The Tragic Mystery: Unraveling Clarence Gilyard’s Cause Of Death And His Enduring Legacy

The entertainment world was left in mourning on November 28, 2022, following the passing of beloved actor and educator, Clarence Gilyard Jr.. The news came as a shock to fans who remembered his iconic roles as the witty private investigator Conrad McMasters on Matlock and the dependable Texas Ranger James "Jimmy" Trivette alongside Chuck Norris in Walker, Texas Ranger. While the announcement of his death was made public by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he taught, the immediate and specific details surrounding his passing were kept private, sparking widespread curiosity about the exact cause of death.

As of today, December 10, 2025, the official statement remains consistent: Clarence Gilyard Jr. died at the age of 66 after what was described simply as a "long illness". This lack of a specific, named medical condition has been the focal point of discussion among fans and media outlets, who continue to celebrate his extraordinary life while respecting the family's privacy regarding his final days. His legacy, however, is not defined by the mystery of his passing, but by a remarkable career that spanned film, television, and academia.

Clarence Gilyard Jr.: A Complete Biography and Profile

Clarence Darnell Gilyard Jr. was a multifaceted American actor, director, and academic whose career left an indelible mark on Hollywood and the lives of his students. Born on December 24, 1955, in Moses Lake, Washington, Gilyard was the son of Clarence Gilyard Sr., a U.S. Air Force officer, which led to a childhood spent moving between military bases across the country and overseas.

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• Full Name: Clarence Darnell Gilyard Jr.
• Born: December 24, 1955, in Moses Lake, Washington, U.S.
• Died: November 28, 2022 (Age 66)
• Education: Graduated from high school in California. Attended Sterling College in Kansas, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and California State University, Dominguez Hills (B.A. in Theatre Arts). He later earned an M.F.A. in Theatre Performance from Southern Methodist University.
• Family: Survived by his wife, Elena Gilyard, and six children.
• Career Highlights (Film):
  • Top Gun (1986): Played Naval Flight Officer Marcus "Sundown" Williams.
  • Die Hard (1988): Played the memorable, wisecracking computer hacker Theo.
• Career Highlights (Television):
  • Matlock (1989–1993): Starred as private investigator Conrad McMasters, appearing in 85 episodes.
  • Walker, Texas Ranger (1993–2001): Starred as Texas Ranger James "Jimmy" Trivette, appearing in 196 episodes alongside Chuck Norris.
• Academic Career: In 2006, Gilyard became an associate professor in the College of Fine Arts at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), teaching theater and film acting until his death.

The Official Details: What We Know About Clarence Gilyard’s Cause of Death

The news of Clarence Gilyard Jr.'s death was first confirmed by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, on November 29, 2022, following his passing the day prior. The official statements released by UNLV's College of Fine Arts and his representatives were notably brief regarding the specific medical circumstances.

The consistent report across all major news outlets, including the Las Vegas Review-Journal and People magazine, stated that Gilyard had been battling a "long illness". This term, "long illness," is often used in public announcements to convey a period of declining health without disclosing the private medical details, respecting the family’s wishes for confidentiality during a difficult time.

While the exact nature of the illness was never disclosed, it is understood that the actor had been dealing with health issues for some time leading up to his death. This is the most current and definitive information available regarding the cause of his passing, and no further official details have been released since the initial announcements.

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Nancy Uscher, the Dean of the UNLV College of Fine Arts, released a heartfelt statement, saying, "His students were deeply inspired by him, as were all who knew him. He had many extraordinary talents and was extremely well-known in the university through his dedication to teaching and his professional accomplishments". His passing marked the end of a remarkable life, one that transcended the glamour of Hollywood to embrace the fulfillment of teaching.

A Career Defined by Versatility: From Hollywood to the Classroom

Clarence Gilyard Jr.'s career was a masterclass in versatility, shifting seamlessly from high-octane action roles to the quiet, intellectual demands of academia. His early career saw him establish himself as a reliable presence in major motion pictures. His role as the cocky, yet ultimately doomed, computer hacker Theo in the 1988 action classic Die Hard is still widely celebrated, providing a humorous counterpoint to the intensity of the film. Prior to that, he appeared as a Naval Flight Officer in the blockbuster Top Gun, cementing his status in 80s cinema.

The Television Stardom Era: Matlock and Walker, Texas Ranger

Gilyard found his greatest and most sustained fame on television. His nine-year run as Conrad McMasters on Matlock, where he played the second private investigator to Andy Griffith's character, showcased his charm and comedic timing. This role paved the way for his next major commitment: the eight-year run as James "Jimmy" Trivette on Walker, Texas Ranger.

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As Trivette, he played the partner of Chuck Norris's Cordell Walker, a former professional football player who brought a modern, analytical approach to crime-fighting, contrasting perfectly with Walker’s traditional, martial arts-based methods. The chemistry between Gilyard and Norris was a cornerstone of the show's massive global success, making him a household name for an entire generation of television viewers.

The Pivot to Academia and Lasting Influence

In a unique career transition, Gilyard retired from full-time acting in the early 2000s to pursue a career in higher education. In 2006, he began teaching at UNLV’s College of Fine Arts as an associate professor. This move wasn't a retreat, but an embrace of a new passion. He shared his decades of professional experience with aspiring actors, teaching film and theater performance.

His dedication to his students was a consistent theme in the tributes that followed his death. Colleagues noted his generosity, his commitment to mentorship, and his ability to inspire. He proved that a successful Hollywood career could be leveraged to create a profound, positive impact on the next generation of creative artists. He was not just an actor who taught; he was a dedicated professor who happened to be a star.

Clarence Gilyard’s Enduring Legacy

The passing of Clarence Gilyard Jr. closed a chapter on a vibrant and influential life. While the specific "long illness" that led to his death remains a private matter for his family, his public life provides more than enough to celebrate. His film roles in Die Hard and Top Gun are timeless, and his television characters, Conrad McMasters and James Trivette, are permanently etched into the history of television drama.

Beyond the screen, his legacy is perhaps strongest in the classrooms of UNLV, where he cultivated a new generation of talent. He leaves behind a wife, Elena, six children, and countless students, colleagues, and fans who were touched by his work and his spirit. His career serves as a powerful reminder that an individual can achieve success in multiple, seemingly disparate fields, leaving a legacy of entertainment and education that will endure for decades to come.