger. Gilyard's career spanned over three decades, and he appeared in over 100 films and television shows.

• Actor
• Professor
• Matlock
• Walker, Texas Ranger
• Die Hard
• Top Gun
• University of Nevada, Las Vegas
• Theater

These key aspects highlight Clarence Gilyard's diverse career in the entertainment industry and academia. He was a talented actor who appeared in a wide range of films and television shows. He was also a dedicated professor who taught acting and film for over 20 years. Gilyard's legacy will continue to inspire aspiring actors and filmmakers for years to come.

1. Actor

Clarence Gilyard was an American actor best known for his roles in television series such as Matlock and Walker, Texas Ranger. He appeared in over 100 films and television shows throughout his career.

• Television
  

  Gilyard's television career began in the early 1980s with roles in shows such as The Rockford Files and Magnum, P.I. He gained wider recognition for his role as private investigator Conrad McMasters in the television series Matlock (19891993). Gilyard's most famous role was as Cordell Walker's partner, James "Jimmy" Trivette, on Walker, Texas Ranger (19932001).

• Film
  

  Gilyard also appeared in a number of films, including Top Gun (1986), Die Hard (1988), and Left Behind (2000). He often played supporting roles, but he always brought a sense of charisma and professionalism to his performances.

• Stage
  

  Gilyard began his career as a stage actor, and he continued to perform on stage throughout his career. He appeared in productions of plays such as A Raisin in the Sun and Othello.

• Teaching
  

  In addition to his acting career, Gilyard was also a professor of theater at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He taught acting and film for over 20 years.

Clarence Gilyard was a talented actor who made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. He was a versatile performer who could play a wide range of roles, from comedic to dramatic. Gilyard was also a dedicated educator who inspired his students to pursue their dreams.

2. Professor

Clarence Gilyard was an American actor and university professor. He was best known for his roles in television series such as Matlock and Walker, Texas Ranger. However, Gilyard was also a dedicated educator who taught acting and film for over 20 years at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Gilyard's passion for teaching was evident in his work with students. He was known for his engaging lectures and his ability to connect with students on a personal level. Gilyard was also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. He believed that everyone should have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background.

Gilyard's work as a professor had a profound impact on his students. Many of his former students have gone on to successful careers in the entertainment industry. Gilyard's legacy as a professor will continue to inspire and motivate aspiring actors and filmmakers for years to come.

3. Conclusion

Clarence Gilyard was a talented actor and a dedicated educator. He made significant contributions to both the entertainment industry and academia. Gilyard's work as a professor helped to shape the careers of many aspiring actors and filmmakers. His legacy will continue to inspire and motivate for years to come.

4. Matlock

Clarence Gilyard's role as private investigator Conrad McMasters in the television series Matlock was a defining moment in his career. The show, which ran from 1989 to 1993, was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to make Gilyard a household name.

Gilyard's character, Conrad McMasters, was a complex and well-developed character. He was a former police officer who had been wrongly convicted of a crime. After being exonerated, McMasters became a private investigator and used his skills to help others who had been wrongly accused.

Gilyard's performance as Conrad McMasters was highly praised by critics. He was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on the show, and he won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series twice.

The role of Conrad McMasters was a perfect fit for Gilyard. He was able to use his natural charisma and intelligence to create a character that was both likeable and believable. Gilyard's performance helped to make Matlock one of the most popular television shows of the 1990s.

The connection between Clarence Gilyard and Matlock is a significant one. The show was a major turning point in Gilyard's career, and it helped to establish him as one of the most popular actors on television. Gilyard's performance as Conrad McMasters was a key factor in the show's success, and it helped to make Matlock one of the most popular television shows of the 1990s.

5. Walker, Texas Ranger

The connection between "Walker, Texas Ranger" and "Clarence Gilyard" is a significant one. The show was a major turning point in Gilyard's career, and it helped to establish him as one of the most popular actors on television. Gilyard's performance as James Trivette was a key factor in the show's success, and it helped to make Walker, Texas Ranger one of the most popular television shows of the 1990s.

