‘Die Hard’ and ‘Top Gun’ Star Clarence Gilyard Dead at 66

Clarence Darnell Gilyard, a star actor in Die Hard movie and an American University professor, is dead at the age of 66. The deceased actor played the funny computer hacker in the film.

He reportedly died after battling a long unidentified illness. Gilyard’s death was announced by the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, where he worked as a professor of Fine Arts since 2006.

Prior to his demise, he appeared in several movies, television, and stage productions. He was also known in Matlock as the second private investigator and friend of Ben Matlock (played by Andy Griffith).

It’s unfortunate seeing Clarence Darnell Gilyard dead, especially at age 66. Family, friends, and well-wishers wish he had lived longer, however his awesome lifetime speaks for itself.

Happy Birthday Clarence Darnell Gilyard Jr. (December 24, 1955), known for Die Hard (1988), Walker, Texas Ranger (1993) and Top Gun (1986). pic.twitter.com/1zcZTNIJSs

— Oshun La Rue (@OshunRue) December 24, 2021

Clarence Gilyard’s Life Before He Was Confirmed Dead at Age 66

The talented actor was born in Washington on December 24, 1955, to the family of Barbara and Clarence Gilyard Sr, an officer in the U.S. Airforce. In 1979, he moved to Los Angeles to kickstart his acting career after receiving a master of Fine Arts from Southern Methodist University.

He played a role in Bleacher Bums, which made a particular magazine refer to him as the “first black actor to play a cheerleader.”  Afterward, he ventured into television series.

The Little Monsters actor appeared on shows like Simon & Simon, Different Strokes, 227, etc. He was cast in the final season of NBC’s CHiPs as officer Webster before featuring in a McDonald’s commercial in 1987.

Before Die Hard, the professor made his movie debut in 1986’s Top Gun as an F-14 Tomcat radar intercept officer, Lt. Marcus “Sundown” Williams. Then moved on to become a military man in The Karate Kid part II. 

It was in 1988 that he acted in Die Hard as a criminal computer expert; the only surviving villain. Clarence Gilyard’s movie and TV appearances are numerous to list, making it hard to believe that he is dead.

He’s survived by two ex-wives and six children. The late star also served as the consultant of the communications committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Rest in peace, Clarence! You will be greatly missed.