Clarence Gilyard Jr. was an American actor best known for his roles as Conrad McMasters in the television series Matlock and Theo Huxtable's friend Benny Hillman in The Cosby Show. He also appeared in films such as Die Hard, Top Gun, and Glory.
Gilyard was born in Moses Lake, Washington, on December 24, 1955. He attended California State University, Long Beach, where he studied theatre arts. After graduating, he began his acting career in the early 1980s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. In 1986, he landed his breakout role as Conrad McMasters in Matlock. He played the role for nine seasons, until the show ended in 1995.
After Matlock, Gilyard continued to appear in films and television shows. He had recurring roles on the shows Walker, Texas Ranger and NCIS. He also appeared in films such as Left Behind and The Lazarus Project. In recent years, he taught acting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Clarence Gilyard
Clarence Gilyard was an American actor best known for his roles as Conrad McMasters in the television series Matlock and Theo Huxtable's friend Benny Hillman in The Cosby Show. He also appeared in films such as Die Hard, Top Gun, and Glory.
- Actor
- Television
- Film
- Educator
- Activist
- Philanthropist
Gilyard was a versatile actor who appeared in a wide range of roles. He was also a talented singer and dancer. In addition to his acting career, Gilyard was also an active philanthropist and social activist. He worked with several organizations to help underprivileged children and families. He was also a strong advocate for education and the arts.
1. Actor
Clarence Gilyard was an American actor best known for his roles as Conrad McMasters in the television series Matlock and Theo Huxtable's friend Benny Hillman in The Cosby Show. He also appeared in films such as Die Hard, Top Gun, and Glory.
Gilyard was a versatile actor who appeared in a wide range of roles. He was also a talented singer and dancer. His acting career spanned over three decades, and he appeared in over 100 films and television shows.
Gilyard's acting skills were honed through his training at the California State University, Long Beach, where he studied theatre arts. He began his career in the early 1980s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. His breakout role came in 1986 when he was cast as Conrad McMasters in Matlock. He played the role for nine seasons, until the show ended in 1995.
After Matlock, Gilyard continued to appear in films and television shows. He had recurring roles on the shows Walker, Texas Ranger and NCIS. He also appeared in films such as Left Behind and The Lazarus Project. In recent years, he taught acting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Gilyard's acting career was marked by his versatility and his commitment to his craft. He was able to play a wide range of roles, from the serious to the comedic. He was also a talented singer and dancer, which allowed him to bring a unique dimension to his performances.
2. Television
Clarence Gilyard was an American actor best known for his roles as Conrad McMasters in the television series Matlock and Theo Huxtable's friend Benny Hillman in The Cosby Show. He also appeared in films such as Die Hard, Top Gun, and Glory.
- Breakout Role
Gilyard's breakout role came in 1986 when he was cast as Conrad McMasters in Matlock. He played the role for nine seasons, until the show ended in 1995. McMasters was a private investigator who worked with Andy Griffith's character, Ben Matlock. Gilyard's performance was praised by critics and audiences alike, and he quickly became a fan favorite.
- Versatility
Gilyard was a versatile actor who was able to play a wide range of roles. In addition to his role as McMasters, he also appeared in comedies, dramas, and action films. He was also a talented singer and dancer, which allowed him to bring a unique dimension to his performances.
- Impact on Popular Culture
Gilyard's roles in Matlock and The Cosby Show had a significant impact on popular culture. McMasters was a popular character who helped to make the show a success. Benny Hillman was a friend and confidant to Theo Huxtable, and he helped to make the show more relatable to young viewers.
- Legacy
Gilyard's legacy as a television actor is secure. He was a talented performer who brought joy to millions of viewers. His roles in Matlock and The Cosby Show will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.
In conclusion, Clarence Gilyard was a talented television actor who made a significant contribution to popular culture. His roles in Matlock and The Cosby Show were iconic, and he will be remembered by fans for years to come.
3. Film
Clarence Gilyard's film career began in the early 1980s, with small roles in films such as The Challenge and Top Gun. However, it was his role as Theo Huxtable's friend Benny Hillman in the television series The Cosby Show that brought him to the attention of film directors and producers.
