Actor Clarence Gilliard Jr., beloved for his portrayal of James Trevett in Walker, Texas Ranger, has died at the age of 66.
The actor, who was also known for his 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 was a professor of film and theater – on November 28, 2022.
As fans take to social media to pay their respects to Clarence’s family and loved ones, many have questions about what happened. So, what was the cause of Clarence gilyard Jr.’s death? Here’s everything we know.
Clarence gilyard cause of death
The family of the late Clarence has not yet announced the official cause of death. However, he is reported to have died from a long illness he had suffered. He passed away at the age of 66 on November 28, 2022.
Sad to hear of the passing of actor Clarence Gilyard Jr., best known for Die Hard, Top Gun, & Walker: Texas Ranger. Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/OslBRVWncd
— bobbynash (@bobbynash) November 29, 2022
“Professor gilyard has been a beacon of light and strength to everyone around him,” said Heather Addison, UNLV Chief of Film.
Whenever we asked him how he was doing, he would cheerfully announce that, “Blessed!” “ But we are truly blessed to be his colleagues and students for many years. We love you and will miss you very much, Professor Ji!”
Before becoming known on the big screen, the Washington-born actor did a string of guest stars on television throughout the 1980s.
He made his Sundown debut opposite Tom Cruise in 1986’s Top Gun.
gilyard is also remembered for his role as terrorist computer expert Theo, Bruce Willis’ nemesis John McClane in Die Hard in 1988.
A year later, he landed the role of Conrad McMasters in the primetime TV series Matlock. He appeared in 85 episodes of the show before leaving in 1993 to star in the Western crime series Walker Texas Ranger.
gilyard appeared in all 196 episodes of the show’s eighth season opposite Chuck Norris before it ended in 2001.
Prior to his acting career, gilyard spent a year at the Air Force Academy as a cadet. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in acting.
Clarence gilyard’s wife
The late author was married on two different occasions. His first marriage, to Catherine Dutko, ended in divorce, and he married his second wife, Elena, in 2001.
Clarence Gilyard Net Worth
At the time of his death, the college professor, actor, and author had a net worth of $5 million.
How did Clarence gilyard die?
The sad news of Clarence’s death was shared by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Fine Arts, where Gilyard was a professor of film and theater. He passed away at the age of 66, Clarence gilyard Jr. dying hard.
Various media outlets reported that the Top Gun star passed away after a long battle with illness. Up to this point, the exact cause of his death has not been revealed.
Clarence gilyard jr walker texas ranger
gilyard has a BA in Dramatic Arts from California State University Dominguez Hills. Later, he took sabbatical after Matlock Walker, Texas Ranger to complete his Master of Fine Arts degree in Theater Performance at Southern Methodist University.
UNLV theater professor Nate Bynum said teaching was a “major goal” for gilyard. He said: “Some may find it surprising to learn that Clarence rated his appointment as a university professor as highly, perhaps even higher, then his illustrious career as TV star, Barbara Stanwyck Gilliard.
clarence Gilyard top gun
Despite a successful acting career, Gilliard stepped away from acting in 2006 to begin teaching at UNLV and directing productions at the university’s Nevada Conservatory Theatre.
“I’m compelled to teach. And I’m a professional, but the profession has to feed the class. It’s what motivates my characters because I’m in touch with people’s lives in the 21st century,” he told the Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2017.
“I work best as an artist when I’m in a fertile arena. That means creativity and imagination. Being with all these millennials — I don’t understand what they’re saying but it drains their energy.”
However, he made a brief return to the screen in 2021, when he reunites with Bruce Willis and Devorox White in a commercial for the “Die Hard” battery.
