News of a sudden passing circulated online, claiming that the star of Die Hard had died. Clarence Gilyard Jr., known for his role as Theo in Die Hard opposite Bruce Willis, reportedly died at the age of 66. The university community in Las Vegas confirmed the news, noting that Gilyard was part of their faculty. A statement from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas described him as a beacon of light and strength to everyone around him, and expressed that he would be deeply missed. The cause of death was not disclosed at the time of the announcement.
Beyond his Die Hard fame, Clarence Gilyard Jr. built a diverse acting career. He appeared in the first Top Gun alongside Tom Cruise and played a role in the television series involving Chuck Norris. His television credits also include the popular series Matlock, along with appearances in Karate Kid Part II and numerous other films and TV projects. In addition to his screen work, Gilyard frequently performed on stage, showcasing his range as a versatile performer. In 2006, he began teaching at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, serving as an adjunct professor while continuing to take on on-screen roles. This balance between academic work and screen acting marked a distinctive chapter in his career. He remained active in television and film projects even after joining the university faculty, reflecting his enduring commitment to acting.
Among his most recognizable big film projects are Die Hard with Bruce Willis and the iconic first Top Gun with Tom Cruise. The latter is often cited as Gilyard’s major breakthrough in cinema, as it marked his emergence within a major feature film, following earlier work primarily in television. In Top Gun, he portrayed the character Marcus Williams, a role that helped introduce him to a broader audience and established him as a familiar face in blockbuster cinema. The combination of his work on stage, in television, and in film contributed to a rich and varied career that spanned several decades and left a lasting impression on fans of action and drama alike.