Actor Art Evans, widely recognized for his performances in A Soldier’s Story and Die Hard 2, has died at the age of 82.
His agents, LyNea Bell and Charleen McGuire, confirmed in a statement to USA TODAY on Sunday that Evans died on Saturday due to complications from diabetes, a condition he had battled for several years.
“Art was not only an incredible actor but a devoted husband, friend, and source of light to everyone who knew him,” said his wife, Babe Evans, through a statement shared by his representatives.
“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.”
Plans for memorial services will be announced in the coming days.
Born Arthur James Evans in Berkeley, California, the actor began his career with a leading role in James Baldwin’s play The Amen Corner at Frank Silvera’s Theater of Being in Los Angeles.
The production later moved to Broadway in 1965, marking Evans’ debut on a larger stage.
He also appeared in uncredited roles in films during the early 1970s before earning a lead role in the 1975 TV movie The Orphan and the Dude as Curtis ‘The Dude’ Brown.
Evans built a varied career throughout the 1970s and 1980s with appearances in television series and films such as Leadbelly (1976), Youngblood (1978), MASH* (1979), The Fall Guy (1983), and Hill Street Blues (1981-1984).
His breakout film role came in the critically acclaimed A Soldier’s Story (1984), where he portrayed Private Wilkie.
The film earned three Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.
In 1986, Evans joined the cast of the sitcom Nine to Five, based on the popular movie of the same name.
He appeared alongside Rita Moreno, Sally Struthers, and Rachel Parton George through the show’s run until 1988.
Later, he made a memorable appearance in Die Hard 2 (1990) as Barnes, an air traffic control worker who assists Bruce Willis’ character, John McClane.
Evans continued to work steadily in television, with roles in series such as Doogie Howser, M.D. (1990), Family Matters (1994), Walker, Texas Ranger (1996), The X-Files (2000), and Monk (2006).
His final credited role was as a voice actor in Disney+’s The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder in 2022 and 2023.
“Art was a remarkable talent who touched many lives with his work. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him,” Bell and McGuire noted in their statement.
Evans is survived by his wife, Babe, and their son, Ogadae.
