Clarence Gilyard Jr. Dies: ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ Actor Dead at 66

Actor Clarence Gilyard Jr., who co-starred as James Trivette on CBS’ (*66*)Walker, Texas Ranger, has died at the age of 66.

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the place Gilyard had been a movie professor since 2006, introduced the actor’s demise in a press launch on Monday. A explanation for demise was not given, however Gilyard had reportedly been battling an extended sickness.

“His students were deeply inspired by him, as were all who knew him,” mentioned Nancy J. Uscher, Dean of the College of Fine Arts at UNLV. “He had many extraordinary talents and was extremely well-known in the university through his dedication to teaching and his professional accomplishments. His generosity of spirit was boundless — he was always ready to contribute to projects and performances however possible. We remember Clarence with joy and gratitude for all he contributed to the College of Fine Arts, the UNLV community, and, through his impressive personal achievements, to the world.”

Gilyard was finest recognized to TV followers as (*66*)Walker, Texas Ranger

‘s Jimmy, the partner and best friend of Chuck Norris’ Cordell Walker. He made his debut within the sequence premiere and went on to look in virtually all of (*66*)Walker, Texas Ranger‘s 200-plus episodes, in addition to two (*66*)Walker TV films. Other notable TV credit included (*66*)Matlock (which he joined in Season 4 as personal investigator Conrad McMasters), (*66*)CHiPs and the short-lived NBC sitcom (*66*)The Duck Factory.

On the movie aspect, Gilyard held roles in two staples of Eighties popular culture, showing as Hans Gruber’s techie Theo in (*66*)Die Hard and naval flight officer Marcus “Sundown” Williams in (*66*)Top Gun.