At the age of 82, Art Evans, the acclaimed actor best known for playing Leslie Barnes in Die Hard 2, passed away. In the company of his loved ones, he died quietly in his sleep on December 21, according to his family. His wife, Babe Evans, sent a touching statement requesting privacy and announcing that a memorial service would be held later.
Evans is well known for his role as Barnes, an air traffic controller who helps John McClane (played by Bruce Willis) stop terrorists. A notable role as Private James Wilkie in the critically acclaimed movie A Soldier’s Story (1984), in which he co-starred with Adolph Caesar and Denzel Washington, was another highlight of his influential career.
With more than 120 acting credits over four decades, Evans left a spectacular legacy. He starred in a number of well-known motion pictures, including Tales from the Hood, Christine, Fright Night, School Daze, and Metro. He had cameo appearances on television shows such as MASH, Hill Street Blues, The X-Files, Family Matters, Monk, and A Different World, in which he portrayed Ron Johnson’s father.
Evans started his acting career at Frank Silvera’s Theatre of Being after being born in Berkeley, California, on March 27, 1942. His remarkable career began in 1965 when he made his Broadway debut in The Amen Corner. Among his more recent endeavours were roles in Last Man Standing (2011) and Anderson’s Cross (2010). Evans leaves behind a rich legacy in film and television, cherished by fans and colleagues alike.
