Who is Clarence Gilyard?
Clarence Gilyard Jr. was an American actor best known for his roles as Cordell Walker in the CBS television series Walker, Texas Ranger (19932001), and Theo Huxtable's friend Benny Hammond on The Cosby Show (19861992).
Gilyard was born in Moses Lake, Washington, on December 24, 1955. He attended California State University, Long Beach, where he studied theater arts.
After graduating from college, Gilyard began his acting career in the early 1980s, appearing in small roles in films such as The Big Chill (1983) and Top Gun (1986).
In 1986, Gilyard landed his breakout role as Theo Huxtable's friend Benny Hammond on the NBC sitcom The Cosby Show. He played the role for six seasons, until the show ended in 1992.
In 1993, Gilyard starred in the CBS television series Walker, Texas Ranger. He played the role of Cordell Walker, a Texas Ranger who fights crime in the American Old West. The show was a huge success, running for nine seasons until 2001.
After Walker, Texas Ranger ended, Gilyard continued to act in films and television shows. He also taught acting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Gilyard died on November 28, 2022, at the age of 66.
Personal details and bio data of Clarence Gilyard
| Birth Name | Clarence Gilyard Jr. |
| Birth Date | December 24, 1955 |
| Birth Place | Moses Lake, Washington, U.S. |
| Death Date | November 28, 2022 |
| Death Place | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 19812022 |
| Spouse(s) | Catherine Dutko (m. 20012022) |
| Children | 3 |
Clarence Gilyard
Clarence Gilyard was an American actor best known for his roles as Cordell Walker in the CBS television series Walker, Texas Ranger (1993-2001), and Theo Huxtable's friend Benny Hammond on The Cosby Show (1986-1992).
- Actor
- Educator
- Martial Artist
- Philanthropist
- Christian
- Husband
- Father
Clarence Gilyard was a multi-talented individual who made significant contributions to the entertainment industry and beyond. He was a talented actor, a dedicated educator, and a generous philanthropist. He was also a devoted Christian, husband, and father. Gilyard's legacy will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.
1. Actor
Clarence Gilyard was an American actor best known for his roles as Cordell Walker in the CBS television series Walker, Texas Ranger (1993-2001), and Theo Huxtable's friend Benny Hammond on The Cosby Show (1986-1992).
Gilyard began his acting career in the early 1980s, appearing in small roles in films such as The Big Chill (1983) and Top Gun (1986). He landed his breakout role in 1986 when he was cast as Benny Hammond on The Cosby Show. Gilyard played the role for six seasons, until the show ended in 1992.
In 1993, Gilyard starred in the CBS television series Walker, Texas Ranger. He played the role of Cordell Walker, a Texas Ranger who fights crime in the American Old West. The show was a huge success, running for nine seasons until 2001.
Gilyard's acting career spanned over three decades. He appeared in over 100 films and television shows. He also taught acting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Gilyard was a talented actor who brought his unique charisma and charm to every role he played. He was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, and his death in 2022 was a great loss.
2. Educator
Clarence Gilyard was an American actor best known for his roles as Cordell Walker in the CBS television series Walker, Texas Ranger (1993-2001), and Theo Huxtable's friend Benny Hammond on The Cosby Show (1986-1992).
In addition to his acting career, Gilyard was also a dedicated educator.
- Professor
Gilyard taught acting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
- Mentor
Gilyard mentored many young actors, including Chad Michael Murray and Jensen Ackles.
- Role Model
Gilyard was a role model for many young people, showing them that it is possible to achieve success through hard work and dedication.
- Philanthropist
Gilyard was a generous philanthropist, supporting many charities and organizations.
Gilyard's commitment to education is evident in his work as a professor, mentor, role model, and philanthropist.
3. Martial Artist
Clarence Gilyard was an accomplished martial artist. He began training in karate at the age of nine, and eventually earned a black belt in Taekwondo.
- Stunt Work
Gilyard's martial arts skills allowed him to perform his own stunts in many of his films and television shows. This gave his fight scenes a realism and authenticity that was often lacking in other action movies.
- Character Development
Gilyard's martial arts training also influenced the way he developed his characters. His characters were often strong, capable, and self-reliant. They were also willing to fight for what they believed in.
- Teaching
Gilyard shared his martial arts knowledge with others by teaching self-defense classes and workshops. He was passionate about helping others learn how to protect themselves.
- Inspiration
Gilyard's martial arts skills were an inspiration to many people. He showed that it is possible to achieve great things through hard work and dedication.
Gilyard's martial arts skills were an important part of his life and career. They helped him to become a successful actor, a skilled stuntman, and a respected teacher.
