11 Interesting Facts About Clarence Gilyard Jr.

1. #001

   Clarence Gilyard Jr. left his role on Matlock (1986) after the seventh season to share top billing with Chuck Norris on Walker, Texas Ranger (1993). The move marked a major turning point in his career and led him to take on the role of James 'Jimmy' Trivette, one of the iconic characters remembered by viewers.

   INTERESTING FACTS · SOURCED

   Sources (1)

   1. IMDb — IMDb

   ·Share·Report
2. #010

   On Walker, Texas Ranger (1993), Clarence Gilyard Jr. worked with Robert Fuller, one of the legendary names of the Western genre. Fuller appeared on the series as a guest actor, and for Gilyard the experience was an opportunity that reinforced his admiration for the Western genre.

   INTERESTING FACTS · SOURCED

   Sources (1)

   1. IMDb — IMDb

   ·Share·Report
3. #011

   One of Clarence Gilyard Jr.'s closest friends was his Walker, Texas Ranger (1993) co-star Sheree J. Wilson. The two appeared on stage together in the play 'Driving Miss Daisy'; Wilson played the title role of Daisy Werthan, while Gilyard played her driver, Hoke. The collaboration strengthened their friendship further.

   INTERESTING FACTS · SOURCED

   Sources (1)

   1. IMDb — IMDb

   ·Share·Report
4. #014

   Three films starring Clarence Gilyard Jr. grossed more than 150 million dollars worldwide in box office and DVD sales. These films include blockbusters such as Top Gun (1986). The success proved that he was also a commercially valuable actor.

   INTERESTING FACTS · SOURCED

   Sources (1)

   1. IMDb — IMDb

   ·Share·Report
5. #020

   Clarence Gilyard Jr. was one of only four people to appear in both the pilot episode 'One Riot, One Ranger' and the finale 'The Final Show/Down' of Walker, Texas Ranger. The other three were Chuck Norris, Sheree J. Wilson and Marshall R. Teague. This shows that he was an important part of the series from beginning to end.

   INTERESTING FACTS · SOURCED

   Sources (1)

   1. IMDb — IMDb

   ·Share·Report
6. #023

   Gilyard remained close friends with Andy Griffith, the star of Matlock (1986), until Griffith's death on July 3, 2012. When Griffith died, Gilyard was performing in a Neil Simon play and therefore learned of the death late. It was an emotional loss for him.

   INTERESTING FACTS · SOURCED

   Sources (1)

   1. IMDb — IMDb

   ·Share·Report
7. #025

   When Andy Griffith was choosing a co-star to replace Kene Holiday on Matlock (1986), he was very impressed by Gilyard's auditions for the role of 'Conrad McMasters' and brought him into the cast. This choice was an important turning point in Gilyard's career.

   INTERESTING FACTS · SOURCED

   Sources (1)

   1. IMDb — IMDb

   ·Share·Report
8. #031

   Gilyard graduated from Eisenhower High School in Rialto, California, in 1974. This education laid the foundation for his later academic and artistic career.

   INTERESTING FACTS · SOURCED

   Sources (1)

   1. IMDb — IMDb

   ·Share·Report
9. #032

   Gilyard was close friends with actor Larry Manetti. This friendship was part of his social circle in Hollywood, and the two would occasionally get together and spend time.

   INTERESTING FACTS · SOURCED

   Sources (1)

   1. IMDb — IMDb

   ·Share·Report
10. #033

    Gilyard attended the same high school as Randy Thomas, lead guitarist of the band Ex-Allies, and actor/singer Kirk Fogg. This coincidence points to how people he met during his school years went on to succeed in different fields.

    INTERESTING FACTS · SOURCED

    Sources (1)

    1. IMDb — IMDb

    ·Share·Report
11. #036

    Gilyard appeared in an episode of the series Riptide as a dancing, singing cheeseburger. This unusual role allowed him to show off his comedic talent and gave viewers entertaining moments.

    INTERESTING FACTS · SOURCED

    Sources (1)

    1. IMDb — IMDb

    ·Share·Report