Clarence Gilyard Jr., best known for his roles in Walker, Texas Ranger, Top Gun and Die Hard, has dies

“Professor Gilyard was a beacon of light and strength for everyone around him,” UNLV film chair Heather Addison said in a statement. “Whenever we asked him how he was, he would cheerfully declare that he was ‘Blessed!’ But we are truly the ones who were blessed to be his colleagues and students for so many years. We love you and will miss you dearly, Professor G!”

Born in Moses Lake, Washington, Gilyard began his film and television career in the 1980s, making appearances in films such as Top Gun and The Karate Kid Part II. However, Gilyard is most remembered for his appearance in the 1988 action film Die Hard as Theo, a computer hacker working for Hans Gruber.

On the television end, Gilyard left his mark with his portrayal of Conrad McMasters on the legal drama Matlock and Ranger James Trivette on the CBS series Walker, Texas Ranger.

In addition to his work in theater, Gilyard was also active as a producer and film director. Gilyard also worked in the field of academia as an associate professor in the College of Fine Arts – Department of Theatre at the University of Las Vegas.

Gilyard Jr. was 66 years old. No cause of death has been revealed at this time. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.