You remember the kicks. You definitely remember the hat. But mostly, you probably remember the chemistry between the stoic Cordell Walker and his tech-savvy, fast-talking partner, James Trivette. For eight seasons, they were the ultimate duo of Saturday night television.
Then the news hit.
Social media started buzzing with headlines that felt like a punch to the gut: Clarence Gilyard Jr., the man who brought Jimmy Trivette to life, had passed away. It wasn’t just a "celebrity death" for fans of the show; it felt like losing a piece of childhood. But because the internet is a chaotic mess of rumors and old reruns, people still get confused about what happened.
Did Trivette die on the show? Or did the actor die in real life? Honestly, the truth is a bit more nuanced than a simple headline.
The Real Story Behind Clarence Gilyard Jr.'s Passing
Let’s get the facts straight first. Clarence Gilyard Jr. died on November 28, 2022. He was only 66 years old.
He didn't die on the set of a movie, and he certainly didn't die in a high-speed chase like something out of a script. He passed away at his home in Las Vegas. While his representatives were somewhat private about the specifics, they did confirm he had been battling a long-term illness. He hadn't been in great health for a few years leading up to that day.
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It’s a strange thing, seeing a man who looked so invincible on screen—a guy who played a former Dallas Cowboy turned Texas Ranger—be taken down by something as quiet as a "long illness."
At the time of his death, Gilyard wasn't even acting full-time anymore. He had completely pivoted his life. He was a beloved professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). He taught film and theater. Can you imagine showing up to Acting 101 and your teacher is the guy who hacked the vault in Die Hard?
The UNLV community was devastated. Their Dean, Nancy Uscher, called him a "beacon of light." He wasn't just a face on a TV screen to them; he was "Professor G."
Did Trivette Die in Walker, Texas Ranger?
This is where the Google searches get messy. A lot of people see the "Walker Texas Ranger Trivette dies" keyword and assume the character was killed off in the series.
He wasn't.
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If you go back and watch the series finale, "The Final Showdown," which aired in May 2001, Trivette is very much alive. In fact, his story arc ended on a pretty high note. He was planning to get married to his girlfriend, Erika. He was looking toward a future beyond just kicking doors down with Walker.
He even showed up in the 2005 TV movie, Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire.
However, there is a reason for the confusion. In that 2005 movie, the ending is a massive cliffhanger. Alex Cahill (Walker's wife) gets shot. The screen fades to black. Fans spent years wondering who lived and who died because the show never came back for a sequel. But Trivette? He was safe. He was the loyal partner until the very end.
A Legacy Beyond the Badge
Gilyard was a bit of a chameleon. Before he was Trivette, he was Conrad McMasters on Matlock. He spent years as Andy Griffith's right-hand man.
And we can’t talk about Gilyard without mentioning the "Theo" factor. If you’re a Christmas movie traditionalist (yes, Die Hard is a Christmas movie), you know him as the computer hacker who jokes about "two bits" while the police are trying to storm Nakatomi Plaza. He had this incredible range—he could be the goofy friend, the serious lawman, or the smug villain.
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What most people get wrong about Gilyard is thinking he was just an "action star."
He was deeply academic. He went back to school later in life to get his MFA in Theatre from Southern Methodist University. He took his craft seriously. He also became very involved in his faith, serving as a consultant for the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. He wasn't just chasing Hollywood checks; he was chasing a meaningful life.
Other Cast Members We've Lost
When a show runs as long as Walker, Texas Ranger did, the "where are they now" lists eventually turn into "in memoriam" lists. It’s sad, but it’s the reality of a show that started over 30 years ago.
- Noble Willingham (C.D. Parker): The man who ran the bar and gave Walker all that "homespun" advice passed away back in 2004. He actually left the show to run for Congress.
- Floyd "Red Crow" Westerman (Uncle Ray): The spiritual heart of the early seasons died in 2007.
Seeing these names together reminds you why the show worked. It wasn't just Chuck Norris's roundhouse kicks. It was the ensemble. It was Trivette’s modern approach to police work balancing out Walker’s old-school methods.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're feeling nostalgic or just wanted to clear up the rumors about Gilyard's passing, here is how you can best honor his legacy:
- Skip the "Death Hoax" Sites: Every few months, a fake YouTube video with a thumbnail of a coffin claims a celebrity died "today." Check reputable sources like Variety or The Hollywood Reporter first. Gilyard passed in 2022.
- Watch the "Die Hard" Battery Commercial: In 2020, Gilyard actually reprised his role as Theo alongside Bruce Willis for an Advance Auto Parts commercial. It was one of his last "big" appearances and it’s a total blast of nostalgia.
- Support Arts Education: Since Gilyard spent his final years as a professor, consider supporting local theater programs or university film departments. That was his true passion in his second act.
- Binge the Right Way: If you want to see Trivette at his best, check out the episode "The Fighting 69th" or "The Soul of Winter." They show the depth Gilyard brought to a role that could have easily been a one-dimensional sidekick.
Clarence Gilyard Jr. left a void in the industry, but he left behind a massive body of work that still holds up. He wasn't just Walker's partner; he was a teacher, a father of six, and a genuinely talented actor who chose to spend his final years giving back to the next generation of performers.
Stop wondering about the "death" rumors and go appreciate the life he actually lived. That’s the real story.