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"His students were deeply inspired by him, as were all who knew him. I've always had a passion for literature for as long as I can remember. Clarence Gilyard is a former American actor. That's where I needed to be. When rioters in August 2020 looted stores and broke windows on Michigan Avenues He joined the cast of Matlock in the shows fourth season, playing Conrad McMasters, a private investigator helping Andy Griffiths (19262012) character, attorney Ben Matlock. RIP you will be missed by everyone even by people who only met you briefly.". The University of Nevada, Las Vegas announced Gilyard's death on Monday. Clarence Gilyard Jr., the actor best known for playing computer hacker Theo in Die Hard and naval flight officer Marcus Sundown Williams in Top Gun , has died at the age of 66. By Benjy P. July 27, 2022. He had problems with women, alcohol, and occasionally drugs, which led his parents to force him to move out to be set apart from his bad influences. CNN Clarence Gilyard, the actor best known for playing computer hacker Theo in Die Hard and naval flight officer Marcus Sundown Williams in Top Gun , He played a private investigator and appeared in 85 episodes from 1989-1993. Who is Clarence Gilyards wife, Elena? Gilyard tied the knot with his second wife, Elena Gilyard, in 2001 and they remained married up until his death. Gilyard is survived by his six children who he conceived with Elena and his first wife, Catherine Dutko. Clarence Gilyard's Early UNLV Film Chair Heather Addison said: "Professor Gilyard was a beacon of light and strength for everyone around him. News editor, Legacy.com. My specialty is team roping. Gilyard returned to academia in 2006, joining the department of theatre at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as an associate producer. The names and the face of his kids are still hidden; however, it is known that one of his babies was born in 2007 and was named Peter Gilyard. He's the 1982 World Champion Rider. He was an excellent student in High School. Gilyard remained with Matlock for five seasons and then took a starring role in Walker, Texas Ranger. He played Jimmy Trivette, best friend and partner to Chuck Norris title character, starring throughout the seasons eight-series run and in the Walker, Texas Ranger TV movies Deadly Reunion and Trial by Fire. Gilyards other movies include Left Behind and its first sequel, and he made appearances on TV shows including Diffrent Strokes, Simon & Simon, and 227. In addition to his acting career, Gilyard was a professor in the Theatre department at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. After a year of being in the acting class, Clarence joined a repertory company that performed childrens plays during weekends. "It is with profound sadness that I share this news," said Dean Uscher. Thus, he left his popular show "Walker, Texas Ranger" and took a break to focus on his marriage. His favorite vacation destination is Rome and Tuscany. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Actor Clarence Gilyard Jr., who co-starred as James Trivette on CBS Walker, Texas Ranger, has died at the age of 66.. To make ends meet, he took odd jobs and briefly worked as a waiter before taking a job at a clothing store. Playing the role of a terrorist was so far outside the box for a young African-American, you know what I mean, to be offered this, he said. Clarence has been married twice, first to Catherine which ended in divorce. Three of the movies he has starred in have gone on to gross well over $150 million each in worldwide box office and DVD sales. An accomplished film, television and theatre actor, Gilyard made a lasting impression in the 1980s after a series of guest star TV appearances, making his film debut as Sundown in Top Gun and playing the terrorist computer whiz Theo in Die Hard with a gleeful menace. His brother, Milton, is moderately developmentally disabled. Two were Chuck Norris and Sheree J. Wilson, and the third was actor Clarence Gilyard. (Getty Images) In the Gilyard is also remembered for his role as the terrorist computer expert Theo, adversary to Bruce WillissJohn McClane in Die Hard in 1988. Clarence Gilyard, the actor known for his roles in Walker, Texas Ranger, Matlock, Die Hard, and Top Gun, has died at the age of 66. [Of his journeyman career]: I had been trying to make it in show business without any real vision. Clarence Gilyard Jr. (19552022), Walker, Texas Ranger, Die Hard star. One of only four people to appear in the "Walker, Texas Ranger" pilot, "One Riot, One Ranger", and the finale, "The Final Show/Down". Clarence Gilyard, a film and TV star who cherished his role as a UNLV theater professor, has died. Pastor Bruce Barnes (as Clarence Gilyard), The Big One: The Great Los Angeles Earthquake, The Making of 'Left Behind II: Tribulation Force', Walker: