The entertainment industry was saddened by the news of the death of actor Clarence Gilyard Jr., known for his roles in the films Top Gun and Die Hard.
Top Gun and Die Hard star Clarence Gilyard Jr. died at the age of 66.
The gifted actor, who left Hollywood to teach film and theater at the UNLV College of Fine Arts, reportedly battled a lingering illness before he died. No further details are available.
According to a statement from the university, the actor was “terribly loved and missed” and “blessed” to be there.
Heather Addison, chair of the school’s film department, praised Professor Gilyard as “a beacon of light and strength to all around him.” When we asked about his well-being, he joyfully replied, “Blessed!”
But we are the ones who were actually lucky enough to work with him for so long and learn from him. Professor G, we adore you and will miss you terribly.
In 1986’s Top Gun, Gilyard debuted alongside Tom Cruise as Lt (jg) Marcus ‘Sundown’ Williams, an F-14 Tomcat radar interception officer.
Gilyard found it easy to fit into the position, having been raised on air bases in Hawaii, Texas, and Florida, as well as in a military family.
In the follow-up Top Gun: Maverick, he did not accept the same role.
Theo, a computer hacker who works for Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman), was his most famous character in the 1988 film Deadly Death.
He reprises his legendary role in Advance Auto Parts’ 2020 ad promoting DieHard automotive batteries.
Theo embarks on a perilous journey to retrieve a new battery for his dead car while battling his long-time adversary Detective John McClane (Bruce Willis) in the two-minute commercial.
Gilyard has also appeared in theater and television, most notably playing Conrad McMasters in the ABC legal drama Matlock.
He took a career break, earned a master’s degree in theater performance, and was then appointed associate professor in 2006.
Gilyard acknowledged that he found teaching “too much fun
I’m glad I’m not working.” And after you start the semester and you get to know those students, it starts to feel like a TV show.
You are connected to them. Once you can tell they are addicted to you by the look in their eyes, how can you leave them? For those 15 weeks, they have goals for their own development.
Many people have paid tribute to the late actor, including Sons of Anarchy’s Chris Reed, who called him a “legendary screen presence”.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal quoted Nancy Uscher, dean of the NLV College of Fine Arts, as saying, “His generosity of spirit was boundless—he was always ready to contribute in any way to projects and performances.”
Gilyard had six children with Elena, his second wife, whom he married in 2001.
Clarence Gilyard Jr. leaves behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry. He will be remembered not only for his unforgettable performances but also for his dedication to teaching and nurturing aspiring actors. As news of his death spreads, our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and students who had the privilege of sharing his talent, wisdom, and kindness. May his soul rest in peace and may his contributions continue to inspire generations of performers.
Clarence Gilyard J was also in Texas Ranger with Chuck Norris, I see these episodes almost everyday! He was a very good actor I liked him a lot! He passed away young! Will be missed! May his soul Rest In Peace! 😞
I’m a retired U.S. Marine
And I was in service on active duty when TOP GUN first aired,
Mr. Clarence Gilyard Jr.
Was surely apart of my Military experience
Semper Fi. And God speed
BLACKOUT! REST EASY.