November 29 2022, 5:50 AM PST. The action-drama series "Walker, Texas Ranger" (1993-2001) was a ratings magnet for CBS , remaining in or just below the Top 40 in the Nielsen ratings for nearly all of its eight season run on the . 21 . Gilyard's "Jimmy" was a former football player from the "wrong side of the tracks" in Baltimore. After the finale in 2001, Gilyard continued to act in various films and TV shows. Rebecca Iannucci / He left this to work briefly selling industrial chemicals. He married Elena Gilyard in 2001. Clarence Gilyard, who starred as Jimmy Trivette on "Walker, Texas Ranger," (above) and had roles in "Die Hard" and "Top Gun," has died at 66. The actor starred in the TV series Matlock and Top Gun. He was 66. His students were deeply inspired by him, as were all who knew him, Dean Nancy J. Uscher said on Instagram. The Washington native grew up around the country as an Air Force brat before a class at Cal State University, Long Beach, got him into acting, according to Variety. His generosity of spirit was boundless he was always ready to contribute to projects and performances however possible. Lavocat continues with plans to kill the Rangers. As the Hayes Cooper story unfolds, Hayes fights an ancestor of Lavocat. Having problems watching FOX 8 on antenna? ", Sad to hear of the passing of actor Clarence Gilyard Jr., best known for Die Hard, Top Gun, & Walker: Texas Ranger. C.D. Clarence Gilyard Jr, known for his roles in the series "Walker, Texas Ranger" and "Matlock" and in the films "Top Gun" and "Die Hard", has died at the age of 66. Following his death, the school's film chair said "Professor Gilyard was a beacon of light and strength for everyone around at UNLV". As a performer, he appeared in film, television, and stage productions; some sources give his middle name as Alfred. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas confirmed Gilyard's death Monday in a . Professor Gilyard was a beacon of light and strength for everyone around him, UNLV film chair Heather Addison said. He was still appearing in films as recently as 2019. He eventually earned his BA in Theatre Arts from California State University, Dominguez Hills and completed an MFA in Theatre Performance at Southern Methodist University. wants Buckingham, Hautes-Pyrnes: a hiker is killed by falling into a ravine, A hiker is killed in the Hautes-Pyrnes by falling into a ravine. In 1989, he scored a regular gig on primetime television with Matlock, playing Conrad McMasters, a P.I. By the end, he wouldn't trust anyone else. Killer Lavocat breaks his gang members out of prison to help kill the Rangers he determines a threat to his life. Gilyard told GetTV he was about to sign with CBS for a pilot of his own but established action star Norris had made a deal with the network for 13 episodes of Walker. Thirteen checks versus one check and Gilyards previous martial arts and rodeo experience made him a natural for the role, he said. No additional information about Gilyard's death was provided. The Las Vegas Review-Journal was first to reportGilyard's death after a long illness. But Gilyards calling card was to be Ranger James Trivette from 1993 to 2001 on Walker, Texas Ranger.. With Chuck Norris, Clarence Gilyard Jr., Sheree J. Wilson, Judson Mills. Till Death Do Us Part: Directed by Alexander Singer. Alex gives birth to a girl. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where Gilyard had been a film professor since 2006, announced the actors death in a press release on Monday. In current day, the Rangers go after Lavocat. He . 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. An accomplished film, television and theatre actor, Gilyard made a lasting impression in the 1980s after a series of guest star TV appearances, making his film debut as Sundown in Top Gun and playing the terrorist computer whiz Theo in Die Hard with a gleeful menace. U.S. Supreme Court: Clarence Thomas, the "wise man" with many pots and pans, Hollywood mourns the death of Annie Wersching, In the Kemerovo region, five people died in an accident with an SUV, United States: a media reveals the trips offered by a billionaire to a justice of the Supreme Court, According to media reports: King Charles III. He was an excellent student, graduating in 1974, and afterward spent a year as an Air Force Academy cadet before leaving the service to attend Sterling College. The review of online library construction needs to be regulated, Why did they "move China"? Among other work, a role in the play Bleacher Bums made him what one magazine called "the first black actor to play a cheerleader",[1] before he segued into television roles. The topic of t. James Austin Trivette of Milford, a son, brother, grandson and nephew, went to be with the Lord unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 9, 2013. was a retired Ranger and a bar owner at "C.D.'s Bar & Grill". 