Disappearance. Clarence Gilyard Jr, Chuck Norris’ sidekick in ‘Walker Texas Ranger’, is dead

Chuck Norris’ right arm in Walker Texas Ranger is not anymore. Clarence Gilyard Jr, the actor who played ranger James Trivette from 1993 to 2001 in the cult American series, died Monday at the age of 66. The magazine variety and the University of Nevada College of Fine Arts in Las Vegas, where he taught, announced his death on Tuesday.

Clarence Gilyard Jr began his acting career in the early 1980s, in television series, such as Arnold and Willyor Chips. Her first film appearance was in the film Top Gun (1986), where he played Lieutenant Marcus Williams, nicknamed « Sundown ».

beloved teacher

The American actor then turns in the blockbuster diehard (1988), where he played the role of Theo. He is then illustrated in the television series Matlockwhere he seconded for four years Andy Griffith. But it’s as a teammate of Chuck Norris in Walker Texas Rangeran emblematic series of the 1990s, that it remains etched in our memories.

He then devoted himself to teaching at the College of Fine Arts at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas (UNLV). “Beloved film and theater teacher,” according to the university statement, Clarence Gilyard Jr “ had many talents” and was recognized for his “dedication”. “His generosity of spirit knew no bounds,” recalls Dean Nancy J. Uscher.

“His students were deeply inspired by him, as were all who knew him,” she continues. « Professor Gilyard was a beacon of light and strength for all those around him at UNLV, » said Heather Addison, director of the university’s cinema section, in the press release. “We will miss you very much, Professor G! “, she concludes.

Clarence Gilyard Jr had made a few small screen reappearances in the last years of his life. In 2005, he took over the role of James Trivette for the TV movie Walker Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire. In 2020, he was seen in an advertisement broadcast during the Super Bowl, where he again played Theo, from diehardalongside Bruce Willis.