Clarence Gilyard Jr.

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.

Known For

Christmas on the Coast 2018 ★ 6.0
A Matter of Faith 2014 ★ 4.8
Chasing Shakespeare 2014 ★ 3.1
Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire 2005 ★ 6.4
Left Behind II: Tribulation Force 2002 ★ 4.5
Left Behind 2000 ★ 4.2
Sons of Thunder 1999 ★ 8.9
Walker Texas Ranger 3: Deadly Reunion 1994 ★ 7.3
Walker, Texas Ranger 1993 ★ 7.0
Walker, Texas Ranger: One Riot, One Ranger 1993 ★ 6.0
The Great Los Angeles Earthquake 1990 ★ 6.7
L.A. Takedown 1989 ★ 5.5
Die Hard 1988 ★ 7.8
Off the Mark 1987 ★ 3.9
Matlock 1986 ★ 7.1
Top Gun 1986 ★ 7.1
The Karate Kid Part II 1986 ★ 6.3
227 1985 ★ 6.8
The Duck Factory 1984 ★ 6.1
The Kid with the 200 I.Q. 1983 ★ 5.6
Simon & Simon 1981 ★ 6.7
The Facts of Life 1979 ★ 7.1
Diff'rent Strokes 1978 ★ 7.1
CHiPs 1977 ★ 6.8