Behind the Scenes with TV's Toughest Cop, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Our thoughts go out to his friends & family. Wayne Shorter (19332023), jazz saxophonist who co-founded Weather Irma Serrano (19332023), Mexicos La Tigresa singer and Ricou Browning (19302023), Creature from the Black Lagoons Jerry Richardson (19362023), Carolina Panthers founder, Wayne Shorter (19332023), jazz saxophonist who co-founded Weather Report, Irma Serrano (19332023), Mexicos La Tigresa singer and actress, Ricou Browning (19302023), Creature from the Black Lagoons Gill-man, Burny Mattinson (19352023), Disney animator for decades. One of Gilyards earliest roles came on CHiPs, starring as Officer Benjamin Webster in the shows final season. He began his acting career working in the children's theater. I believe that the only way you can really change your life is to get new information. Just like many actors, Clarence had wasted his life on rock He was 66 years old. [on turning 50]: I really have to work hard to keep up with them. What a lovely kind hearted man he was. He will be missed. Nov. 29 2022, Published 10:11 a.m. Gilyard, also, is part of many sucessful movies and has worked with A-list stars such as Tom Cruise, Bruce Willis, and Alan Rickman. Best known by the public for his roles as Conrad McMasters on. As a performer, he appeared in film, television, and stage productions; some sources give his middle name as Alfred. A representative for Gilyard confirmed with Fox News Digital of his death and said the actor died at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. He spent several decades performing, and he has appeared in numerous movies, television shows, and theater productions. army enterprise service desk; benchmark la4 vs hpa4; fuqia liber. Mother Church allows that and informs us that way. They liked our family, the chemistry was there. Clarence Gilyard Jr, of American descent, is a veteran actor, director, producer, author, and a college professor. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Actor Clarence Gilyard Jr., who co-starred as James Trivette on CBS Walker, Texas Ranger, has died at the age of 66. Gilyard was born in Moses Lakes, Washington, but was raised on military bases in Hawaii, Texas, and Florida. She left him after finding his affair. Attended California State University, Long Beach, with a major in theater. [About his on- and off-screen chemistry with, [As to why he loved working with his childhood hero/acting mentor [, View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro, The Best Actresses and Actors - Born in the 1950s, Milton Gilyard Clarence Gilyard Jr., actor who starred in Walker, Texas Ranger, Matlock, Die Hard, died at his home in Las Vegas at the age of 66. "Whenever we asked him how he was, he would cheerfully declare that he was 'Blessed!' It took me 10 years, but I eventually graduated from college, too. | He has short brown hair and brown eyes, is 5ft 8ins (1.74m) tall, and weighs around 150lbs (68kgs). the UNLV film chair Heather Addison said. Clarence Gilyard Jr., an actor best known for starring in Walker, Texas Ranger and his supporting performance in Die Hard, has died. Clarence enjoyed a full career in the United States Air Force and retired as a Master Sergeant. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. For someone who had spent his entire youth playing Jimmy Trivette since Walker Texas Ranger had filmed 201 episodes from 1993 to 2001, you would wonder why he would not want to continue doing what he knew best, acting. The identity of those kids is also hidden. However, his agent convinced him to first consider a part in the show that Chuck Norris was selling, and he did. I was doing a little drugs, drinking a lot, chasing women until my parents said, 'You've got to move out.'. Actor Clarence Gilyard Jr., known for roles in such movies as Die Hard and television hits such as Walker, Texas Ranger, has died. [on his charity he spent time for] I always wanted to be a cowboy and work with my horse every weekend. The actor was previously married to a woman named Catherine Dutko. He had a national and international following through his celebrated work in the theatre, in film, and television. The four, in credits order, were: A Western enthusiast, compared to his future, Though he had a very good working relationship with, Attributes much of his success in show business to, Was on the brink of retiring from television when he heard of. El actor norteamericano Clarence Gilyard, reconocido por sus Gilyard's best friend in the film industry is. I also wanted to learn the classic, not fake them. Who is T.J. Millers Wife? Afterward, he went on to play Jimmy Trevette in CBS "Walker, Texas Ranger" from 1993-2001, alongside Chuck Norris. He is a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. His students were deeply inspired by him, as were