Clarence Gilyard, Actor in ‘Matlock’ and ‘Walker, Texas Ranger,’ Dies

By R. Thomas Umstead
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30-year performer turned UNLV acting teacher was 66

Actor Clarence Gilyard in a publicity still for ‘Walker: Texas Ranger.’
Clarence Gilyard in a publicity still for ‘Walker: Texas Ranger.’ (Image credit: CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images)

Actor/producer Clarence Gilyard has passed away at the age of 66, according to the UNLV College of Fine Arts.

Gilyard, who most recently taught acting at UNLV, starred in such 1990s television shows as the NBC drama series Matlock with Andy Griffith, and CBS' Walker, Texas Ranger opposite Chuck Norris as part of a more than 30-year acting career.

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On the big screen, Gilyard appeared in the 1988 action film Die Hard with Bruce Willis and the 1986 movie Top Gun, starring Tom Cruise.

“It is with profound sadness that I share this news,” Nancy Uscher, dean of the UNLV College of Fine Arts said in a statement. “He had a national and international following through his celebrated work in the theater, in film, and television. His generosity of spirit was boundless — 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.” ■ 

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.