What is clarence gilyard sr?

Clarence Gilyard Sr. was an American actor and college professor. He was born on December 24, 1920 in Sterling, Colorado and passed away on December 24, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. He started his acting career in the 1950s and appeared in many TV shows, movies and stage productions. He is best known for his role in the TV series "Matlock" as Judge Richard Cook. Gilyard also served in the United States Navy during World War II and became a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas after retiring from acting.