Bio
Clarence Gilyard, Jr. is a former American actor and a current college professor who has been featured in movies and television since 1980. He is sometimes credited as Clarence A. Gilyard.
Gilyard is best known for his roles as Ben Matlock's (Andy Griffith) second private investigator (and right-hand man) Conrad McMasters, on the legal drama series, Matlock (1989-1993), as Pastor Bruce Barnes in the Left Behind movie trilogy, and as Cordell Walker's (Chuck Norris) partner and best friend, Texas Ranger James "Jimmy" Trivette, on the crime drama Walker, Texas Ranger, from 1993-2001.