Gilyard's character, James Trivette, was a complex and well-developed character. He was a former Marine who had been recruited by the Texas Rangers. Trivette was a skilled martial artist and a crack shot, but he was also a compassionate and caring individual. He was always willing to help those in need, and he was fiercely loyal to his friends and family.

Gilyard's performance as James Trivette was highly praised by critics. He was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on the show, and he won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series twice.

The role of James Trivette was a perfect fit for Gilyard. He was able to use his natural charisma and intelligence to create a character that was both likeable and believable. Gilyard's performance helped to make Walker, Texas Ranger one of the most popular television shows of the 1990s.

The connection between Clarence Gilyard and Walker, Texas Ranger is a significant one. The show was a major turning point in Gilyard's career, and it helped to establish him as one of the most popular actors on television. Gilyard's performance as James Trivette was a key factor in the show's success, and it helped to make Walker, Texas Ranger one of the most popular television shows of the 1990s.

6. Die Hard

Clarence Gilyard played Theo, a computer hacker, in the 1988 action film Die Hard. Though not one of the main characters, Theo played a significant role in the film, providing crucial information to John McClane (Bruce Willis) and helping him defeat the terrorists.

• Role in the Film
  

  Theo was a computer hacker who was hired by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) to disable the Nakatomi Plaza's security system. However, Theo had a change of heart and decided to help McClane after seeing the terrorists' true nature.

• Theo's Relationship with McClane
  

  Theo and McClane developed a strong bond during the course of the film. Theo was impressed by McClane's courage and determination, while McClane was grateful for Theo's help.

• Theo's Importance to the Plot
  

  Theo played a vital role in the film's plot. He was the one who provided McClane with the information he needed to defeat the terrorists. Theo also helped McClane to escape from the building.

Clarence Gilyard's performance as Theo was praised by critics. He brought a sense of humor and humanity to the role, making Theo one of the most memorable characters in the film.

7. Top Gun

Clarence Gilyard's role as Marcus "Sundown" Williams in the 1986 film Top Gun is a significant one. The film was a major critical and commercial success, and it helped to make Gilyard a household name. Gilyard's performance as Sundown was praised by critics, and he was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture.

• Sundown's Role in Top Gun
  

  Sundown is a skilled RIO (radar intercept officer) who flies with Tom Cruise's character, Maverick. Sundown is a cool and collected character, and he provides Maverick with much-needed support and guidance.

• Gilyard's Performance
  

  Gilyard's performance as Sundown is one of the highlights of the film. He brings a sense of humor and charisma to the role, and he makes Sundown a truly memorable character.

• The Importance of Sundown
  

  Sundown is an important character in Top Gun because he represents the importance of teamwork. He is a skilled and experienced RIO, and he is always there to help Maverick. Sundown's character shows that even the most skilled pilots need help from others to succeed.

• The Impact of Top Gun on Gilyard's Career
  

  Top Gun was a major turning point in Gilyard's career. The film's success helped to make Gilyard a household name, and it led to him being cast in a number of other high-profile roles.

Clarence Gilyard's role in Top Gun is a significant one. He brings a sense of humor and charisma to the role, and he makes Sundown a truly memorable character. Gilyard's performance helped to make Top Gun a major critical and commercial success, and it helped to launch his career as a leading actor.

8. University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Clarence Gilyard was a professor of theater at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) for over 20 years. He taught acting and film, and he was also the director of the UNLV Film Program. Gilyard was a dedicated educator who inspired his students to pursue their dreams.

Gilyard's connection to UNLV was a significant one. He was a respected professor who helped to shape the careers of many aspiring actors and filmmakers. Gilyard's work at UNLV also helped to raise the profile of the university's film program.

One of Gilyard's most notable accomplishments at UNLV was the creation of the Clarence Gilyard Jr. Film School. The film school offers a variety of courses in filmmaking, and it has helped to produce a number of successful filmmakers.