4. Philanthropist
Clarence Gilyard was a generous philanthropist who supported many charities and organizations. He was particularly passionate about helping children and education.
- Children's Charities
Gilyard supported many children's charities, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. He donated his time and money to these organizations, and he often visited children in hospitals and schools.
- Education
Gilyard was a strong believer in the power of education. He supported many educational institutions, including the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he taught acting. He also donated money to scholarships and programs that helped students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Other Causes
In addition to children's charities and education, Gilyard also supported many other causes, including the environment, the arts, and disaster relief. He believed that everyone has a responsibility to help others, and he lived his life accordingly.
Gilyard's philanthropy was an important part of his life. He believed that it was his duty to give back to the community, and he did so generously. His philanthropy made a difference in the lives of many people, and his legacy will continue to inspire others to give back.
5. Christian
Clarence Gilyard was a devout Christian. His faith was an important part of his life, and it influenced his personal and professional life in many ways.
- Beliefs
Gilyard believed in the teachings of Jesus Christ, and he lived his life according to those teachings. He was a kind and compassionate person, and he always tried to help others.
- Values
Gilyard's Christian values were reflected in his work as an actor. He often played characters who were strong and principled, and he always tried to portray his characters in a positive light.
- Service
Gilyard was a generous philanthropist, and he often donated his time and money to help others. He was particularly passionate about helping children and education.
- Witness
Gilyard was not afraid to share his faith with others. He often spoke about his Christian beliefs in interviews and public appearances, and he always tried to live his life in a way that would be a positive witness for Christ.
Gilyard's Christian faith was an important part of his life, and it shaped who he was as a person and as an actor. He was a kind and compassionate person, and he always tried to help others. He was a strong and principled actor, and he always tried to portray his characters in a positive light. Gilyard was a generous philanthropist, and he often donated his time and money to help others. He was not afraid to share his faith with others, and he always tried to live his life in a way that would be a positive witness for Christ.
6. Husband
Clarence Gilyard was a devoted husband. He was married to his wife, Catherine Dutko, for over 20 years. They had three children together.
Gilyard was a supportive and loving husband. He often spoke about his wife and children in interviews, and he always made it clear that they were the most important people in his life.
Gilyard's marriage was a source of strength and stability for him. It helped him to stay grounded and focused on his goals. He was a role model for other husbands, and he showed that it is possible to have a successful career and a happy family life.
7. Father
Clarence Gilyard was a devoted father to his three children. He was a loving and supportive parent, and he always made time for his family.
Gilyard's children were his top priority. He always put their needs before his own, and he was always there for them. He was a role model for his children, and he taught them the importance of hard work, dedication, and compassion.
Gilyard's relationship with his children was a source of strength and joy for him. He was proud of his children's accomplishments, and he loved spending time with them.
Gilyard's legacy as a father will continue to inspire others. He showed that it is possible to be a successful actor and a devoted father. He was a role model for other fathers, and he showed that it is possible to have a happy and fulfilling family life.
FAQs for "Clarence Gilyard"
Clarence Gilyard was an accomplished actor, martial artist, and philanthropist. He was best known for his roles as Cordell Walker in the CBS television series "Walker, Texas Ranger" and Theo Huxtable's friend Benny Hammond on "The Cosby Show". Gilyard also enjoyed martial arts and worked as a stuntman. He was also a devoted husband, father, and Christian.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Clarence Gilyard:
8. Q
A: Clarence Gilyard's most famous role was Cordell Walker in the CBS television series "Walker, Texas Ranger".
9. Q
A: In addition to his role as Cordell Walker, Gilyard also played Benny Hammond on "The Cosby Show" and had roles in films such as "The Big Chill" and "Top Gun".
10. Q
A: Yes, Clarence Gilyard was an accomplished martial artist. He began training in karate at the age of nine and eventually earned a black belt in Taekwondo.
11. Q
A: Yes, Clarence Gilyard was married to his wife, Catherine Dutko, for over 20 years. They had three children together.
12. Q
A: Clarence Gilyard died on November 28, 2022, at the age of 66.
Clarence Gilyard was a talented actor, martial artist, and philanthropist. He was a devoted husband, father, and Christian. He will be remembered for his many contributions to the entertainment industry and his commitment to helping others.
Transition to the next article section: Clarence Gilyard's Legacy
Conclusion
Clarence Gilyard was a multi-talented individual who made significant contributions to the entertainment industry and beyond. He was a talented actor, a dedicated educator, a generous philanthropist, and a devoted Christian. Gilyard's legacy will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.
Gilyard's story is a reminder that anything is possible if you have a dream and are willing to work hard. He overcame many challenges in his life, but he never gave up on his dreams. He was a role model for many people, and his legacy will continue to inspire others to pursue their dreams.
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