Dean Uscher Obituary, Death – The demise of beloved cinema and theatre professor Clarence Gilyard has been brought to the attention of the UNLV College of Fine Arts by Dean Nancy J. Uscher, who expresses her deepest condolences to the college community. Clarence had a career in television, film, and theatre that spanned more than 30 years, and he was active in all three capacities (actor, director, and producer). Even though he was teaching acting at UNLV, he continued to work professionally in the field.
He attended California State University, Dominguez Hills to receive his Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts. After 13 years as the co-star of two successful television programs, Matlock and Walker, Texas Ranger, he took a break and graduated from Southern Methodist University with an MFA in Theatre Performance. This information is being sent along to you with the deepest of regrets, Dean Uscher said. Everyone who knew him, including his students, was profoundly moved by the example he set.
He was exceptionally well-known in the university because of his commitment to teaching and the professional accomplishments he had achieved. He also possessed a wide range of exceptional talents. Because of his acclaimed work in the theater, in cinema, and on television, he had a following not only in the United States but also internationally. His attitude of giving knew no bounds; he was always willing to contribute to projects and performances in any way that was possible.
We remember Clarence with happiness and gratitude for all that he provided to the College of Fine Arts, the community of UNLV, and, via his many great personal achievements, to the rest of the world. According to Heather Addison, who is the chair of the UNLV film department, “Professor Gilyard was a beacon of light and strength for everyone around him at UNLV.”
Every time we inquired about his well-being, he would enthusiastically respond that he was Blessed But the truth is that it was us who were given the opportunity to work alongside him and be his students for so many years. We are going to miss you very much and love you very much, Professor G. Nate Bynum, a colleague of Clarence’s at UNLV and also a professor of theatre there, remarked that “some may find it shocking to hear that Clarence regarded his employment as a university professor as highly, maybe even higher,” than his illustrious career as a TV star. “It was a significant objective for him. He had a lot of affection for his family at UNLV, and in particular for the children that he taught in his classroom. Gone too soon.”