all who knew him. " Gilyard had only a film cameo because the shooting dispute with a sense arranged family getaway some time ago. 10 Things You Didnt Know about Todd Grinnell, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Dasha Gonzalez, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Angus Cloud, 10 Hilarious J.K. Rowling Twitter Trolling Comebacks, 8 Things You Didnt Know About David Johnson Wood, There is a Power Shift Happening in the MCU, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Alexandra Doke, So This is What Jeopardy Host Alex Trebek is Really Like, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Savannah Sparks, Why Bill Murray Created his Own 1-800 Number, The Difference Between Wheel of Fortune Pat Sajak and Real Life Pat Sajak, Arnold Schwarzeneggers Coronavirus PSA is Worth a Watch, 10 Things You Didnt Know About Lee Rodriguez. He had many extraordinary talents and was extremely well-known in the university through his dedication to teaching and his professional accomplishments. During Clarence Gilyards 30-year acting career, he was known for his roles in hit series, including "Matlock" and "Walker, Texas Ranger." But there are also many people in Hollywood who How could we improve it? The identity of other siblings is not revealed. He paid for new tennis courts for the college. Although he played the popular character, Jimmy Trivette, Gilyard I had a photoshoot with him and got his autograph. November 29, 2022 at 7:58 p.m. EST. He was an actor and director, known for Die Hard (1988), Walker, Texas Ranger (1993) and Top Gun (1986). Dean Nancy J. Uscher announced his death Monday in a statement. Market data provided by Factset. Clarence, who hails from a military family entered the U.S. Air Force Academy after high school but left after a year to join. The actor, known for roles in Die Hard, Matlock and Walker, Texas Ranger has passed away at the age of 66. The star who is a skilled horse rider participates in many celebrity rodeos to benefit various children's charities. Gilyards death was confirmed by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he had been working as a film and theatre professor at the UNLV College of Fine Arts, according to Variety. Aside from his more well-known roles, Gilyard also starred in CHiPS, The The star further shared two children with his first spouse. The actor then moved to California, where he continued working for several years before enrolling at California State University in Long Beach, where he majored in acting. Clarence Gilyard Jr., a popular supporting actor whose credits include the blockbuster films Die Hardand Top Gunand the hit television series Matlockand Walker, Texas Ranger,has died at age 66. In 1986, he secured one of his first prominent roles in the film Top Gun playing the F-14 Tomcat Rader Intercept Officer LTJG Marcus Sundown Williams. He was 66. Clarence Gilyard Jr., the bombastic actor known for roles in films like Die Hard and Top Gun and TV shows like Walker, Texas Ranger and Matlock, has died at He stated in an interview: "I was going to work on my new marriage. The "Top Gun" actor was born in 1955 in Moses Lake, Washington. He even said that he had retired from acting in 2005, but it was not because he could not get any more roles; it was more of a personal decision. It was one of those ("Godfather" author) Mario Puzo things. His dedication to theater paid off because he landed a role in Bleacher Bums in an evening presentation, making him the first black actor to get the cheerleader role in the play. Why I got to do 13 straight years of network television and somebody else didn't, who knows? Clarence Gilyard -- veteran actor, theater professor, and author -- has died from a prolonged illness, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas announced on Nov. 28. He made the large portion of his fortune from his acting career. Clarence Gilyard, Die Hard and Top Gun actor and professor, dies aged 66 Film and TV actor also appeared in Walker, Texas Ranger before joining University of And essentially, we were a family [on the show] and people allowed us into their homes. 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[when he wanted to be an actor] I knew it was the right choice from day one, then, through actor friends working at a restaurant where I was waiting tables at night. He had even retired from the acting world in 2005 but returned in 2012. I was a prodigal, and not learning a lot of healthy habits. 