Clarence Gillard Jr., the actor best known for starring in “Walker, Texas Ranger” and his supporting performance in “Die Hard,” has died. He was 66 years old. No further details about his death are available at this time.
Gillard’s death was confirmed by a statement from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. Gaillard was a professor of film and theater at the New NLV College of Fine Arts.
“Professor Gillard 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!”
An accomplished film, television, and stage actor, Gilliard made a lasting impression in the 1980s after a series of guest-star television appearances, making his debut on Sundown in “Top Gun” and playing the sizzling computer terrorist Theo in “Die Hard” with exhilarating menace. In 1989, he scored a regular performance on prime-time television with “Matlock,” playing Conrad McMasters, lead attorney for Andy Griffith’s criminal defense attorney.
Gilyard appeared in 85 episodes of Matlock before leaving the series in 1993 for a bigger role: Jimmy Trevett, right-hand man to ruthless Sergeant Chuck Norris on CBS’ Western crime series Walker, Texas Ranger. He appeared in all 8 episodes of the series. After ending in 2001, Gillard went on to act in several films and television shows.
Born December 24, 1955 in Moses Lake, Washington, Gillard grew up a military brat, moving across Air Force bases across the United States during his teens before his family settled in California. After spending a year at the Air Force Academy as a cadet, Gilyard attended Sterling College, and later California State University, Long Beach and California State University Dominguez Hills, where he earned a BA in Acting.
Gilliard returned to academia later in life, joining the theater department at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as an Associate Professor in 2006. Gilliard has also served as a producer and director, directing an episode of “Walker, Texas Ranger.”
Gillard was previously married to Catherine Dutko. He married Elena Gaillard in 2001.
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