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The star of Top Gun and Die Hard, Clarence Gilyard, dies at the age of 66

The star of Top Gun and Die Hard, Clarence Gilyard, dies at the age of 66

Clarence Gilyard, the actor known for his roles in "Die Hard" and "Top Gun", has died at the age of 66.

His death was announced in a statement by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he worked as an associate professor in the College of Fine Arts.

The star of Top Gun and Die Hard, Clarence Gilyard, dies at the age of 66

"It is with deep sadness that I share this news," said Dean Nancy Uscher in a statement shared on Instagram. “His students were inspired by him, as were all who knew him. He had extraordinary talents and was extremely well known in the university for his dedication to teaching and his professional achievements."

No other details about his death have been released.

The star of Top Gun and Die Hard, Clarence Gilyard, dies at the age of 66

In 1986, Gilyard made his debut in the film "Top Gun", in which he played one of the elite fighter pilots.

Two years later, he was cast as Theo, the computer expert who helps Hans Gruber's terrorist group, in the thriller Die Hard.

The star of Top Gun and Die Hard, Clarence Gilyard, dies at the age of 66

Gilyard retired from acting in 2006 to begin teaching and directing productions at the University of Nevada Conservatory Theatre.