Elena Gilyard became known to many people as the wife of famous American actor Clarence Gilyard Jr. While her husband was a well known face in Hollywood movies and TV shows, Elena chose to live a quiet and private life. She stood by her husband’s side for over twenty years, supporting him through his successful career and personal changes.
Detailed Bio Table
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Elena Castillo Gilyard |
| Birth Year | 1970s (estimated) |
| Age | Early to mid-50s (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Social Worker |
| Known For | Wife of actor Clarence Gilyard Jr. |
| Marital Status | Widow (married 2001-2022) |
| Husband | Clarence Gilyard Jr. (deceased) |
| Wedding Date | August 25, 2001 |
| Children | 6 (including son Peter) |
| Religion | Christian (Catholic) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $300,000 – $1.5 million |
Early Life and Background
Very little is known about Elena’s early life because she always preferred to keep her personal details private. She was born in the United States during the 1970s with her maiden name being Elena Castillo. Information about her parents, siblings, and childhood remains unknown to the public.
Elena grew up with strong family values. She learned the importance of faith, kindness, and staying humble from a young age. Though details about her education are not public, people who knew her say she was well-educated and had a natural ability to help and care for others.
Meeting Clarence Gilyard
Elena met Clarence Gilyard in the late 1990s. At that time, Clarence was already a famous actor known for his roles in big movies like “Die Hard” and “Top Gun“. He also starred in the popular TV show “Walker, Texas Ranger” with Chuck Norris.
Before meeting Elena, Clarence had been married to Catherine Dutko. That marriage ended in divorce in the late 1990s. The divorce was a difficult time for Clarence, but it also brought him closer to his faith. He converted to Catholicism and started focusing more on spiritual growth.
When Elena came into Clarence’s life, it was perfect timing. She was a calm and peaceful person who shared his strong faith and family values. They dated for several years before deciding to get married.
Marriage and Family Life
Elena and Clarence got married on August 25, 2001. Their wedding marked the beginning of a beautiful partnership that would last more than two decades. Unlike many Hollywood couples, Elena and Clarence kept their marriage private and did not seek media attention.
The couple had six children together, including children from Clarence’s first marriage. One of their sons is named Peter Gilyard, who was born around 2007. Despite Clarence’s fame, the couple worked hard to protect their children from public attention.
Elena was the heart of their home. She took care of the children and created a loving environment filled with faith and family values. Clarence often talked about how important his family was to him, saying things like “My purpose is to get my kids and wife to heaven.”
Supporting Clarence’s Career Change
One of the biggest moments in their marriage came when Clarence decided to leave Hollywood. After years of successful acting, he chose to become a teacher. In 2006, he started working as a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he taught theater and film acting.
This decision meant less money and less fame, but it gave Clarence more time with his family. Elena fully supported this change. She understood that teaching would make her husband happier and allow him to spend more quality time at home.
Clarence’s students at UNLV loved him as a teacher. They said he was dedicated, knowledgeable, and always cheerful. His positive attitude came from the stable and happy home life that Elena helped create.
Faith and Values
Faith was the foundation of Elena and Clarence’s marriage. Both were devoted Christians who attended church regularly and prayed together as a family. Their Catholic faith guided their decisions and helped them stay strong during difficult times.
Elena’s quiet strength and deep spirituality were important parts of her character. She was kind, humble, and always put her family first. The couple also taught their children about faith and the importance of living a good life.
Life After Clarence’s Death
Clarence Gilyard Jr. passed away on November 28, 2022, at the age of 66. He had been dealing with a long illness, though the specific details were never made public. His death was a huge loss for his family, students, colleagues, and fans around the world.
After losing her husband, Elena chose to continue living privately. She did not give interviews or make public statements. Instead, she focused on her family and her faith during this difficult time.
Elena Gilyard’s Net Worth
Elena Gilyard’s exact net worth is not publicly known. Different sources estimate it to be between $300,000 and $1.5 million. She earned money through her work as an entrepreneur and social worker, though details about her business ventures remain private.
Her late husband, Clarence Gilyard Jr., had an estimated net worth of $5 million at the time of his death in 2022. He earned this money through his long career in Hollywood and his work as a university professor. As Clarence’s widow, Elena may have inherited part of his wealth, but she has never discussed financial matters publicly.
Conclusion
Elena Gilyard’s life shows us that true strength often comes quietly. She chose family and faith over fame, creating a loving home that allowed her husband to shine both in Hollywood and in teaching. Though the world may not know much about her, Elena’s impact on Clarence’s life and their children’s lives was deep and lasting. Her story reminds us that supporting the people we love and living with strong values matters more than being famous.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How did Elena and Clarence Gilyard meet?
They met in the late 1990s and dated for several years before marrying in August 2001.
2. How many children do they have?
Elena and Clarence had six children together, including son Peter Gilyard.
3. What is Elena Gilyard’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated between $300,000 and $1.5 million.
4. Is Elena Gilyard on social media?
No, Elena does not have any public social media accounts.
5. When did Clarence Gilyard die?
Clarence Gilyard Jr. passed away on November 28, 2022, at age 66.
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