Clarence Gilyard, ‘Die Hard’ and ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ actor, dies at 66
Gilyard died at his home in Dallas from liver cancer on Feb. 2.
The actor was known for his role of “Vincent Ironside” in the 1986 classic “Walker, Texas Ranger.” He also starred in “The Long Kiss Goodnight,” which earned him his first Emmy nomination.
“When I took my seat in the audience, I couldn’t believe it was my very first Emmy ceremony,” he said at the event. “I didn’t know what to do.”
Gilyard later went on to win the award for Best Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a TV Movie and Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture.
The Emmy ceremony marked the 50th annual television drama awards show, which aired at the Emmys in Los Angeles on Jan. 30. The ceremony recognizes achievements in broadcast television for excellence in drama.
Gilyard also made a guest appearance on “Will & Grace” in 2016. In the episode, he plays an executive who brings the couple’s teenage children together.
Gilyard appeared alongside his wife on the series “This Old House” in 2016. The couple had married in 2017.
His TV credits also include “Homicide: Life on the Street” in 1986, playing a police officer who is shot and left to die on the sidewalk after the detective does not file a report. “Die Hard” in 1988 and “Walker, Texas Rangers” in 1989.
Gilyard also starred in the NBC musical drama “Dancing Moms” in 2006.
He was also seen on the crime drama “Nurse Jackie,” in which he played a man on the run who tries to get work on ABC’s comedy “Modern Family.”
He was known for playing “Vincent Ironside” in “Walker, Texas Ranger” and for “The Adventures of Elmo and his Weenie Woogie” in 1993. He was nominated for 2 Academy Awards, one for “Walker” and one for “The Elmo Show” and won a Golden Globe Award in 1982 for his role in “Walker.
