In memorial of clarence gilyard, jr.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Clarence Gilyard, a beloved friend and dedicated board member of our ministry,” said Father Fred Jenga, C.S.C., president of Holy Cross Family Ministries. “Please pray for his peaceful rest and please pray for his wife, Elena, and his whole family.”

Gilyard costarred with Chuck Norris in “Walker, Texas Ranger” and Andy Griffith in “Matlock.” He also had notable roles in major movies alongside Bruce Willis in “Die Hard” and Tom Cruise in “Top Gun.” He appeared in nearly 40 TV series and films during his career.

In recent years, Gilyard taught stage and screen acting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he was a professor.

Recently, Gilyard attended at the 75th Anniversary Celebration of Family Theater Productions, a ministry of Holy Cross Family Ministries.  At the gala event, held at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Gilyard, with other accomplished actors, performed one of FTP’s classic radio programs for the gala guests. 

“Clarence Gilyard was a man whose faith led to renewed life with his dear family, friends and his art. As an actor and director, he knew how to bring stories to life and so make our lives richer.  I am grateful for the service he gave Family Theater Productions as a board member. I am grateful for his witness and friendship,” said Father David Guffey, C.S.C., National Director of Family Theater Productions. 

A devout Catholic, Gilyard served as a board member of Holy Cross Family Ministries from 2004 until his death. He appeared at numerous faith-based programs sponsored by the North Easton ministry, which encourages the spiritual well-being of families, especially by praying the Rosary.