Gilyard's legacy at UNLV will continue to inspire and motivate students for years to come. He was a dedicated educator who made a significant contribution to the university's film program.

9. Theater

Clarence Gilyard had a deep connection to theater. He began his career as a stage actor and continued to perform on stage throughout his life. He also taught theater at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas for over 20 years.

Gilyard believed that theater was an important art form that could be used to educate, entertain, and inspire audiences. He was particularly passionate about using theater to tell the stories of marginalized communities. He said, "Theater is a powerful tool that can be used to change the world." Gilyard's passion for theater is evident in his work as an actor and educator. He was a gifted performer who brought his passion and commitment to every role he played. He was also a dedicated teacher who inspired his students to pursue their dreams.

Gilyard's contributions to theater are significant. As an actor, he helped to break down racial barriers and open up new opportunities for actors of color. As an educator, he helped to train a new generation of theater artists. His legacy will continue to inspire and motivate theater artists for years to come.

FAQs about Clarence Gilyard

Clarence Gilyard was an American actor and university professor. He was best known for his roles in television series such as Matlock and Walker, Texas Ranger. Gilyard's career spanned over three decades, and he appeared in over 100 films and television shows.

Question 1: What was Clarence Gilyard's most famous role?

Answer: Clarence Gilyard's most famous role was as Cordell Walker's partner, James "Jimmy" Trivette, on Walker, Texas Ranger.

Question 2: What other notable films and television shows did Clarence Gilyard appear in?

Answer: Gilyard appeared in a number of notable films and television shows, including Top Gun, Die Hard, and Left Behind.

Question 3: What was Clarence Gilyard's connection to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas?

Answer: Gilyard was a professor of theater at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas for over 20 years. He taught acting and film, and he was also the director of the UNLV Film Program.

Question 4: What was Clarence Gilyard's passion outside of acting?

Answer: Gilyard was passionate about using theater to tell the stories of marginalized communities. He believed that theater was a powerful tool that could be used to educate, entertain, and inspire audiences.

Question 5: What is Clarence Gilyard's legacy?

Answer: Clarence Gilyard's legacy is as a talented actor and dedicated educator. He was a gifted performer who brought his passion and commitment to every role he played. He was also a dedicated teacher who inspired his students to pursue their dreams.

Summary: Clarence Gilyard was a talented actor and dedicated educator who made significant contributions to the entertainment industry and academia. He was a versatile performer who could play a wide range of roles, from comedic to dramatic. Gilyard was also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. His legacy will continue to inspire and motivate aspiring actors and filmmakers for years to come.

Transition to the next article section: Clarence Gilyard's contributions to the entertainment industry are significant. He was a talented actor and dedicated educator who helped to break down racial barriers and open up new opportunities for actors of color. His legacy will continue to inspire and motivate theater artists for years to come.

Clarence Gilyard

Clarence Gilyard was a talented actor and dedicated educator who made significant contributions to the entertainment industry and academia. He was a versatile performer who could play a wide range of roles, from comedic to dramatic. Gilyard was also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. His legacy will continue to inspire and motivate aspiring actors and filmmakers for years to come.

Gilyard's work as an actor helped to break down racial barriers and open up new opportunities for actors of color. His role as Conrad McMasters on the television series Matlock was a groundbreaking moment for African American actors on television. Gilyard's performance was praised by critics and helped to change the way that black characters were portrayed on television.

Gilyard's commitment to education was also evident in his work as a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He taught acting and film for over 20 years and helped to train a new generation of theater artists. Gilyard was passionate about using theater to tell the stories of marginalized communities. He believed that theater was a powerful tool that could be used to educate, entertain, and inspire audiences.

Clarence Gilyard's legacy is one of excellence and dedication. He was a talented actor who used his platform to make a difference in the world. He was also a dedicated educator who inspired his students to pursue their dreams. Gilyard's work will continue to inspire and motivate for years to come.