Actor Art Evans, renowned for his roles in A Soldier’s Story and Die Hard 2, has passed away at the age of 82. His representatives, LyNea Bell and Charleen McGuire, confirmed his death on Saturday, with the cause being complications from diabetes, a condition he had battled for several years.
Evans’ wife, Babe Evans, shared 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.”
Memorial services will be held soon, with further details to be shared.
Born Arthur James Evans in Berkeley, California, Evans began his acting career with a starring role in the play The Amen Corner, which later moved to Broadway in 1965.
In the early 1970s, he appeared in several uncredited film roles before landing a leading part in the 1975 TV movie The Orphan and the Dude. Throughout the late 70s and early 80s, Evans appeared in various TV series and films, including Leadbelly (1976), Youngblood (1978), MASH* (1979), The Fall Guy (1983), and Hill Street Blues (1981-1984).
Evans gained widespread recognition in 1984 with his role in the Oscar-nominated war drama A Soldier’s Story. The following year, he joined the cast of the sitcom Nine to Five, based on the hit film. Evans also appeared in Die Hard 2 (1990), playing Barnes, an air traffic controller who aids Bruce Willis’ character, John McClane.
He continued to work in the 90s and 2000s, with notable appearances in Doogie Howser, M.D. (1990), Family Matters (1994), Walker, Texas Ranger (1996), The X-Files (2000), and Monk (2006).
Evans’ final role was a two-episode voiceover part in the Disney+ series The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder in 2022 and 2023. He is survived by his wife, Babe, and their son, Ogadae.
His representatives described him as “a remarkable talent” whose legacy will never be forgotten.
