Art Evans, an actor known for his role as Leslie Barnes in “Die Hard 2,” passed away on December 21, 2024. He was 82 and had been battling diabetes. His death occurred in California.
Evans’ wife, Babe Evans, announced his passing, stating, “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.”
Evans’ representatives, LyNea Bell and Charleen McGuire, hailed him as “a remarkable talent who touched many lives with his work.”
Born in Berkeley, California, Evans amassed over 120 credits across film, theater, and television in his career spanning more than four decades. He first gained prominence for his role in the 1984 war drama “A Soldier’s Story,” which was nominated for an Academy Award.
In the 1990 film “Die Hard 2,” Evans portrayed Leslie Barnes, an air traffic control tower employee who assists Bruce Willis’s character, John McClane, in preventing a terrorist attack at Dulles International Airport. The film was commercially successful and further cemented Evans’ standing as a dependable character actor in Hollywood.
Evans’ journey in theater saw a significant milestone in 1965 when he appeared in “The Amen Corner,” which later transferred to Broadway. His first credited role on the screen was in “Chico and the Man” in 1976, following an uncredited appearance in “Claudine” two years earlier.
Evans appeared in a variety of well-known films during his career, including “Fright Night,” where he played Detective Lennox, “Into The Night,” “Ruthless People,” “Native Son,” and “White of the Eye.” His television credits, which include popular series such as “M*A*S*H,” “Hill Street Blues,” “Walker, Texas Ranger,” “The X-Files,” “Monk,” and “Family Matters,” demonstrate his range as an actor.
Director Steve Hughes honored Evans’ memory on social media platform X, citing his memorable roles in films like “Die Hard 2,” “Trespass,” “Ruthless People,” “Fright Night,” “A Soldier’s Story,” “CB4,” and “Metro.”
Screenwriter LaDarrion Williams shared a tribute to Evans on social media: “I was so honored to be able to work with Art Evans on a play that I helped write. He was genuine and didn’t play when it came to the art of theatre.”
Evans remained involved in the entertainment industry until his last role, providing voiceover work for the Disney+ animated series “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” in 2022 and 2023.
Evans is survived by his wife, Babe, and their son, Ogadae.
