About
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
MatlockSeries • 1986
Walker, Texas RangerSeries • 1993
The Facts of LifeSeries • 1979
Simon & SimonSeries • 1981
Die HardMovie • 1988
Top GunMovie • 1986
227Series • 1985
CHiPsSeries • 1977
The Karate Kid Part IIMovie • 1986
Left BehindMovie • 2000
Diff'rent StrokesSeries • 1978
Left Behind II: Tribulation ForceMovie • 2002
The Great Los Angeles EarthquakeMovie • 1990
Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by FireMovie • 2005
L.A. TakedownMovie • 1989
A Matter of FaithMovie • 2014