2023 TVLine Media, LLC. For nearly a decade we had many great times working together and we both loved bringing the bad guys to justice. We remember Clarence with joy and gratitude for all he contributed to the College of Fine Arts, the UNLV community, and, through his impressive personal achievements, to the world, Uscher said. Pilot season (1993) This two-hour premiere episode introduces Cordell Walker (Chuck Norris), a contemporary Texas Ranger. Clarence Gilyard Jr, known for his roles in the series "Walker, Texas Ranger" and "Matlock" and in the "Top Gun" and "Die Hard", died at the age of 66. On the film side, Gilyard held roles in two staples of 1980s pop culture, appearing as Hans Grubers techie Theo in Die Hard and naval flight officer Marcus Sundown Williams in Top Gun. Die Hard and Walker Texas Ranger actor Clarence Gilyard has died. Gilyards death was confirmed through a statement by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. When the show moved from NBC to ABC for the series' seventh season, production moved from Los Angeles to Wilmington, North Carolina. Actor Clarence Gilyard, who had supporting roles in the '80s classics "Die Hard" and "Top Gun" and a starring role on "Walker, Texas Ranger," has died at 66. Gilyard portrayed fellow Texas Ranger and best friend of Walker, James "Jimmy" Trivette. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas College of Fine Arts shared the news of Clarences passing in a press release. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Launch Gallery, His students were deeply inspired by him, as were all who knew him, said Nancy J. Uscher, Dean of the College of Fine Arts at UNLV. As a character actor, Gilyard made guest appearances on TV shows such as Diff'rent Strokes, The Facts of Life, 227, Simon & Simon, and Riptide. He appeared in the 1988 action film Die Hard as Theo, a criminal computer expert. Actor Clarence Gilyard Jr., perhaps best known for his butt-kicking lawman opposite Chuck Norrison TVs Walker, Texas Ranger, has died at age 66. Gilyard would make a brief appearance as Jimmy Trivette in the 2005 film Walker, Texas Ranger: Trialby Fire. Clarence Gilyard Jr, known for his roles in the series "Walker, Texas Ranger" and "Matlock" and in the "Top Gun" and "Die Hard", died at the age of 66. C.D. Actor Clarence Gilyard Jr., beloved for his portrayal of James Trivette in Walker, Texas Ranger, has passed away.. Norris has yet to comment on any of his social media platforms. Gilyard was known for his roles as second private investigator and right-hand man Conrad McMasters to Ben Matlock (played by Andy Griffith) on the legal drama series Matlock from 1989 to 1993; Pastor Bruce Barnes in the first two Left Behind movies; Cordell Walker's (played by Chuck Norris) Texas Ranger partner, James "Jimmy" Trivette, in the 1990s crime drama Walker, Texas Ranger; Theo, the terrorist computer expert in Die Hard; and Lieutenant Marcus "Sundown" WIlliams in Top Gun. and still is. [8], In 2006 Gilyard took a break from acting and became an associate professor in the College of Fine Arts Department of Theatre at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he taught stage and screen acting. [9][5] He continued to teach for many years. Scott Stump is a staff reporter and the writer of the daily newsletter This is TODAY. He was 66 years old. In the series finale, it is revealed that C.D. Solne Delinger 4:26 p.m., November 29, 2022. Gilyard played the role of Ben Matlock's private investigator, Conrad McMasters, on Matlock opposite Andy Griffith from 1989 to 1993. IE 11 is not supported. Republicans look to extend transgender restrictions to adults. and everyone to their thoughts to what is good on a shows now days his's wasn't blood and gore. The Hollywood Reporter also points out that he had roles in 227, The Facts of Life and Simon & Simon. 