Clarence Gilyard was an American actor, author, and university professor who earned recognition for his work in television and film. He was particularly known for portraying Conrad McMasters in the television drama series Matlock and Pastor Bruce Barnes in the thriller films Left Behind and its sequel, Left Behind II: Tribulation Force. He was also professionally credited as Clarence Gilyard Jr. during parts of his career. Gilyard initially enrolled at the United States Air Force Academy, hoping to follow in the footsteps of his father, who had served in the Air Force. However, he eventually changed direction, moving from Washington to Los Angeles to pursue his interest in acting. He began his performing career in children’s theater before moving on to television and feature films. Over time, he established himself as a respected African American actor in Hollywood. Beyond acting, Gilyard demonstrated a strong commitment to education and literature. He authored several books and worked as a theater professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, combining his experience in the performing arts with his passion for teaching.
Career of Clarence Gilyard
Clarence Gilyard moved to Los Angeles in 1979 to pursue his ambitions in acting. During his early theater career, he became the first Black actor to portray a cheerleader in the play Bleacher Bums. He subsequently secured guest appearances in several television programs, including The Facts of Life, Diff’rent Strokes, 227, and Riptide. In 1982, he joined the final season of NBC’s CHiPs, playing Officer Benjamin Webster. Two years later, he appeared alongside Jim Carrey in the NBC sitcom The Duck Factory.
In 1986, Gilyard portrayed Wally Stokes in the television series Simon & Simon. That same year, he made his feature-film debut as Lieutenant Junior Grade Marcus Williams in the action drama Top Gun. He later appeared in the comic panel production Off the Mark and gained further recognition for playing Theo, a computer expert and professional thief, in the action blockbuster Die Hard. In 1989, he also took on a minor role in the television film L.A. Takedown.
From 1989 to 1993, Gilyard played Conrad McMasters, a private investigator, in the television drama Matlock. In 1993, he joined the cast of Walker, Texas Ranger as James “Jimmy” Trivette, a role he continued to play until 2001. During this period, he also appeared in the religious thriller Left Behind: The Movie and reprised his role as Pastor Bruce Barnes in its sequel, Left Behind II: Tribulation Force, released in 2002. In 2005, he returned to the Walker, Texas Ranger franchise in the television film Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire.
Gilyard announced his retirement from acting in August 2005. However, he later returned to the screen in 2012, focusing primarily on independent film projects. In the autumn of 2014, he appeared as Professor Portland in the faith-based drama A Matter of Faith. In 2016, he portrayed Hoak Colburn in the comedy-drama production Driving Miss Daisy, appearing alongside Sheree J. Wilson.
In addition to his acting career, Gilyard worked as a drama professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he shared his professional experience and knowledge of theater with students.
Family & Personal Life
Clarence Alfred Gilyard Jr. was born on December 24, 1955, in Moses Lake, Washington, United States. His father, Clarence Gilyard Sr., served as an officer in the United States Air Force. Gilyard grew up in a family with five siblings, one of whom also attended the Air Force Academy. Another brother, Milton, has a developmental disability and resides in an assisted-living facility.
Gilyard attended Eisenhower High School and graduated in 1974. He subsequently spent a year at the United States Air Force Academy before leaving to continue his education at Sterling College. He later studied acting at California State University, Long Beach, and earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Southern Methodist University. Alongside his academic and artistic pursuits, he served as a consultant to the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ Communications Committee.
Regarding his personal life, Gilyard first married Catherine Dutko, and the couple had two children together. Following their divorce, he married Elena in 2001. They subsequently had three children, bringing his total number of children to five.