Die Hard 2 and A Soldier’s Story factor Art Evans has died at the age of 82.
The screen star passed away on Saturday, Dec. 21, after he “courageously managed” diabetes for “many years.” Diabetes affects approximately 37.3 million Americans, according to the CDC.
His wife Babe said in a statement: “Art was not only an incredible actor but a devoted husband, friend, and source of light to everyone who knew him. His laughter, passion, and love of life will be deeply missed. While our hearts are heavy, we celebrate the legacy of joy and inspiration he leaves behind.” The statement touched many in the entertainment industry who had worked with Evans over the years.
With a career spanning more than four decades and more than 120 film and TV roles, Evans had a varied career, with his early roles including playing a victim John Carpenter’s film Christine, based on the novel by Stephen King. The 1983 film has since become a cult classic among horror fans.
In 1984, Evans co-starred in the blockbuster murder mystery A Soldier’s Story as Wilkie. His performance received critical acclaim from numerous film critics of the era.
The film had a budget of just $6 million and made more than $21.8 million at the global box office and was nominated for three Academy Awards. The success helped establish Evans as a reliable character actor in Hollywood.
However, Evans was arguably best known for his part as Leslie Barnes in the action classic Die Hard 2. The film grossed over $240 million worldwide, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 1990.
He portrayed an air traffic control tower employee at Dulles International Airport that helped LAPD detective John McClane (Bruce Willis) stop terrorists from crashing planes in the 1990 sequel to 1988’s Die Hard. His performance added crucial tension to several key scenes in the blockbuster.
Other movie roles included 1974’s Death Wish, 1976’s Leadbelly, 1985’s Fright Night, 1995’s Tales from the Hood and 1999’s The Story of Us’. Throughout his career, Evans worked with some of Hollywood’s most respected directors and actors.
Evans’s TV credits included “M*A*S*H,” “The Fall Guy,” “Hill Street Blues,” “In the Heat of the Night,” “Walker Texas Ranger,” “The X-Files,” “Monk,” and “Everybody Hates Chris.” His television career spanned several decades of major network programming.
He also appeared in Stevie Wonder’s music video for 1985’s “Go Home.” The collaboration showcased Evans’ versatility across different entertainment mediums.
In 2011, Evans made a cameo in an episode of the sitcom “Last Man Standing” titled “Grandparents Day.”
His most recent work, according to IMDB, was voicing Charlie in Disney’s “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” animated series in two episodes, which aired in 2022 and 2023. This role introduced him to a new generation of viewers.
Evans is survived by his spouse Babe and their son Ogadae. The family’s loss is shared by the entire entertainment community, where Evans was known for his professionalism and kindness.
Throughout his illustrious career, Evans was known for his ability to bring depth and authenticity to every role. His work spanning multiple decades helped pave the way for future generations of actors in Hollywood, while his performances continue to inspire emerging talent in the industry.
