‘Die Hard’ and ‘Walker Texas Ranger’ Actor Clarence Gilyard, Jr. Dead at 66

Clarence Gilyard Jr., an actor known for roles in films including Die Hard and Top Gun, has died. He was 66. 

The University of Nevada Las Vegas’ College of Fine Arts, where Gilyard was a film and theater professor, shared the news but gave no cause of death.

Gilyard, who was born in 1955 in Moses Lake, WA, attended high school in California. He earned a BA in Theatre Arts from California State University, moving to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career in the late ’70s.   

Gilyard’s career spanned more than 30 years in film, television, and theater. His first movie role was as Sundown in the original Top Gun (1986), and he later made a lasting impression in 1989’s Die Hard as Theo, the wise-cracking computer whiz baddie.

The brilliant actor also co-starred opposite Andy Griffith in the legal drama Matlock from 1989-93, appearing in 85 episodes as private investigator Conrad McMasters. Then, from 1993-2001, he starred with Chuck Norris as Jimmy Trevette in CBS’ Walker, Texas Ranger.

After Walker, Texas Ranger, Gilyard took a hiatus from acting and completed an MFA in Theatre Performance at Southern Methodist University, later joining the UNLV College of Fine Arts. 

The Dean of the University of Nevada in Las Vegas Nancy J. Uscher left a statement.

“His students were deeply inspired by him, as were all who knew him. He had many extraordinary talents and was extremely well-known in the university through his dedication to teaching and his professional accomplishments.”

She added, “His generosity of spirit was boundless – he was always ready to contribute to projects and performances however possible. 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.”

Sending condolences to Clarence Gilyard’s loved ones. R.I.P.