Clarence Gilyard



Gilyard in 2018

Born: Clarence Alfred Gilyard Jr.; December 24, 1955; Moses Lake, Washington, U.S.
Died: November 28, 2022 (aged 66); Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Education: California State University, Dominguez Hills (BA), Southern Methodist University (MFA)

Clarence Alfred Gilyard Jr. (December 24, 1955 – November 28, 2022) was an American university professor, actor, and author. As a performer, he appeared in film, television, and stage productions; some sources give his middle name as Alfred.

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 (junior grade) Evan "Sundown" Gough in Top Gun.

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