'Walker, Texas Ranger', 'Matlock' Alum Passes On

Reel Illustrated is sorry to hear the news of the passing away of veteran actor, author and professor,  Clarence Gilyard Jnr. Gilyard passed away on the 29th of November, 2022, after a long illness. He was 66 at the time of his death and survived by his wife and 6 children.

Gilyard was best known for his role as Chuck Norris' righthand man, Ranger James Trivett in the series, 'Walker, Texas Ranger' (1993-2001) and its T.V movie followups, 'Walker Texas Ranger 3: Deadly Reunion' and 'Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire'. During his stint in the series, he also served as producer and director. 

Before then, he played former deputy sheriff turned private investigator  Conrad McMasters in the  legal drama series Matlock (1986-1995), replacing previous investigator, Tyler Hudson (Kene Holiday).

Chuck Norris has expressed his sorrow at the loss of his former colleague, whom he regarded as a friend. 

Gilyard also played Officer Benjamin Webster in 'CHiPs', Theo-Hans Gruber's (Alan Rickman) computer hacker- in 'Die Hard', Lt Junior Grade Evan "Sundown" Gough in 'Top Gun' and made apperances in several T.V shows including, 'Diff'rent Strokes', '227', 'The Facts of Life' and 'Ripitide'. Gilyard later joined  the department of theatre at the University of Nevada, as an associate professor in 2006.

May he rest in peace. ❤️