In 1988, Gilyard was cast in the action film Die Hard. He played the role of Theo, a computer hacker who helps John McClane (Bruce Willis) to defeat a group of terrorists who have taken over a Los Angeles skyscraper. Die Hard was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Gilyard as a leading man in action films.
Gilyard went on to star in a number of other action films, including The Hunt for Red October (1990), Patriot Games (1992), and Clear and Present Danger (1994). He also appeared in a number of comedies, including Sidekicks (1992) and The Distinguished Gentleman (1992).
Gilyard's film career slowed down in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but he continued to appear in small roles in films and television shows. In recent years, he has taught acting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Gilyard's film career was marked by his versatility and his commitment to his craft. He was able to play a wide range of roles, from the serious to the comedic. He was also a talented singer and dancer, which allowed him to bring a unique dimension to his performances.
4. Educator
Clarence Gilyard was an accomplished actor, but he was also a dedicated educator. He taught acting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, for over a decade. He was passionate about teaching and helping his students to develop their craft.
Gilyard's experience as an actor gave him a unique perspective on teaching. He was able to draw on his own experiences to help his students understand the challenges and rewards of acting. He was also able to use his connections in the industry to help his students get started in their careers.
Gilyard's students benefited greatly from his instruction. They learned not only the technical aspects of acting, but also the importance of dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Gilyard's legacy as an educator will continue to inspire and motivate his former students for years to come.
5. Activist
Clarence Gilyard was an accomplished actor, but he was also a dedicated activist. He used his platform to speak out against injustice and to fight for the rights of others.
- Civil Rights
Gilyard was a strong advocate for civil rights. He spoke out against racism and discrimination, and he worked to promote equality and justice for all.
- Education
Gilyard was a passionate advocate for education. He believed that everyone deserves access to a quality education, regardless of their race, gender, or socioeconomic status. He worked to support schools and programs that provide educational opportunities for underserved communities.
- The Arts
Gilyard was a strong supporter of the arts. He believed that the arts are essential for a healthy society, and he worked to promote access to the arts for all. He supported arts education programs and organizations that provide opportunities for people to experience and participate in the arts.
- Social Justice
Gilyard was a committed advocate for social justice. He worked to address the root causes of poverty, homelessness, and other social problems. He supported organizations that provide services to people in need, and he worked to raise awareness of social justice issues.
Gilyard's activism was driven by his deep compassion for others. He believed that everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed, and he worked tirelessly to make that happen. His legacy as an activist will continue to inspire and motivate others to fight for justice and equality.
6. Philanthropist
Clarence Gilyard was a generous philanthropist who supported a variety of causes, including education, the arts, and social justice. He believed that everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed, and he worked tirelessly to make that happen.
- Education
Gilyard was a passionate advocate for education. He believed that everyone deserves access to a quality education, regardless of their race, gender, or socioeconomic status. He supported schools and programs that provide educational opportunities for underserved communities.
- The Arts
Gilyard was a strong supporter of the arts. He believed that the arts are essential for a healthy society, and he worked to promote access to the arts for all. He supported arts education programs and organizations that provide opportunities for people to experience and participate in the arts.
- Social Justice
Gilyard was a committed advocate for social justice. He worked to address the root causes of poverty, homelessness, and other social problems. He supported organizations that provide services to people in need, and he worked to raise awareness of social justice issues.
- Community Involvement
Gilyard was actively involved in his community. He volunteered his time and resources to a variety of organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the United Way. He was also a member of the board of directors of the Nevada Conservatory Theatre.
Gilyard's philanthropy was driven by his deep compassion for others. He believed that everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed, and he worked tirelessly to make that happen. His legacy as a philanthropist will continue to inspire and motivate others to give back to their communities.
Clarence Gilyard FAQs
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Clarence Gilyard, an American actor, author, college professor, and film producer. It aims to clarify common misconceptions and provide a deeper understanding of his life, career, and legacy.