6. He struggled with alcohol and drugs for a short time in his teen years. I had the pleasure of working with Charlie Sampson in Mesa, Arizonza, the last time out. Gilyard's death was announced by the University of Nevada, He is not gay. Clarence appeared in some of the 80s top movies & TV shows. [Of his spiritual talents]: To see those men do that was providential. Official Sites, Frequently played characters that are of the civil law. Some of his highest grossing movies are listed in the table below: The veteran actor is still actively working, and his movies "The Perfect Race," "The Driver" and "Eleanor's Bench" is in the filming stage. [on his charity he spent time for] I always wanted to be a cowboy and work with my horse every weekend. "Whenever we asked him how he was, he would cheerfully declare that he was 'Blessed!' [Of his spiritual talents]: To see those men do that was providential. He had many extraordinary talents and was extremely well-known in the university through his dedication to teaching and his professional accomplishments. WebClarence is now a staunch Catholic who converted to Catholicism 25 years ago, according to Catholic News Agency. In 1989, Clarence was cast as the private investigator Conrad McMasters in Matlock, alongside Andy Griffith, remaining in the role for four years, and appeared during the first three seasons of the show, but later left following the shows move from NBC to ABC. His generosity of spirit was boundless he was always ready to contribute to projects and performances however possible. (Getty Images), 'TOP GUN 3'? His other high rated Tv series include "Walker, Texas Ranger," starring Chuck Norris and Marco Sanchez. Die Hard star Clarence Gilyard Jr has died. He was 66. By coincidence, the real-life person on whom the cheerleader at Wrigley Field was based was indeed black. Od roku 1980 sa objavil v mnohch filmoch. We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Walker Texas Ranger co-star and friend, Clarence Gilyard Norris said in a statement on social media. You need to fit a character in a television series.. Lived in Los Angeles, California, from 1980 to 1992, and again from 1993 to 2001. He is famous for his roles as Andy Griffiths second private investigator and right-hand man on the Matlock series. We were fortunate to host Clarence at #LFCC earlier this year and enjoyed hearing his tales from set. Benjy has also written for DailyMail and TMZ. who is clarence gilyard wife. The president then asked Clarence to be on the board, where he is charged with facilitating the English-speaking venues for World Youth Day that is held every 3-4 years. [September 2003], He is an associate professor of theater at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He also portrayed the high school coach in Madden 2018. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. South Sudans president has dismissed his defense minister, the wife of his longtime political rival, Riek Machar Clarence Gilyard Earning as a Professor. It is one of the great gifts. When rioters in August 2020 looted stores and broke windows on Michigan Avenues As of early-2020, Clarence Gilyard has a net worth estimated to be over $5 million, earned through a successful career in acting in the entertainment industry since 1980. Heres the scene in which he meets Norriss Cordell Walker: Gilyard married twice, Variety reported, andreportedly had six children. Looking back, he feels lucky to have been chosen to be in Matlock because he knew there were other talented guys, but Andy picked him for four seasons. Clarence Gilyard of Walker, Texas Ranger, Die Hard, and Top Gun will star as Hoke in Driving Miss Daisy on January 17! The pay must have been good since he described the offer as one he could not refuse, but it could also be because he is passionate about teaching. [on being born Christmas Eve]: We did the best we could to make it a festive occasion, but I was always awed by what the kids in school said they got from Santa Claus. Clarence explained that the roles demanded more of wits than comedy thus the director would always ask him what he would say or do in certain scenarios. Clarence Gilyard, who hacked computers in Die Hard and flew with Maverick in Top Gun, dead at 66 | CBC News Loaded. Clarence Gilyard's acting career is nothing short of impressive. I'm not the best actor in the world, but even better, I get to help this character evolve. His university colleagues were the first to talk about his death they had kind words to say about him. American actor, Clarence is a well-known author who has written over nine books. In 2006, Gilyard joined the department of theatre at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as an associate professor. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Gilyard later married Elena Gilyard in 2001. He then appeared in two of the biggest movies of the decade: Top Gun,in which he played Sundown, a radar intercept officer who flew with star Tom Cruise's Maverick, and Die Hard,when he was featured as a villainous computer maven, Theo, whose one liners included "You didn't bring me along for my charming personality.". WebClarence Weidman was born on 04/30/1930 and passed away at 76 years old. Watch the full video on our YouTube channel or Facebook page? He was 66. Gilyard moreover has also kept his children away from the media. The actor also known for his role in the TV series Walker, Texas Ranger was 66 years old. 