For the past five seasons, Clarence Gilyard has played Conrad McMasters in the television series "Matlock." He has also appeared in the series "Diff'rent Strokes" and "CHiPS," as well as co-starred in several feature films including "Top Gun" and "Die Hard."

Gilyard was born in Moses Lake, Washington and grew up one of six children in a military family. He attended the Air Force Academy prior to transferring to Sterling College, where he played wide receiver. It was at this time that he became interested in acting.

Clarence is a real-life cowboy who devotes much of his free time to performing in celebrity rodeos that benefit various children's charities. He is the honorary chairman and celebrity spokesman for Cowboys for Kids and also serves on the board of directors of the Children's Organ Transplant Association.

Gilyard has two children and makes his home in Los Angeles.