If you’re a fan of the movie Die Hard, then you might be wondering who Peter Gilyard is. His character, John Walker, is a Texas Ranger who goes undercover to take down the notorious Jack Reacher. He’s also featured in other movies such as Driving Miss Daisy and The Girl Who Never Was. What makes him interesting is his background.
Clarence Alfred Gilyard Jr.
Clarence Gilyard is a well-known actor who has had a variety of roles in his career. The second-generation US Air Force officer was born in Moses Lake, Washington. He attended Eisenhower High School in Rialto, California. After graduating, Gilyard transferred to Sterling College in Sterling, Kansas.
Gilyard made his first film appearance in 1986 in the movie Top Gun. In addition to acting, Gilyard worked as a director and producer. His work in television is also well-known. Among his most memorable roles are those in Walker, Texas Ranger (2001-2003), Die Hard and Matlock (1986-89).
Gilyard was married to Helen Elena Castillo in Dallas in 2001. They have two children together. Previously, Gilyard was married to Catherine Dutko.
Gilyard is now a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He teaches drama.
Die Hard
There is no doubt that actor Peter Gilyard had a rich and varied career. His credits include major blockbuster hits such as The Karate Kid Part II and Top Gun, as well as smaller serialized productions. He has also been featured in a few minor television roles. But his biggest role came in his role as Theo in the action thriller Die Hard.
Aside from his acting credentials, Gilyard was a religious man. In his early days, he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity, and later, he converted to Catholicism. He was married twice, and had six children.
As a student, Gilyard earned a tennis scholarship, and then attended Sterling College in Kansas. While at Sterling College, he played wide receiver on the football team. After college, he attended the US Air Force Academy. However, he decided to leave after one year.
Walker, Texas Ranger
Walker, Texas Ranger is a law enforcement drama starring Chuck Norris and featuring martial arts. It also explores the morality of being a good person.
Walker, Texas Ranger aired on CBS from 1993 to 2001. The series features violent episodes, explosions, fistfights, and knifings. Some storylines even addressed racism.
Cordell Walker is a Texas Ranger and former Dallas Cowboy. He’s a Vietnam War veteran, a martial arts expert, and a father. His mission is to fight crime and instill spirituality and self-worth in inner city kids.
Walker, Texas Ranger is set in the Dallas area. The show focuses on Cordell and his partner, James Trivette. This is an accomplished martial artist who is capable of fighting gangs, stopping drug dealers, and even stopping bank robbers.
Driving Miss Daisy
“Driving Miss Daisy” is a play by Alfred Uhry. It’s a Pulitzer Prize-winning script, and a cult favorite. This play has toured across the US and Australia, and aired on PBS as part of the Great Performances series.
In this play, a white Southern lady and an African American man bond as a couple. They are a bit different, but they become close friends. Their relationship is sweet and sanctimonious.
The plot is set in Atlanta in 1948. Miss Daisy is a widow, and her chauffeur is Hoke Colburn. He visits her in her nursing home. She teaches him to read, and they are soon very close.
As Miss Daisy teaches Colburn to read, she also gives him a special gift. She tells him that she invited him to dinner for Martin Luther King, Jr.
Elena Gilyard
Elena Gilyard was the second wife of famous actor and author Clarence Darnell Gilyard Jr. They were married in August 2001.
Before their marriage, Gilyard and Elena had been dating for several years. Elena was also a social worker, entrepreneur, and businesswoman. She is 5 feet 7 inches tall with brown hair and eyes.
When they were first married, the couple kept a low profile. However, Elena has since become a celebrity spouse, having been featured in numerous media outlets.
Although, she prefers to keep her private life out of the public eye. It is believed that she has been on good terms with her in-laws.
As a child, Gilyard was raised as a Lutheran. After high school, he attended the US Air Force Academy. He then went on to get a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills.
