‘Die Hard’ Actor Clarence Gilyard Jr. Passes Away At 66
Actor Clarence Gilyard Jr. has passed away, according to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas College of Fine Arts where he was a professor.
The university shared the unfortunate news on Instagram yesterday (Nov. 28).
“It is with great sadness that Dean Nancy J. Uscher and the UNLV College of Fine Arts share the passing of beloved film and theatre professor Clarence Gilyard,” said the caption.
"It is with profound sadness that I share this news," said Dean Uscher in a statement.
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"His students were deeply inspired by him, as were all who knew him. He had many extraordinary talents and was extremely well-known in the university through his dedication to teaching and his professional accomplishments. He had a national and international following through his celebrated work in the theatre, in film, and television. His generosity of spirit was boundless - he was always ready to contribute to projects and performances however possible. We remember Clarence with joy and gratitude for all he contributed to the College of Fine Arts, the UNLV community, and, through his impressive personal achievements, to the world."
The actor's career spans over 30 years, and he has appeared in classic shows like Matlock, Walker, Texas Ranger, Die Hard, and Top Gun. He recently reprised his character from the Die Hard film as Theo in the Advanced Auto Parts commercial celebrating its addition of the DieHard battery brand featuring cameos from Bruce Willis and De'voreaux White.
Gilyard was 66 at the time of his passing with his cause of death unknown.
You can watch the commercial below.
