Clarence Gilyard Jr., Star of Walker, Texas Ranger, Dead at 66

Clarence Gilyard Jr., best known for roles in series like Walker, Texas Ranger and Matlock, has passed away. He was 66.

The actor's death was confirmed by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' College of Fine Arts, where he was a film and theater professor. No cause of death was given. Born in 1955 in Moses Lake, Washington, Gilyard kicked off his performing career in the late 1970s and made appearances in series like Diff'rent Strokes, The Facts of Life, CHIPs, and The Duck Factory before getting his big break starring as Conrad McMasters on Matlock from 1989 to 1993. 

Gilyard then starred as Jimmy Trevette in Walker, Texas Ranger from 1993 to 2001 opposite Chuck Norris. Over the course of his career, he appeared in films including Top Gun, The Karate Kid Part II, and Left Behind: The Movie, making a particularly memorable impression as quick-witted, villainous computer whiz Theo in Die Hard. 

"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," said UNLV Dean Nancy J. Uscher.

"His generosity of spirit was boundless – he was always ready to contribute to projects and performances however possible," she continued. "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."

Jade Budowski is a freelance writer with a knack for ruining punchlines and harboring dad-aged celebrity crushes. She was previously a reporter/producer at Decider and is a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow her on Twitter: @jadebudowski.