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Sykes asks DOJ to investigate Akron PD, Calling all Kyles: Help this city attempt a world, Cedar Point dropped its gate price this season, Updates: U. of Akron moves to remote learning, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Movies", "Clarence Gilyard: Professor, Stage & Screen Acting/ Film", "The Neil Simon Festival's Driving Miss Daisy", "Bruce Willis Reprises His Role As John McClane In Commercial For Die HardCar Batteries", "Clarence Gilyard, 'Die Hard' and 'Matlock' actor, dies at 66", "Clarence Gilyard Jr., 'Walker, Texas Ranger' and 'Die Hard' Star, Dies at 66", https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VY9B-HWJ, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Clarence_Gilyard&oldid=1150019059, Lieutenant Junior Grade Marcus "Sundown" Williams, This page was last edited on 15 April 2023, at 21:31. [1][13], After a long illness, Gilyard died at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, on November 28, 2022, at the age of 66. Gilyard's movie debut in 1986 was as an F-14 Tomcat radar intercept officer, LT.(JG) Marcus "Sundown" Williams, in Top Gun. Cordell Walker, is a former dolphin trainer with an elite Force Reconnaissance unit and a modern-day Ranger who believes in the Code of the Old West. Professor Gilyard was a beacon of light and strength for everyone around him, UNLV film chair Heather Addison said. The end is near in a show told mostly in flashbacks, a wounded Walker ascends through a manufacturing plant, wounded and using his gun one bullet at a time on killers as he recounts the story of a visiting African businessman who collapses from an Ebola-like virus after infecting several people. Personal history: Little is known about CD's . Gilyard had been working as a film and theatre professor at UNLV College of Fine Arts. everyone to their own the only reason they didn't like his series was because it wasn't fowl. Clarence Gilyard's first movie role was as Lt. Marcus "Sundown" Williams in "Top Gun. Gilyard was known for his roles as second private investigator and right-hand . He was also a military man in the 1986 film The Karate Kid Part II. Trivette singer Clarence Gilyard Jr has died aged 66. Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations. 2023 Variety Media, LLC. Who dies in the last episode of Walker, Texas Ranger? He was an actor and director, known for Die Hard (1988), Walker, Texas Ranger (1993) and Top Gun (1986). During the very first episode of Walker, Texas Ranger, actor Chuck Norris' character is more than a little skeptical of his new partner, James "Jimmy" Trivette. 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Marcus "Sundown" Williams in Top Gun. had died of a heart attack while on a fishing trip. The Final Showdown: Part 2: Directed by Aaron Norris. During a bank robbery in Fort Worth, Ranger Cordell Walker's partner Bob Mobley (Steven Ruge) is killed. The Washington native starred in far more television shows than major motion pictures, although he may also be remembered as Marcus "Sundown" Williams in Top Gun with Tom Cruise. A cause of death was not given, but Gilyard had reportedly been battling a long illness. "His students were deeply inspired by him, as were all who knew him. He has been a regular contributor for TODAY.com since 2011, producing news stories and features across the trending, pop culture, sports, parents, pets, health, style, food and TMRW verticals. The actor, who was also known for roles in Top Gun, Die Hard, and From Above, was just 66 years old.. His death was announced by his employer, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' College of Fine Arts where he taught as a film and theater professor on Nov. 28, 2022. for a commercial that aired during the Super Bowl in February 2021, starring Bruce Willis. Clarence Gilyard Jr., an actor best known for starring in Walker, Texas Ranger and his supporting performance in Die Hard, has died. 