Art Evans, who was best known for roles inDie Hard 2,Fright Night, andA Soldier’s Story, has died at the age of 82. It was announced that the actor passed away on December 21 after a career spanning five decades, and a legacy of over 120 appearances. Evans was said to have “passed away peacefully,” although a cause of death was not disclosed.
In a statement published byVariety, Evans’ wife, Babe, said:
“We are heartbroken to share that Art has passed away. Please respect our privacy at this time. A memorial will be held for friends and family to attend at a later date. Thank you.”
Evans was born in 1941, in Berkeley, California, and began his long career working on stage. He transitioned to films and TV in the early 1970s, taking on a number of smaller supporting roles. He soon became a constant presence in Hollywood. One of his most notable roles came in 1990 withDie Hard 2, where he played Leslie Barnes, a character who assistsBruce Willis’s John McClaneas he takes down another group of terrorists at Christmas. As one of the standout characters in the movie, it was a role that saw him continue to appear in several big movies over the next few decades.
However, he appeared in many prominent roles prior to his role inDie Hard 2. After many uncredited in the early 1970s, Evans starred in movies includingThe Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again, National Lampoon’s Class Reunion, Ruthless People, andThe Mighty Quinn. In 1985, Evans appeared in the cult classicFright Night, where he played Detective Lennox. While his screen time was brief, like many of his appearances, the appearance was enough to continue endearing him to audiences.
Art Evans Made a Name for Himself as a Reliable Character Actor
While Evans took on many roles across his career, from the start his persona lent itself to playing law enforcers. One of his first uncredited roles was playing “Police at Precinct” in 1974’sDeath Wish. He played a security guard in the 1985 James Spader dramaTurf Turf, Lt Bender inRuthless People, Lt Hendrix inMom, and Lt Sam Baffett in Eddie Murphy thrillerMetro, to name a few.
Bruce Willis Objected to John McClane’s Personality in Die Hard 2
Die Hard 2 director Renny Harlin says he clashed with Bruce Willis over one aspect of the Die Hard sequel.
Evans’ final roles were all on TV. He starred in three episodes ofA House Dividedin 2019, an episode ofReal Husbands of Hollywoodin 2022, and voiced Charlie inThe Proud Family: Louder and Prouderin 2023. The actor may never have had a lead role in a big Hollywood blockbuster, but he was one of those stars who did not need to, as he was able to make an impression with a supporting role. He was an actor that people recognize, but cannot always name, and that can leave a legacy that is further reaching that being the star of one big movie. Our thoughts are with Evans’ family at this time.
Die Hard 2
