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Clarence Gilyard Jr.
Biography
Clarence Alfred Gilyard Jr. (December 24, 1955 – November 23, 2022) was an American university professor, actor, and author. As a performer, he appeared in film, television, and stage productions; some sources give his middle name as Alfred. Gilyard was known for his roles as second private investigator and right-hand man Conrad McMasters to Ben Matlock (played by Andy Griffith) on the legal drama series Matlock from 1989 to 1993; Pastor Bruce Barnes in the first two Left Behind movies; Cordell Walker's (played by Chuck Norris) Texas Ranger partner, James "Jimmy" Trivette, in the 1990s crime drama Walker, Texas Ranger; Theo, the terrorist computer expert in Die Hard; and Lieutenant (junior grade) Evan "Sundown" Gough in Top Gun.
Known For
Top Gun
as Sundown
Die Hard
as Theo
The Karate Kid Part II
as G.I. #1
Left Behind
as Pastor Bruce Barnes
Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire
as Ranger James 'Jimmy' Trivette
The Great Los Angeles Earthquake
as Roy Bryant
Left Behind II: Tribulation Force
as Pastor Bruce Barnes
A Matter of Faith
as Professor Portland
L.A. Takedown
as Mustafa Jackson
The Sector
as Reverend Raines