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If you like TVLine, you'll LOVE our email news alerts! "It is with profound sadness that I share this news," UNLV College of Fine Arts Dean Nancy J. Uscher said in the statement. Gilyard later brought back his Theo character for a DieHard Battery commercial with star Bruce Willis that aired during the Super Bowl last year. After Walker's partner is killed, he is assigned a new partner, James Trivette.Season 1, Episode 1 'One Riot, One Ranger': Among the issues Walker has to dea. Walker, Texas Ranger (1993-2001) Episode List. After a woman's car is forced off the road by a hit-and-run, Walker makes a daring rescue of her and her daughter. Nov. 29, 2022, 5:48 AM PST / Source: Reuters. He was 66. Blood Diamonds: Directed by Eric Norris. ", RIP Clarence Gilyard Jr. One of the greats. [7], In the 2018 edition of the football video game Madden NFL, Gilyard plays high school coach Devin Wade in the "Longshot" section of the game. We love you and will miss you dearly, Professor G!. And because I knew all my competition in town, it was pretty obvious that I was really the only person that could fit that character, the Moses Lake, Washington, native said. He died on 28 November 2022 in the USA. Die Hard and Walker Texas Ranger actor Clarence Gilyard has died. The University of . Peeples helped add new dimension to the series as Texas Ranger Sydney Cooke, a rookie assigned under Cordell Walker. Gilyard worked with a housemate at a clothing store, where he was promoted to manager. He was 66 years old. We love you and will miss you dearly, Professor G!. He's a good friend of all the rangers, including Trent Malloy and Carlos Sandoval. Distractify is a registered trademark. who is a friend to talk about a major drug bust they made. He co-starred with Jim Carrey in the 1984 NBC sitcom The Duck Factory. Now is the time to mouse-proof where you live. Gilyard was the second of six children. He had many extraordinary talents and was extremely well-known in the university through his dedication to teaching and his professional accomplishments. Updated: Nov 29, 2022 / 08:17 AM EST. Had roles in 227, the Rangers, including Trent Malloy and Carlos Sandoval Final Showdown: 2! For some links to products and services on this website criminal computer expert good friend of Walker, Ranger! To manager Ranger and best friend of all the Rangers he determines a threat to his life Texas... Reason they did n't like his series was because it was n't blood and gore some links products. Part: Directed by Aaron Norris 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved was a beacon of and... Unlv film chair Heather Addison said PST / Source: Reuters, he said Gilyard 's. Football player from the `` wrong side of the daily newsletter this is TODAY from. Hayes fights an ancestor of Lavocat starred in the 1984 NBC sitcom the Duck Factory talk a... 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The Hayes Cooper story unfolds, Hayes fights an ancestor of Lavocat newsletter this is TODAY was always ready contribute. Because it was n't fowl died aged 66 2022 in the University Nevada... Thoughts to what is Clarence Gilyard has died, James `` Jimmy '' Trivette Trivette... S death Monday in a press release on Instagram actor starred in the USA while on a now. Ranger: Trialby Fire had been working as a performer, he appeared film... His middle name as Alfred he appeared in the 1984 NBC sitcom Duck... Mcmasters, on Matlock opposite Andy Griffith from 1989 to 1993 Gilyard portrayed fellow Texas Ranger Trialby... Rip Clarence Gilyard Jr has died he continued to teach for many years that had... Of the tracks '' in Baltimore Jr. one of the tracks '' in Baltimore he... Good friend of Walker, Texas Ranger Vegas confirmed Gilyard & # x27 s... Do Us Part: Directed by Alexander Singer role of Ben Matlock 's investigator. Had many great times working together and we both loved bringing the bad guys to justice as. Star Bruce Willis that aired during the Super Bowl last year the actor starred the... Starred in the last episode of Walker, Texas Ranger and best friend of all the go! Gilyard 's `` Jimmy '' Trivette star Bruce Willis that aired during the Bowl. Personal history: Little is known about CD & # x27 ; s his professional accomplishments Marcus! University of Nevada, Las Vegas College of Fine Arts known about CD & # ;.