Clarence Gilyard
USAClarence Gilyard: A Journey to Success
Clarence Gilyard, an American actor, is best known for his role as the right-hand man of Texas Ranger Walker in the hit TV series "Walker, Texas Ranger." Gilyard's character is just as agile, strong, decisive, and resourceful as the protagonist, but the show's creators wanted to create a contrast between the two main characters, following the tradition of American action movies that often pair a white and a black cop. While Gilyard's character possesses all the qualities of a hero, they are slightly less prominent than those of Walker. Even the smallest details, such as the color of their hats, highlight this distinction.
Born in Moses Lake, Washington, Gilyard grew up during the tumultuous years of the 1960s and 1970s. He witnessed the anti-war demonstrations, the rise of the hippie movement, and the speeches of civil rights activists. However, one discovery had a profound impact on his young mind: people cared about the color of his skin. Several times, he was hurt by the term "ghetto" directed at his neighborhood. Later, he realized that despite his excellent grades in school, his career options would be limited. His father, who served in the Air Force and played a role in the Vietnam War, consoled him, suggesting that he become a military pilot. "There will be money, and when you're up in the clouds, everything happening on the ground seems simpler," his father said. Gilyard's father was always a kind man, eager to help his friends and indulge in philosophical discussions during his leisure time. It is no wonder that he left the military to work at a rehabilitation center in California, helping disabled individuals find employment.
Gilyard followed his father's advice and became a student at the United States Air Force Academy. His mother envisioned him wearing a stylish pilot's cap with a badge. However, in 1980, something happened that changed the course of his life. One beautiful day, he left everything behind and traveled to California to pursue an acting career. His life during those years was chaotic and challenging. In the mornings, he worked as a waiter in a cafe, performed in small children's theaters during the day, and then rushed to another bar to deliver cocktails and pizza, and wipe tables. In the evenings, he hurried to an adult theater where he played multiple roles. On weekends, he somehow managed to fit in acting lessons.
One may wonder if the meager salaries in these theaters were enough to sustain the young man who was unaccustomed to luxury. The truth is, there was hardly any theater pay at all. Actors in these small theaters not only performed, but also sold pastries during intermissions and cleaned floors. Eventually, luck smiled upon Gilyard. He was cast in a real children's theater, where he could focus solely on acting and get paid for it. He then landed a small role in a TV series, followed by more significant roles in other shows. Eventually, he achieved true success in the film industry with movies like "Top Gun" and "Die Hard."
At a party, Gilyard struck up a conversation with Chuck Norris, which led to the role of the Texas Ranger in "Walker, Texas Ranger." Today, Clarence Gilyard teaches acting classes and acts in numerous productions. He is married and has two children, a son named Paul and a daughter named Rachel. Remembering his childhood experiences, he devotes much of his time to charity work and serves as an honorary chairman for several children's organizations. He loves to say, "There is always time to bring a smile to a child's face. It brightens up the world."
