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SIGN UPClarence is a distinguished male name of English origin, meaning "British Title." This name is rooted in the English language and carries the significance of a British noble title. Notable individuals bearing the name Clarence include influential figures from various fields, such as sports, music, politics, and the arts. Renowned personalities like Clarence Birdseye, a pioneer of frozen food, and Clarence Thomas, an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, have contributed to the prominence of this name. In fiction, characters like Clarence Odbody from the film "It's a Wonderful Life" and Clarence Wendle from the Cartoon Network TV show "Clarence" have added to the cultural presence of the name. With its strong historical and contemporary associations, Clarence embodies a sense of dignity and distinction.
Clarence Thomas, born on June 23, 1948, in Pin Point, Georgia, is an American lawyer and jurist. He has been an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States since 1991, nominated by President George H. W. Bush to succeed Thurgood Marshall. Thomas is the second African American to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court and has been its longest-serving member since Anthony Kennedy's retirement in 2018. Raised by his grandfather in a poor Gullah community near Savannah, Georgia, Thomas originally intended to be a Catholic priest but later pursued a career in law. He graduated with honors from the College of the Holy Cross and earned his Juris Doctor from Yale Law School. Thomas has held various positions, including Chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and was appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Known for his conservative views, Thomas is recognized for his majority opinions in significant cases related to religious speech, the right to bear arms, and dissent on issues such as the criminalization of medical cannabis. He is widely regarded as the Court's most conservative member and is a proponent of originalism, stressing the original meaning when interpreting the U.S. Constitution.
Clarence Alfred Gilyard Jr. (December 24, 1955 – November 23, 2022) was a renowned American actor celebrated for his roles as private investigator Conrad McMasters on the legal drama series Matlock (1986–95) and Texas Ranger Jimmy Trivette on Walker, Texas Ranger (1993–2001). He also showcased his talent in 1980s action films like Top Gun and Die Hard. Gilyard's journey began in Moses Lake, Washington, where he was born into a military family. He pursued his passion for acting, ultimately earning a Master of Fine Arts in theatre performance from Southern Methodist University. Gilyard's acting career included TV shows such as Diff'rent Strokes, The Facts of Life, and 227, along with a memorable role in the final season of CHiPs. Additionally, he appeared in commercials and movies like The Karate Kid Part II and the Left Behind series. Not only did Gilyard make a mark in the entertainment industry, but he also dedicated himself to education, serving as an associate professor of acting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. His legacy lives on through his impactful contributions to both the entertainment world and the realm of education.
Clarence Williams III (August 21, 1939 – June 4, 2021) was an American actor known for his role as Linc Hayes in the television series The Mod Squad from 1968 to 1973 and for his appearances in films such as Purple Rain, American Gangster, and Half Baked. Born in New York City, Williams developed an interest in acting after accidentally walking onto a stage at a theater in Harlem. Following his service in the U.S. Army, he pursued an acting career and achieved success on Broadway, receiving a Tony Award nomination for his role in Slow Dance on the Killing Ground. Williams' breakout television role was as Linc Hayes in The Mod Squad, and he went on to work in various genres on stage and screen, including comedy, sci-fi, and drama. He also had recurring roles in TV series such as Twin Peaks, Burn Notice, and Justified. Williams passed away in Los Angeles on June 4, 2021, at the age of 81, following a battle with colon cancer. He was married to actress Gloria Foster and had no children.
Clarence Seward Darrow was an influential American lawyer renowned for his high-profile representations of trade union causes and his involvement in several criminal matters. Born on April 18, 1857, in Farmdale, Ohio, Darrow grew up in nearby Kinsman and was raised in a family with deep roots in colonial New England. His father was an ardent abolitionist, and his mother was an early supporter of female suffrage.Darrow's legal career began with self-study and passing the Ohio bar exam in 1878. He went on to become a prominent attorney and civil libertarian, gaining recognition for his eloquence and wit. Throughout his career, Darrow took on various cases, including the defense of Eugene V. Debs in 1894 and the representation of Patrick Eugene Prendergast, who confessed to murdering Chicago mayor Carter Harrison III.In addition to his legal pursuits, Darrow was a leading member of the American Civil Liberties Union and a vocal advocate for Georgist economic reform. He was also known for his captivating public speaking, debate skills, and compelling writing.Darrow's impact on the legal profession earned him the title of the greatest lawyer of the 20th century by some legal analysts and lawyers. He was posthumously inducted into the Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame, leaving a lasting legacy as a sophisticated country lawyer and a champion of civil liberties.
Clarence Anicholas Clemons Jr., also known as The Big Man, was an iconic American saxophonist best known for his role as the saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band from 1972 until his passing in 2011. Clemons, born in 1942 in Norfolk County, Virginia, showed musical talent from an early age and received an alto saxophone as a Christmas present at the age of nine. He later switched to tenor saxophone and pursued music and football scholarships at Maryland State College. Despite attracting the attention of the Cleveland Browns and the Dallas Cowboys, a car accident ended his football career, leading him to focus on music. Clemons' music career took off when he met Bruce Springsteen and joined the E Street Band, contributing significantly to their sound and success. In addition to his work with the band, Clemons released solo albums and collaborated with renowned artists like Jackson Browne and Aretha Franklin. He also made appearances in films and TV series. Clemons' impact on music was recognized posthumously when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. His legacy lives on through his influential music and contributions to the industry.
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