Net Worth Ranker
What Is Clarence Gilyard’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on November 28, 2022, Clarence Gilyard’s net worth was estimated to be $5 million. This figure represents the culmination of a diverse career spanning acting, writing, producing, and teaching. Gilyard’s financial stability stemmed from his consistent work in television and film, supplemented by his academic career and literary endeavors.
Sources of Clarence Gilyard’s Net Worth
Acting Career: Clarence Gilyard’s primary source of income came from his acting roles. His notable performances in television series such as “Matlock” (1989–1993) and “Walker, Texas Ranger” (1993–2001) provided a steady stream of income for over a decade. As Conrad McMasters on “Matlock,” Gilyard appeared in numerous episodes, and his role as Ranger James Trivette on “Walker, Texas Ranger” spanned 203 episodes across eight seasons. While specific salary figures for these roles are not publicly available, lead and supporting roles in long-running television series typically command substantial compensation. In addition to television, Gilyard’s appearances in films like “Top Gun” (1986) and “Die Hard” (1988) contributed to his earnings. Although his roles in these films were not lead roles, successful films generate residuals that can provide income for actors over many years.
Teaching Career: In 2006, Clarence Gilyard transitioned to academia, becoming an Associate Professor in the College of Fine Arts – Department of Theatre at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). While academic salaries are generally less lucrative than acting salaries at the peak of a career, a tenured professorship provides a stable income and benefits. As a full-time professor at UNLV, Gilyard’s salary would have varied based on his experience and rank, but it would have contributed significantly to his overall financial well-being.
Writing and Producing: Clarence Gilyard was also an author, having published several books, including “The Dance of the Star” (1990), “Eagle in a Cage” (1996), “Melancholy in the Mirror” (2002), and “Memories of a Stranger Wanderer” (2008). While the specific sales figures for these books are not publicly available, royalties from book sales would have added to his income. In addition to writing, Gilyard also executive produced the 1999 film “Boondoggle” and directed an episode of “Walker, Texas Ranger” in 1999. These activities would have generated income through production fees and royalties.
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
Clarence Gilyard’s journey to a $5 million net worth began with humble beginnings. Born on December 24, 1955, in Moses Lake, Washington, he was the son of Barbara Stanwyck Ballard and Clarence Alfred Gilyard Sr. His father’s career as an officer in the U.S. Air Force meant the family moved frequently, living on Air Force bases in Texas, Hawaii, and Florida. After graduating from Eisenhower High School in San Bernardino, California, in 1974, Gilyard spent a year at the Air Force Academy before enrolling at Sterling College in Kansas. During his time at Sterling College, he participated in both football and tennis, demonstrating his athletic versatility. He later transferred to California State University, Long Beach, where he majored in acting, and eventually earned a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills, followed by a Master of Fine Arts degree in theatre performance from Southern Methodist University in Texas. These educational pursuits laid the foundation for his acting career.
Gilyard’s professional acting career took off in 1979 when he moved to Los Angeles. He secured a role in the play “Bleacher Bums,” marking a significant milestone as the “first black actor to play a cheerleader,” according to one magazine. His television debut came in 1981 with an appearance on “Diff’rent Strokes.” Subsequently, he made guest appearances on several TV shows, including “Making the Grade” (1982), “Riptide” (1984), “Simon & Simon” (1986), “227” (1987), and “The Facts of Life” (1987). From 1982 to 1983, he played Officer Benjamin Webster in 20 episodes of the NBC series “CHiPs,” and in 1984, he co-starred with Jim Carrey on the NBC sitcom “The Duck Factory.” These early roles, while not necessarily high-paying, provided invaluable experience and exposure in the entertainment industry.
His first feature film role was in the blockbuster “Top Gun” (1986), where he played a supporting role. “Top Gun” grossed $357.3 million at the box office, becoming the year’s highest-grossing film. While Gilyard’s salary for this role is not publicly available, appearing in such a successful film significantly boosted his profile. He followed “Top Gun” with roles in “The Karate Kid Part II” (1986), “Off the Mark” (1987), and “Die Hard” (1988). The cultural and historical significance of “Top Gun” and “Die Hard” led to their preservation in the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry, further cementing Gilyard’s legacy in the film industry.
“Matlock” and “Walker, Texas Ranger”
From 1989 to 1993, Clarence Gilyard gained widespread recognition for his role as Conrad McMasters on the NBC/ABC series “Matlock,” starring Andy Griffith. While specific salary details for his role on “Matlock” are not publicly disclosed, a prominent supporting role in a successful network series typically provides a substantial income. His portrayal of McMasters earned him critical acclaim and expanded his fanbase. Following “Matlock,” Gilyard secured another significant role as Ranger James Trivette on the CBS series “Walker, Texas Ranger” (1993–2001), alongside Chuck Norris. This role, which lasted for eight seasons and 203 episodes, became his most iconic and likely contributed significantly to his net worth. While exact salary figures are not available, starring in a long-running, popular series like “Walker, Texas Ranger” would have provided a consistent and substantial income stream. He also reprised his role as Ranger James Trivette in the TV movies “Walker Texas Ranger 3: Deadly Reunion” (1994) and “Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire” (2005), as well as in one episode of the 1999 spin-off series “Sons of Thunder,” further adding to his earnings.
Later Career and Academic Pursuits
After “Walker, Texas Ranger,” Clarence Gilyard continued to work in film and television, although his roles became less frequent. He played Bruce Barnes in “Left Behind: The Movie” (2000) and “Left Behind II: Tribulation Force” (2002). He also appeared in films such as “Little Monsters” (2012), “From Above” (2013), “A Matter of Faith” (2014), “The Track” (2015), “The Beast” (2016), “The Sector” (2016), and “The Perfect Race” (2019), as well as in TV movies like “Christmas on the Coast” (2017) and “Eleanor’s Bench” (2020). These later roles, though perhaps not as lucrative as his earlier work, contributed to his income and maintained his presence in the entertainment industry.
In 2006, Gilyard made a significant career shift, transitioning from acting to teaching at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). As an Associate Professor in the College of Fine Arts – Department of Theatre, he shared his knowledge and experience with aspiring actors and filmmakers. While academic salaries typically do not match the earning potential of a successful acting career, a tenured professorship provides stability and benefits, including health insurance and retirement contributions. The specific salary for an Associate Professor at UNLV varies based on experience and department, but it would have provided a steady income stream for Gilyard.
Personal Life and Legacy
Clarence Gilyard’s personal life also played a role in his financial stability. He was married twice, first to Catherine Dutko in 1989, with whom he had two children before their divorce. He later married Elena Castillo in 2001, and they remained married until his death in 2022. Clarence and Elena had three children together. His transition to Catholicism after his divorce from Dutko also marked a personal transformation. Additionally, he served as a consultant for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ communications committee. Clarence Gilyard’s net worth of $5 million reflects a successful and multifaceted career in acting, teaching, and writing. His contributions to film and television, particularly his roles in “Matlock” and “Walker, Texas Ranger,” solidified his place in popular culture. His later career as a professor at UNLV allowed him to share his passion for the arts with a new generation of students, ensuring his legacy would endure beyond his on-screen performances. Clarence Gilyard’s net worth is a testament to his hard work, talent, and dedication to his craft.
