Clarence Gilyard Jr., an actor and academic known for key supporting roles in several iconic films and series, has died at the age of 66. No cause of death was given.
Gilyard Jr. first broke through as Sundown in the original “Top Gun,” and three years later left a big impression as the tech whiz Theo among Hans Gruber’s crew in 1989’s “Die Hard”.
He then shifted to television, co-starring with Andy Griffith in four seasons of “Matlock” before segueing to playing Jimmy Trevette alongside Chuck Norris in CBS’ “Walker, Texas Ranger” for eight years.
He took a sabbatical from acting and ended up becoming a film and theater professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ College of Fine Arts. He did end up reprising his “Die Hard” role for a commercial for Advanced Auto Parts during the Superbowl a few years ago.
Our sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends, faculty, and the many students he inspired.
Source: Deadline
