Clarence Gilyard, the tech genius from “Die Hard” and star of “Walker, Texas Ranger,” dies at 66

Clarence Gilyard, the fantastic arts professor and actor remembered for his standout roles in motion movies and tv collection within the 80s and 90s, has died, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, introduced in a statement. Gilyard, who taught movie and theater programs on the college, was 66. Details surrounding his dying, and what might have brought on it, weren’t disclosed.

“It is with profound unhappiness that I share this information,” mentioned Dean Nancy J. Usher, of the UNLV College of Fine Arts, within the college’s assertion. “His college students had been deeply impressed by him, as had been all who knew him. He had many extraordinary skills and was extraordinarily well-known within the college by way of his dedication to instructing and his skilled accomplishments.”

Usher added that Gilyard’s “generosity of spirit was boundless,” and famous his willingness to help to varied tasks and performances on the college each time doable.

“We bear in mind Clarence with pleasure and gratitude for all he contributed to the College of Fine Arts, the UNLV group, and, by way of his spectacular private achievements, to the world,” the dean mentioned.

Before becoming a member of the college workers, Gilyard constructed a profession in Hollywood that spanned a number of a long time. Born on Christmas Eve in 1955 in Moses Lake, Washington, Gilyard’s household moved several times throughout his childhood as a result of his father’s place within the U.S. Air Force, and so they lived at numerous military bases earlier than settling in a San Bernardino, California, suburb throughout his adolescent years.  

Gilyard later moved to Los Angeles to pursue appearing, and in the course of the early 80s appeared in visitor spots on tv collection reminiscent of “Diff’rent Strokes,” “The Facts of Life” and “Riptide.” He is finest identified for his performances within the in style motion movies “Top Gun” and “Die Hard,” the place he performed alongside stars like Tom Cruise and Bruce Willis, respectively, in addition to his main roles within the 90s authorized drama collection “Matlock” and crime drama “Walker, Texas Ranger.”

He is survived by his spouse, Elena Gilyard, and 6 youngsters.