'Supernatural' Actor Nicki Aycox Dead At Age 47, Letitia Wright Warns Media Outlet To Stop 'Disgusting Behavior' Against Her, Kelly Rowland's Reply To Boos For Chris Brown's American Music Award Causes Stir, Thailand's 'most beautiful transgender woman' and husband wear $580K in attire at extravagant wedding, Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; 'We are coming,' sheriff says, U.S. court won't require FAA to make airplane seat size, spacing rules, Convicted killer Alex Murdaugh's new mugshot revealed after double life sentence, Rebel Wilson says she was banned from Disneyland for 30 days for taking a bathroom selfie, Bakersfield College remembers Carl Bryan, Voice of the Renegades, Opinion: Fix loophole that increases copay costs for prescription drugs. Has returned to college to get his masters degree in Acting from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Clarence Gilyard with his second wife, Elena Gilyard. Tell us what's wrong with this post? He was a cowboy then, a martial artist, and had even played college football; thus, Clarence had no problem passing the physicality part of it. Get breaking news alerts& today's headlines inyour inbox. Just like many actors, Clarence had wasted his life on rock and roll, sex and drugs and he hit rock bottom. Clarence Gilyard Jr., an actor best known for starring in Walker, Texas Ranger and his supporting performance in Die Hard , has died. He then discovered his passion foractingwhile in Long Beach, California, then enrolling at California State University, Long Beach to major in acting. He added that his last two projects were the "Driving Miss Daisy" tour and the "Die Hard" battery commercial featuring Bruce Willis in 2020. Clarence Gilyard is an American actor, college professor, as well as an author. You can contact him at [emailprotected]. Clarence Gilyard is an American actor, college professor, and author. American actor Clarence Gilyard has died at the age of 66. Receive daily updates with the best country music videos, news, and more! Nancy Stafford appears briefly at the beginning. Clarence Gilyard has been in the acting industry since 1982, but lately, you will rarely see him on television or film, although he prides himself as a Hollywood actor. He grew up in a military family, and attended Eisenhower NEW YORK (AP) Clarence Gilyard Jr., a popular supporting actor whose credits include the blockbuster films Die Hard and Top Gun and the hit television series Matlock and Walker, Texas Ranger, has died at age 66. He, on the other hand, attended Eisenhower High School, and though he showed potential in school, he was often in the midst of trouble. Clarence is 64 years old. American actor Clarence Gilyard has died at the age of 66. Gilyard's family is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana. Originally a member of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. South Sudans president has dismissed his defense minister, the wife of his longtime political rival, Riek Machar The district, in their statement, regarding some staff members, that have been notified they may lose their jobs, to address a budget deficit, at the school Walker, even though it was moving into a high-action genre, was still a family show. Is a second-generation Air Force officer. He is a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. pic.twitter.com/YxD4CwRr9s, Before hackers, sweaters and Maverick were cool, Clarence Gilyard was pic.twitter.com/lv6joTkKow. Unfortunately, he dropped out and began working. It made me realize that artistically I have a lot of voices -- but how do I articulate all those voices unless I put my trust in some type of technique? [In the wake of his misbehavior of his marriage]: My wife left me because I started to have an affair. Clarence Gilyard Jr., a reliable character actor-turned-university professor with memorable roles in Die Hard, Matlock and Walker, Texas Ranger, has died. It has always been a part of my life in one way or another, though I never considered it as a career until I became an adult. It made me realize that artistically I have a lot of voices -- but how do I articulate all those voices unless I put my trust in some type of technique? Why I got to do 13 straight years of network television and somebody else didn't, who knows? He succeeded well in his professional career Other stars and friends in the industry also mourned his passing. His brother. He's the 1982 World Champion Rider. May he Rest In Peace. But I wasn't controlling my destiny. Chuck did a pretty good job putting together a family. from an interview for GetTV, Actor Clarence Gilyard solidified his place in film history as Theo in DIE HARD (which he revived in a 21 Super Bowl ad) & in TV as Conrad McMasters in MATLOCK. He was 66 years old. I believe that the only way you can really change your life is to get new information. