Celebrity Info
Clarence Gilyard—sometimes credited as Clarence Gilyard Jr.—was born into a military family, being the son of an enlisted man, so one might have assumed he’d follow a similar path. Well, initially, that’s exactly what it looked like. Clarence Gilyard enrolled at the US Air Force Academy, but after just one year, he made the decision to transfer to Sterling College. It was there that he not only played football but also discovered his passion for acting—a turning point in Clarence Gilyard’s life, really.
By 1980, the tall and lanky Clarence Gilyard had set his sights on Los Angeles, eager to dive into an acting career with full force. He started out in children’s theater, honing his craft before making notable strides on stage. In fact, Clarence Gilyard became the first Black actor to portray the character of the cheerleader in the play “Bleacher Bums,” which was a significant milestone. From there, he smoothly transitioned into television roles.
In 1982, Clarence Gilyard joined the cast of the popular NBC police drama “CHiPs” during its final season. Then, a couple of years later, he appeared alongside a young Jim Carrey in the short-lived but memorable NBC sitcom “The Duck Factory” (1984). As the mid-80s rolled around, Clarence Gilyard began focusing more on film. His big break came in 1986 with Tony Scott’s high-octane “Top Gun,” where he played the radar technician struggling under the shadow of ‘Maverick,’ portrayed by Tom Cruise. That same year, Clarence Gilyard also appeared in “The Karate Kid,” playing another military-affiliated role.
He continued building momentum with a standout performance as one of the terrorists in the action-packed “Die Hard” (1988), a film that became a massive hit. Yet, despite these strong appearances, a true breakout lead role remained just out of reach for Clarence Gilyard. So, he shifted gears and returned to television in 1988, joining the long-running legal drama “Matlock” on NBC. Over the next five years, Clarence Gilyard earned widespread recognition as the dependable legman working alongside Andy Griffith’s charming defense attorney.
When the show moved networks, Clarence Gilyard didn’t skip a beat—he made the switch to CBS and took on a new iconic role as the co-star of “Walker, Texas Ranger,” partnering with Chuck Norris. His portrayal of a former football player turned lawman resonated with audiences and solidified his place in TV history.
Sadly, Clarence Gilyard passed away on November 28, 2022, at the age of 66. Throughout his career, Clarence Gilyard left a lasting legacy—not just through his memorable performances, but also through the quiet determination and professionalism he brought to every role he played.
So, when it comes to Clarence Gilyard’s film career, there are definitely some standout moments—and a few that didn’t quite hit the mark. Clarence Gilyard truly shined in what many consider his highest-rated film, The Karate Kid Part II from 1986. That movie not only performed well with audiences but also earned solid critical praise, and Clarence Gilyard played a memorable role that contributed to its success. On the other end of the spectrum, Clarence Gilyard appeared in Left Behind: The Movie (2001), which ended up being his lowest-rated film according to reviews and audience scores. While Clarence Gilyard brought his usual dedication to the role, the film itself received mixed to negative feedback overall. Still, it’s interesting to see the range in Clarence Gilyard’s work—from blockbuster sequels to more niche religious dramas.
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