CBS 1994 -Walker, Texas Ranger

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            August 1994

Begins its third season on the CBS Television Network in the fall

ON AIR:Saturdays (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT)

ORIGINATION:Dallas (film)

FORMAT:Action‑drama about a modern-day Texas ranger who dispenses justice in the rugged tradition of the Old West

ORIGINAL PREMIERE:April 21, 1993

STARRING:Chuck Norris (Cordell Walker)

Clarence Gilyard (James Trivette)

Sheree J. Wilson (Alex Cahill)

Noble Willingham (C.D. Parker)

PRODUCED BY:                                                            Amadea Film Productions

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:                                              Len Katzman

SUPERVISING PRODUCER:                                           Rick Husky

DIRECTOR:                                                                  Various

WRITERS:                                                                    Frank Lupo and various

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY:                                     Frank Johnson, ASC

                Clarence Gilyard played Conrad McMasters in the series "Matlock" for five seasons.  His additional television credits include the series "Diff'rent Strokes" and "CHIPS." Among the feature films in which he has appeared are "Top Gun" and "Die Hard."

                He was born in Moses Lake, Wash., and grew up as one of six children in a military family. He attended the Air Force Academy before transferring to Sterling College in Kansas, where he played wide receiver on the football team and became interested in acting.

                Gilyard and his wife, Cathy, have two children and make their home in Los Angeles. His birth date is Dec. 24.

                Chuck Norris, whose film credits include "The Hitman," "Delta Force," "Delta Force II," "Missing in Action" and its sequels, "Firewalker" and "Sidekicks," was born Carlos Ray in Ryan, Okla.  The eldest of three children, he helped his mother raise his two younger brothers in Torrance, Calif., where the family moved when he was 12.

                After graduation from high school, Norris joined the Air Force and, during a stint in Korea, began to study the Asian martial art of Tang Soo Do.  After returning home, he worked for Northrop Aviation and moonlighted as a karate instructor.  Two years later, he was teaching full time and running a number of martial arts schools.  His students included Steve McQueen, Priscilla Presley and the Osmonds.  In 1968, Norris became the Professional World Middleweight Karate Champion and held that title, undefeated, until he retired in 1974.  He is a black belt in Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwan Do, both Korean fighting styles, and knows all forms of the martial arts.  In 1969, he earned the Triple Crown for the highest number of tournament wins and was named Fighter of the Year by Black Belt Magazine.

                By the time he was 34, Norris had established 32 karate schools and had been champion for six years.  On advice from friend Steve McQueen, he turned to acting and began studying with Zina Provendie.  He incorporates his martial arts knowledge into his films and stresses that his films feature action and technique as opposed to violence.

                Norris is the author of three fitness books and an autobiography, The Secret of Inner Strength.  Among the many charities for which he works are The Funds for Kids, Veterans Administration National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans, United Way, Make a Wish Foundation and Kick Drugs Out of America, an organization he personally developed and for which he serves as chairman.  He lives in Los Angeles and on a ranch in Texas.  His birth date is March 10.

                Noble Willingham has appeared in more than 30 feature films, including "Fire in the Sky," "Chinatown," "Norma Rae," "Harry and Tonto," "Good Morning, Vietnam," "City Slickers" and "The Distinguished Gentleman."  He was born in the small town of Mineola, Texas, east of Dallas.  After graduation from North Texas State College, he went on to receive his master's degree in educational psychology from Baylor University.  He began his career as a teacher, then followed another calling  -- his long-time dream of becoming an actor.

                He heeded a fellow instructor's suggestion and auditioned for a part in the film "The Last Picture Show," which was filmed in Texas.  He won the part, which then led to another, in "Paper Moon."

                In television, Willingham has had a recurring role in the series "Home Improvement" and has appeared as a guest star in the CBS Television Network series "Murder, She Wrote" and "Northern Exposure" and in "Quantum Leap."  He also appeared in the television film "Men Don't Tell" on the Network.  His additional television film credits include "Woman with a Past," "The Alamo," "Unconquered" and "The Gambler."

                Willingham lives in Palm Springs, Calif.  He has a daughter, Stori.  His birth date is Aug. 31.

                Sheree J. Wilson played April Stevens for five seasons in the long-running hit series "Dallas" on the CBS Television Network.  Her additional television credits include the series "Our Family Honor" and "Velvet," the films "Powers Play" and "News at Eleven" and, on the Network, the mini-series "Kane and Abel."  Her feature film credits include "Tootsie," "Crimewave" and "Fraternity Vacation."

                She was born in Rochester, Minn., and raised on a farm there until her family moved to Boulder, Colo. when she was 8.  She attended the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley and Colorado University at Boulder and began her career as a model, first in Denver, then in New York.

                She and her son, Luke Wilson DeRobbio, live in Los Angeles.  Her birth date is Dec. 12.