Art Evans, known for his role as air traffic control worker Leslie Barnes in the 1990 action film “Die Hard 2,” died on December 21, 2024 in California after battling diabetes. He was 82.
His wife, Babe Evans, confirmed his passing: “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.”
His talent representatives LyNea Bell and Charleen McGuire lauded Evans as “a remarkable talent who touched many lives with his work.”
Born in Berkeley, California, Evans built a prolific career spanning over four decades with more than 120 credits across film, theater, and television. He gained recognition for his breakthrough role in the 1984 Academy Award-nominated war drama “A Soldier’s Story.”
In “Die Hard 2,” Evans played Leslie Barnes, an air traffic control tower employee who aids Bruce Willis’s character, John McClane, in thwarting a terrorist attack at Dulles International Airport. The film, released in 1990, was a commercial success and further established Evans as a reliable character actor in Hollywood.
Evans’ theatrical journey included a significant milestone when he appeared in “The Amen Corner,” which transferred to Broadway in 1965. His first credited screen role came in 1976 with “Chico and the Man,” following an uncredited performance in “Claudine” in 1974.
Throughout his career, Evans appeared in numerous notable films, including “Fright Night,” where he played Detective Lennox, “Into The Night,” “Ruthless People,” “Native Son,” and “White of the Eye.” His television credits showcased his versatility with appearances in popular series such as “MAS*H,” “Hill Street Blues,” “Walker, Texas Ranger,” “The X-Files,” “Monk,” and “Family Matters.”
Director Steve Hughes honored Evans on social media platform X, highlighting his memorable performances in “Die Hard 2,” “Trespass,” “Ruthless People,” “Fright Night,” “A Soldier’s Story,” “CB4,” and “Metro.”
Screenwriter LaDarrion Williams paid tribute to Evans on social media, sharing, “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 active in the entertainment industry until his final role, providing voiceover work for the Disney+ animated series “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” in 2022 and 2023.
He is survived by his wife, Babe, and their son, Ogadae.
