[citation needed]. He moved to Los Angeles, California to become an actor in 1980. Walker, Texas Ranger: Blood Diamonds (2001) [Ranger James Trivette]: In Dream sequence: killed off screen by Peter … As the son of an enlisted man, Clarence Gilyard (sometimes billed as Clarence Gilyard Jr.) might have been expected to follow in his father's stead. In 2012, after taking time off to teach, Gilyard began appearing onscreen again, mostly in independent projects. Moreover, he made his movie debut in 1986 portraying the role of an F-14 Tomcat Radar Intercept Officer (RIO), LTJG Marcus “Sundown” Williams, in Top Gun. Near the end of the series, Norris' character married his longtime girlfriend, an assistant district attorney, while Gilyard's character was given a girlfriend. From 1982 to 1983, Gilyard was cast in the final season of the NBC TV series Chips as Officer Benjamin Webster. The pair even shared two kids from their relationship. [5][6], Gilyard worked with a housemate at a clothing store, where he was promoted to manager. He played the role of Ben Matlock's private investigator, Conrad McMasters, on Matlock, opposite Andy Griffith, from 1989 to 1993. Gilyard had a cameo appearance in the 2005 television movie, Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire. Clarence Gilyard Jr. was born on December 24, 1955 in Moses Lake, Washington, USA as Clarence ... Born: December 24, 1955 ... After his success as an actor, Clarence has given back to the college in many ways, one of which was paying for new tennis courts for the college. Clarence enjoyed a full career in the United States Air Force and retired as a Master Sergeant. Gilyard has made a guest appearance on TV shows such as Diff’rent Strokes, The Facts of Life, 227, Simon & Simon and Riptide. To know more about the actor read the article below. Clarence A. Gilyard Sr. Obituary. Throughout his career, Gilyard played in the several movies and TV series. Clarence Gilyard Biography - Affair, Married, Wife, Ethnicity, Nationality, Net Worth, Height | Who is Clarence Gilyard? Gilyard is best known for playing Sundown in Top Gun and Theo in Die Hard. Who is Clarence Gilyard ? Clarence Alfred Gilyard, Jr. is a former American actor and a current college professor who has been featured in movies and television since 1980. Gilyard serves as the consultant of the Communications Committee of the U.S. Catholic Bishops. After retiring, he obtained his Master's Degree in Marriage, Child and … Two years later, Gilyard reprised his role as criminal gang-member Theo from Die Hard, alongside star Bruce Willis, in a commercial for Advance Auto Parts' DieHard brand of car batteries.[8]. [1], While living with his parents in during high school, Gilyard was preoccupied with women, alcohol and, occasionally, drugs. See more ideas about clarence, walker texas rangers, texas rangers. During his young adulthood, Gilyard lived in the San Bernardino suburb of Rialto, California and attended Eisenhower High School. Clarence is happily married to Elena Gilyard since 2001. Posted Wednesday, … Clarence Gilyard is a professor in the Fine Arts department at University of ... Clarence is an awesome professor and his class is very easy going and enjoyable. Clarence Darnell Gilyard Jr.[1] (born December 24, 1955)[1] is an American actor, college professor, and author who has been featured in movies, television and regional theatre since 1980. He appeared in the 1988 action film Die Hard as Theo, a computer expert and thief. In 2014, he appeared in the religious film A Matter of Faith. After retiring, he obtained his Master's Degree in … Born Clarence Darnell Gilyard Jr. on 24th December, 1955 in Moses Lake, Washington, USA, he is famous for Matlock, Walker, Texas Ranger in a career that spans 1981 – 2005, 2012 – Present. He would eventually complete his bachelor's degree at California State University, Dominguez Hills. Through, their blissful married life, Clarence and his wife are blessed with three children. Clarence Darnell Gilyard Jr. (born December 24, 1955) is an American actor, college professor, and author who has been featured in movies, television and regional theatre since 1980. Clarence enjoyed a full career in the United States Air Force and retired as a Master Sergeant. Gilyard is best known for playing Sundown in Top Gun and Theo in Die Hard. His main source of income is acting from which he was able to collect a good amount of money. The "Left Behind" famed actor Clarence Gilyard keeps his personal life away from the spotlight. Later in 1986, Gilyard played the role of Wally Stokes in the TV series “Simon & Simon“. However, he hasn’t disclosed the details of his house and cars. 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