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Type above and press Enter to search. First thing I saw him in was Matlock. Actor and University professor Clarence Gilyard Jr, best known for his roles in popular TV series such as Walker, Texas Ranger and Matlock, has died. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Niekedy bol uvdzan ako Clarence A. Gilyard. He considers the late Andy Griffith as his acting mentor, who helped him a lot particularly during their time together in Matlock. As of 2023, Clarence Gilyards net worth is $8 million, and he is worthy enough to hold such a significant net worth. Besides, the fact that he would be getting 13 checks from the 13-episode show compared to one check from his pending deal was enough to entice him to audition for Jimmy Trivette. Similarly, he also serves on the board of directors of the Children's Organ Transplant Association. He was 66. Many recognize Gilyard from the time he spent playing Jimmy Trivette on the Chuck Norris-led series Walker, Texas Ranger. All rights reserved. The university issued a statement breaking the news of his death. The actor grew up as a Lutheran; however, he later became Catholic. Actor Clarence Gilyard Jr., perhaps best known for his butt-kicking lawman opposite Chuck Norris on TVs Walker, Texas Ranger , has died at age 66. Theyd been looking for me. Sometimes Clarence had gone by various nicknames including Clarence J Weidman and Clarence D Weidman. For eight seasons beginning in 1993, Sheree J. Wilson and Clarence Gilyard Jr. rounded up the bad guys alongside Chuck Norris in the popular I love it out there, up to my butt in horses, calves, dirt and dung. He previously tied the knot with Catherine Dutko and went on to marry his current wife, Elena Gilyard in 2001. I met him at Comic Con London in June 2022. I couldn't quite bring myself to tell them about the boring underwear and socks I got year after year. Peter Gilyard is one of the children of Clarence Gilyard. He is survived by his six children and his wife, Elena Gilyard. I couldn't afford to stay at Sterling College in Kansas, where I played wide receiver for the football team, so I went to work and eventually moved back to California. It was really consuming with Andy and Chuck. He was 66. Clarence Gilyard, Jr. "Walker, Texas Ranger" and "Die Hard" actor has died. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. has always been one of my favorites. He is known for his role as a private investigator on the legal drama series Matlock (198993).In addition, he is also known for his role in the Christian thriller film Left behind and its sequel Left Behind II: Tribulation Force. Originally a member of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. And I always wanted that collegiate component in my life. Clarence Gilyard Jr., the partner of Chuck Norris in 'Walker, Texas Ranger,' passed away at the age of 66. No details surrounding his death have been made public. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where Gilyard served as a film and theatre professor, shared the news of his passing: It is with profound sadness that I share this news, said Dean Nancy J. Uscher. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. My family moved around a lot. He knew it was time to change and started seeing therapists and undertaking the 12-step recovery program. Gilyard received his Master's degree in Acting from. He almost did not make it into the cast of the cowboy show because, at the time, he was also thinking about selling his own show to CBS and was about to sign the contract. In 1986, he made his movie debut in Top Gun, starring as radar intercept officer Sundown. pic.twitter.com/5QEtrEXkSY, Man, I loved watching Clarence Gilyard growing up. Clarence Gilyard, the fine arts professor and actor remembered for his standout roles in action films and television series in the 80s and 90s, has died, the RIP to a legendary screen presence. Gilyard also reprised his role of Theo from Die Hard alongside Willis' John McClane in an ad for Advanced Auto Parts in 2020. Actor Clarence Gilyard Jr. in 2008. Political Party: Ethnicity: Religion: Income: Net Worth: Relationship: Kids: Edit this Information. ", IRENE CARA, 'FLASHDANCE,' 'FAME' SINGER, DEAD AT 63. He was a good student, juggling his studies and playing football where he was the wide receiver. Actor Clarence Gilyard Jr., known for roles in "Walker, Texas Ranger," "Matlock" and "Die Hard" has died. No further details surrounding his death have been made public. The cause of death remains unknown, however his rep noted Gilyard hasnt been in "good health for a few years. Serves as a consultant of the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Communications.