Clarence Gilyard Jr Death: The 66-year-old actor most remembered for his roles as Theo the hacker in “Die Hard” and Marcus “Sundown” Williams, a navy flight lieutenant, in “Top Gun,” has passed away.
He was an associate professor in the College of Fine Arts at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), which released a statement on Monday announcing his death.
Who is Clarence Gilyard Jr?
Clarence Gilyard Jr. was an American university professor, actor, and renowned author who was born on December 24, 1955.
Clarence Gilyard had a career in the entertainment industry, including appearances on film, TV, and the stage. For the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Clarence was the communications committee’s consultant.
Cause of Death
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where Gilyard taught film and theatre for more than 15 years, released a statement on Gilyard’s passing on Monday, November 28. The official cause of death was not disclosed, but Gilyard had apparently been ailing for quite some time (per the Las Vegas Review-Journal).
The Career of Clarence Gilyard Jr
Gilyard moved to Los Angeles in 1979 to pursue a career in acting. After establishing himself in theatre, Clarence made the transition to television with a role in the play Bleacher Bums, for which he was dubbed “the first black actor to play a cheerleader” by one publication. Gilyard is a character actor who has appeared in numerous TV shows, including the aforementioned series as well as 227, Simon & Simon, and Riptide.
Gilyard played the role of Officer Benjamin Webster opposite Erik Estrada on the final season of the NBC police drama CHiPs, which aired in 1982 and 1983. Clarence appeared alongside Jim Carrey in the 1984 NBC comedy The Duck Factory. He appeared in a McDonald’s advertisement in 1987.
Clarence played a military soldier in the sequel to The Karate Kid in 1986. In the 1988 action film Die Hard, Clarence portrayed the criminal computer guru Theo.
Clarence also played the Reverend Bruce Barnes in the films Left Behind: The Movie and Left Behind II: Tribulation Force.
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Gilyard returned to the screen in 2012, primarily in indie films. There was a scene with him in the 2014 faith-based film A Matter of Faith. At the University of Nevada–Las Vegas, he taught as an associate professor in the department of theatre in the College of Fine Arts.
Personal Life of Clarence Gilyard Jr
Gilyard was twice married and has six children. His first marriage to Catherine Dutko was unsuccessful and ended in divorce. In 2001, he wed his second wife, whose name was Elena. His education was at California State University.
Networth of Clarence Gilyard Jr
Gilyard passed away on November 28, 2022, over a month before his 67th birthday, following a long illness. As of 2022, he is predicted to have a net worth of $5 million.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Teaches Clarence Gilyard?
On Tuesday, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where Gilyard taught stage and film acting, announced the news. According to a statement, Dean Nancy J. Uscher and the College of Fine Arts at UNLV mourn the passing of beloved cinema and theatre educator Clarence Gilyard.
Clarence Gilyard Was a Martial Artist, Right?
You need to fit a television series character. And why did you believe that? Due to its physicality? Due to my physicality – I was a martial artist, rodeoed, and played college football.
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