Trivia

Left his role on Matlock (1986), after its seventh season, to co-star opposite Chuck Norris in Walker, Texas Ranger (1993).

As a little boy, like co-star Nancy Stafford, he was a huge fan of The Andy Griffith Show (1960). Several years after that show went off the air, he beat out three other actors for the role of a private investigator on Andy Griffith's Matlock (1986), for the fourth season of the series, when he replaced Kene Holiday.

Working toward a Master's Degree in Acting at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. (September 2003)

A Western enthusiast, compared to his future Matlock (1986) co-star, Nancy Stafford, Gilyard grew up watching the following shows: The Rifleman (1958), Gunsmoke (1955), Bonanza (1959), Laramie (1959), Wagon Train (1957), The Virginian (1962), Rawhide (1959), The Big Valley (1965) and The High Chaparral (1967).

He is an associate professor of theater at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. (August 2006)

Was a finalist for the role of Geordi LaForge on Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987).

Best known by the public for his roles as Conrad McMasters on Matlock (1986), and as James "Jimmy" Trivette on Walker, Texas Ranger (1993).

Attended Sterling College in Sterling, Kansas, for some time. After his success as an actor, Clarence gave back to the college in many ways, one of which was paying for new tennis courts for the college.

Worked with fellow Western idol Robert Fuller on Walker, Texas Ranger (1993).

Born in Moses Lakes, Washington; Gilyard was raised on military bases in Hawaii, Texas, and Florida.

Best friend of Sheree J. Wilson, with whom he co-starred in the stage version of "Driving Miss Daisy" (she had the title role, while he portrayed Hoke).

He is a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.

Attended California State University, Long Beach, with a major in theater.

Three of the movies he has starred in have gone on to gross well over $150 million each in worldwide box office and DVD sales.

After joining the cast of the play "Bleacher Bums," Clarence became the first black actor to play the role of the cheerleader. By coincidence, the real-life person on whom the cheerleader at Wrigley Field was based was indeed black.

Began his entertainment career acting in children's theater.

One of only four people to appear in the "Walker, Texas Ranger" pilot, "One Riot, One Ranger", and the finale, "The Final Show/Down". The four, in credits order, were: Chuck Norris (Walker), Clarence Gilyard Jr. (Trivette), Sheree J. Wilson ("Alex Cahill", later Alex Cahill-Walker), and Marshall R. Teague ("Orson Wade" in the pilot, and "Emile Lavocat"/"Mills {Moon} Lavocat" in the two-hour, multiple-timeline finale).

His son Peter was born on May 30, 2007. Gilyard's other five children include son Clarence Alfred III.

Serves as a consultant of the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Communications.

When Matlock (1986) moved production from Los Angeles to North Carolina (at the beginning of its seventh season), Andy Griffith who suggested that Gilyard move there. Accordingly, Clarence resided in North Carolina for over a year...finally moving back to Los Angeles.

Is a second-generation Air Force officer. His father, Clarence Alfred Senior, converted from Baptist to Lutheran...which Clarence Junior has practiced in California, Hawaii, Texas, and Florida.

Was on the brink of retiring from television when he heard of Andy Griffith's search for someone to be his co-star on Matlock (1986). Griffith personally handpicked Gilyard, who was summoned to New York for a screen test. Sure enough, Clarence was hired and stayed with the show as "Conrad McMasters" for the next 4 years...finally leaving to co-star on Walker, Texas Ranger (1993).

Andy Griffith chose Gilyard to replace Kene Holiday, as his co-star on Matlock (1986), since Griffith liked Clarence's audition for the role of "Conrad McMasters".

Had remained friends with Matlock (1986) series' lead, Andy Griffith, until Griffith's death on July 3, 2012. When his acting mentor had passed away, Gilyard was doing a Neil Simon play. By the time he returned, he was the last one to know about Griffith's death.

According to his ex-girlfriend, Loree Rodkin, who was also his manager, at the time, his death was attributed to chronic alcoholism which had worsened his health condition, leading to complications from hepatitis. This was a sobering revelation that brought to light Gilyard's prolonged struggle with alcoholism and his numerous hospital admissions, all of that had led to his passing.

His interment was at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills, California.

Originally a member of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

Lived in Los Angeles, California, from 1980 to 1992, and again from 1993 to 2001.

His brother, Milton, is moderately developmentally disabled.

Before his break into acting, he worked with his housemate at a clothing store. Gilyard was promoted to manager.

Graduated from Eisenhower High School in Rialto, California, in 1974.

Friends with Larry Manetti.

Went to the same high school as ex-Allies lead guitarist Randy Thomas and actor/singer Kirk Fogg.

Almost compared to his Matlock (1986) co-star, Nancy Stafford, his family, especially himself had been watching or have been involved in every Andy Griffith project, since Gilyard was a little boy, except, his family didn't have any connection with Griffith, except himself.

He died the same year Top Gun: Maverick (2022) was released and he played Sundown in the first Top Gun (1986).