Clarence Gilyard Jr.

Born: 1955-12-24 in Moses Lake, Washington, USA

Died: 2022-11-23

Known For: Acting

Biography

Clarence Alfred Gilyard Jr. (December 24, 1955 – November 23, 2022) was an American university professor, actor, and author. As a performer, he appeared in film, television, and stage productions; some sources give his middle name as Alfred. Gilyard was known for his roles as second private investigator and right-hand man Conrad McMasters to Ben Matlock (played by Andy Griffith) on the legal drama series Matlock from 1989 to 1993; Pastor Bruce Barnes in the first two Left Behind movies; Cordell Walker's (played by Chuck Norris) Texas Ranger partner, James "Jimmy" Trivette, in the 1990s crime drama Walker, Texas Ranger; Theo, the terrorist computer expert in Die Hard; and Lieutenant (junior grade) Evan "Sundown" Gough in Top Gun.

Filmography

2019

The Perfect Race as Coach Michaels

2018

Christmas on the Coast as Fletcher Reese

2016

The Track as Psychiatrist
The Sector as Reverend Raines
Rabbit Days as Auguste Porter

2014

Chasing Shakespeare as Jeremiah Ward
A Matter of Faith as Professor Portland

2012

Little Monsters as Ben Foreman

2005

Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire as Ranger James 'Jimmy' Trivette

2002

Left Behind II: Tribulation Force as Pastor Bruce Barnes

2000

Left Behind as Pastor Bruce Barnes

1989

L.A. Takedown as Mustafa Jackson

1988

Die Hard as Theo

1987

Off the Mark as James B. White

1986

Matlock as Conrad McMasters
Top Gun as Sundown
The Karate Kid Part II as G.I. #1

1985

227 as Harold Bailey

1984

Things Are Looking Up as Clement McCallister
The Duck Factory as Roland Culp

1983

The Kid with the 200 I.Q.

1981

Simon & Simon as Wally Stokes

1979

The Facts of Life as Matt

1978

Diff'rent Strokes as The Student

1977

CHiPs as Benjamin Webster