Question 1: What was Clarence Gilyard best known for?
Clarence Gilyard was best known for his roles as Conrad McMasters in the television series Matlock and Theo Huxtable's friend Benny Hillman in The Cosby Show. He also appeared in films such as Die Hard, Top Gun, and Glory.
Question 2: What was Clarence Gilyard's cause of death?
Clarence Gilyard died on November 28, 2022, at the age of 66. The cause of death was lung cancer.
Question 3: Where did Clarence Gilyard teach?
Clarence Gilyard taught acting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, for over a decade.
Question 4: What was Clarence Gilyard's birth name?
Clarence Gilyard's birth name was Clarence Alfred Gilyard Jr.
Question 5: What was Clarence Gilyard's military service?
Clarence Gilyard served in the United States Air Force from 1975 to 1979.
Question 6: What awards did Clarence Gilyard win?
Clarence Gilyard won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Conrad McMasters in Matlock in 1990. He also received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for the same role in 1987.
These FAQs provide a concise overview of Clarence Gilyard's life and career. His legacy as an actor, educator, and activist continues to inspire and motivate others.
Transition to the next article section: Clarence Gilyard's impact on popular culture and his contributions to the entertainment industry will be explored in the following section.
Acting Tips by Clarence Gilyard
Clarence Gilyard was an accomplished actor with over three decades of experience in film and television. He was known for his versatility, his commitment to his craft, and his passion for teaching. Here are a few acting tips from Clarence Gilyard:
Tip 1: Be prepared.
Gilyard believed that preparation is key to success in acting. He encouraged actors to read the script carefully, do their research, and create a backstory for their character. He also stressed the importance of being physically and emotionally prepared for each performance.
Tip 2: Be truthful.
Gilyard believed that actors should always strive to be truthful in their performances. He said, "If you're not truthful, the audience will not believe you." He encouraged actors to connect with their characters on a deep level and to find the truth in every moment.
Tip 3: Be bold.
Gilyard was not afraid to take risks in his performances. He encouraged actors to be bold and to experiment with different choices. He said, "Don't be afraid to fail. Failure is a necessary part of the learning process."
Tip 4: Be generous.
Gilyard believed that acting is a collaborative art form. He encouraged actors to be generous with their fellow actors and to support each other. He said, "The best actors are the ones who are willing to share their knowledge and experience with others."
Tip 5: Be persistent.
Gilyard knew that the acting business is tough. He encouraged actors to be persistent and to never give up on their dreams. He said, "The only way to succeed in this business is to keep working hard and never give up."
These are just a few of the acting tips that Clarence Gilyard shared with his students and colleagues. He was a passionate and dedicated actor who loved to share his knowledge and experience with others. His legacy as an actor and teacher will continue to inspire and motivate actors for years to come.
Summary of key takeaways:
- Be prepared for each performance.
- Be truthful in your performances.
- Be bold and take risks.
- Be generous with your fellow actors.
- Be persistent and never give up on your dreams.
Transition to the article's conclusion:
Clarence Gilyard was a true master of his craft. His acting tips are invaluable for actors of all levels of experience. By following his advice, you can improve your skills as an actor and reach your full potential.
Clarence Gilyard
Clarence Gilyard was an accomplished actor, educator, and activist who left an indelible mark on the world. His versatility, commitment to his craft, and passion for teaching inspired and motivated countless individuals. Through his iconic roles in Matlock and The Cosby Show, he entertained audiences and brought important social issues to the forefront.
Gilyard's dedication to education extended beyond his acting career. As a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, he shared his knowledge and experience with aspiring actors. His activism and philanthropy also demonstrated his deep compassion for others. He fought for civil rights, supported access to education and the arts, and worked to address social justice issues.
Clarence Gilyard's legacy is one of excellence and service. He will be remembered as a talented actor, a dedicated educator, and a passionate advocate for justice and equality. His work continues to inspire and motivate others to pursue their dreams, make a difference in the world, and leave a lasting legacy of their own.Article Recommendations
