Clarence Gilyard Net Worth – Age, Personal Life, Bio And Career

Clarence Gilyard, an acclaimed American actor, was a man of many talents, ranging from acting to teaching and writing. At the time of his passing in 2022, Clarence Gilyard net worth was an impressive $5 million, a testament to his remarkable career in entertainment and academia. Let’s dive into the life of this beloved actor who touched the hearts of many.

Clarence Gilyard Bio

Early Life

Clarence Alfred Gilyard Jr. was born on December 24, 1955, in Moses Lake, Washington. He was one of six children in a military family. His father, Clarence Alfred Gilyard Sr., was an officer in the U.S. Air Force, leading the family to move frequently, living in places such as Texas, Hawaii, and Florida.

Gilyard excelled academically at Eisenhower High School in San Bernardino, California. After graduating in 1974, he briefly attended the Air Force Academy before enrolling at Sterling College in Kansas on a tennis scholarship.

Later, he studied acting at California State University, Long Beach, earning a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Clarence eventually pursued a Master of Fine Arts degree in theatre performance at Southern Methodist University in Texas.

Personal Life

Clarence Gilyard married Catherine Dutko in 1989, and the couple had two children before divorcing. In 2001, he married Elena Castillo, with whom he had three children. His faith played a significant role in his life; after his first divorce, he converted to Catholicism and remained deeply committed to his beliefs.

Career Highlights

In 1979, Clarence Gilyard moved to Los Angeles to chase his dream of becoming an actor. His first break came with the play “Bleacher Bums”, making him the first Black actor to play a cheerleader in this production.

Television Success

Clarence made his television debut in the 1981 sitcom “Diff’rent Strokes.” He went on to appear in shows like “CHiPs” (1982–1983) as Officer Benjamin Webster and “The Duck Factory” (1984) alongside Jim Carrey. His most notable television roles were as Conrad McMasters in “Matlock” (1989–1993) and Ranger James Trivette in “Walker, Texas Ranger” (1993–2001).

Film Roles

Clarence Gilyard’s film career was equally impressive, with standout performances in:

• “Top Gun” (1986): As Sundown, a naval flight officer.
• “Die Hard” (1988): Playing Theo, the tech-savvy terrorist.
• “The Karate Kid Part II” (1986): A smaller but memorable role.

Academic Contributions

After taking a break from acting in 2006, Gilyard became a professor in the College of Fine Arts – Department of Theatre at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. His passion for teaching inspired countless students.

Notable Works

• “Walker, Texas Ranger”: Gilyard’s portrayal of James Trivette made him a household name.
• “Matlock”: His role as Conrad McMasters showcased his versatility as an actor.
• “Die Hard”: A classic film in which he left an indelible mark as Theo.
• “Left Behind” Series: Playing Bruce Barnes in these faith-based films reflected his personal beliefs.

Sources of Income

• Acting: His primary source of income came from TV shows, films, and theater.
• Writing: Gilyard published books, including “The Dance of the Star” and “Eagle in a Cage.”
• Teaching: As a professor at UNLV, he earned a steady income sharing his knowledge.
• Producing and Directing: He ventured into production with films like “Boondoggle” and directed episodes of “Walker, Texas Ranger.”

Clarence Gilyard Net Worth

Clarence Gilyard’s net worth was an impressive $5 million, reflecting his successful career as an actor, college professor, and author.

Known for his memorable roles in hit television shows like Walker, Texas Ranger and Matlock, as well as his appearance in iconic films like Die Hard and Top Gun, Gilyard’s talent and versatility made him a beloved figure in Hollywood.

Gilyard dedicated himself to academia, teaching film and theater, which further solidified his influence and legacy in the entertainment industry.

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Clarence Gilyard Social Media

Interesting Facts About Clarence Gilyard

• He was a tennis scholarship recipient at Sterling College.
• Clarence was deeply religious and served as a consultant for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
• He took a long hiatus from Hollywood to focus on teaching and his faith.
• Both “Top Gun” and “Die Hard,” in which he starred, are preserved in the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry.
• Gilyard loved mentoring young actors and often said it was more rewarding than acting itself.

Conclusion

Clarence Gilyard’s life was one of talent, passion, and purpose. From his remarkable acting career to his academic contributions, he left a lasting legacy. Clarence Gilyard’s net worth of $5 million reflected his success in multiple fields. Although he is no longer with us, his work continues to inspire.

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