Elena Gilyard and Clarence Gilyard Jr. Valued Prayer - Facts about Their Life Together

After his first divorce, Clarence Gilyard Jr.'s relationship with God grew stronger. So, when he married Elena Gilyard, his second wife, Clarence ensured their union was centered on faith.

When Clarence Gilyard Jr. died in November 2022, he left behind a distraught woman, his wife of over two decades, Elena Gilyard. His passing was confirmed by the University of Nevada, where he had been teaching film and theater under the College of Fine Arts.

Clarence, known for his roles in "Walker, Texas Ranger" and "Die Hard," was well-loved by his family, friends, and colleagues. Although gone too soon at age 66, Clarence spent the last two decades of his life happily married to his second wife, Elena.

Clarence Married Elena after Finishing Filming His Popular Project

After his work in blockbuster movies "Top Gun" and "Die Hard," Clarence starred as James Trivette in the television series "Walker, Texas Ranger," which ran from 1993 to 2005.

Admittedly, Clarence loved his role on the show but did not want to be complacent. He wanted independence in his life and career, which was the key to success.

During his work in the popular series, Clarence met Elena and married her on August 25, 2001. Their honeymoon that followed was also quite memorable for the sad reason that it fell during the 9/11 terrorist attack.

It was also the same year he left "Walker, Texas Ranger" and paused his acting career. "I was out acting all the time – 15 straight years on network television, but the commitment to my family and my wife is paramount," he said.

After their split, he turned to God for healing and clarity. It was at that time that he had his first confession and unloaded his burden.

Clarence's second marriage to Elena was a success. They both worked hard to sustain the marriage and each other's happiness. The actor even credited his wife for making his favorite food, chicken enchilada.

Clarence's Purpose Was to Get Elena and His Kids to Heaven

Besides his marriage, Clarence also cared for his relationship with his children and taught them to allot time praying and strengthening their faith. He said:

"My purpose is to get my kids and wife to heaven."

He believes that, as parents, he and Elena should always pray for their kids and guide them toward salvation. In a previous interview, Clarence Gilyard Jr. claimed that parents should intervene in their children's life by helping them get closer to God.

Clarence's Divorce from His First Wife Led Him to God

While Clarence may seem strong in his faith today, it was only when he went through a divorce that he was led to God. Before meeting Elena, Clarence was married to Catherine Dukto, an actress known for the short film "Jesus 2000."

After their split, he turned to God for healing and clarity. At that time, he had his first confession and unloaded his burden. Upon confessing, Clarence was shocked to hear the priest say he was full of grace, and soon after, he began his journey toward spiritual healing.

After His Marriage to Elena Gilyard, Clarence Continued to Act in Films

His faith continued to grow until after his marriage when he began a new journey as a professor at the University of Nevada's theater department.

Clarence also continued being an on-screen actor, although he participated in smaller projects, such as "The Perfect Race," a film about a female athlete. He also starred in "Left Behind: Tribulation Force," among other films.

Since Clarence's passing, many have paid tribute to the beloved star, including his friend and "Walker, Texas Ranger" co-star, Chuck Norris.