LAS VEGAS, NV. (THECOUNT) — Clarence Gilyard Jr., whose acting career included roles on TV’s Matlock, Walker, Texas Ranger and feature films, Top Gun and Die Hard, died Monday. He was 66.
Gilyard, who recently worked as a college professor of Fine Arts at University of Nevada, died unexpectedly of yet to be determined causes.
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UNLV confirmed his passing and honored the actor’s legacy in a statement:
“It is with profound sadness that I share this news, 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. He had a national and international following through his celebrated work in the theatre, in film, and television.”
“His generosity of spirit was boundless,” she continued. “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.”
UNLV film department chair Heather Addison also remembered Gilyard as “a beacon of light and strength.”
“Whenever we asked him how he was,” she noted. “He would cheerfully declare that he was ‘Blessed!’ But we are truly the ones who were blessed to be his colleagues and students for so many years.”
A cause of death was not provided.
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