Die Hard 2 actor Art Evans dies aged 82 after a long health battle as his wife pays heartfelt tribute to her ‘devoted husband’
Actor Art Evans has died at the age of 82 after a long health battle. He died peacefully on Saturday surrounded by his family.
His tragic death was caused by a complication of diabetes, which he had suffered for years.
He is survived by his wife Babe and their son Ogadae, while Babe paid a heartfelt tribute to her “devoted husband.”
In a statement, she said: “Art was not only an incredible actor, but a devoted husband, friend and source of light to all who knew him.
‘His smile, passion and love for life will be greatly missed. While our hearts are heavy, we celebrate the legacy of joy and inspiration he leaves behind.”
Art’s incredible career spanned more than four decades, with more than 120 acting roles, but his most famous was opposite Bruce Willis in Die Hard 2.
Actor Art Evans died on Saturday in Los Angeles at the age of 82 due to complications from diabetes, which he had suffered from for years (photo 2018)
Art’s incredible career spanned more than four decades, with more than 120 acting roles, but his most famous was as Leslie Barnes opposite Bruce Willis in Die Hard 2 (pictured)
He played Leslie Barnes in the 1990 action sequel, an air control tower employee who helps Bruce’s John McClane fight terrorists at Dulles International Airport.
While he also starred in another big box office hit, A Soldier’s Story, in 1984, in which he played PVT. James Wilkie stars alongside Howard Rollins, Adolph Caesar and a young Denzel Washington in one of his first breakout roles.
The film is a murder mystery set during the Jim Crow era, in which an African-American soldier is shot dead.
With just a budget of $6 million, the film earned over $21 million worldwide and received critical acclaim, with three Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
Kunst also appeared in films such as 1976’s Leadbelly, 1985’s Fright Night, 1995’s Tales from the Hood and 1999’s The Story of Us.
Although he also had notable roles in several major TV shows, including M*A*S*H, The Fall Guy, Walker Texas Ranger, The X-Files, Monk and Everybody Hates Chris.
One of his most recognizable TV roles was as Ron Johnson’s (Darryl M. Bell) father in A Different World.
And he even starred in the 1985 music video for the legendary Stevie Wonder’s Go Home.
He is survived by his wife Babe and their son Ogadae, while Babe pays heartfelt tribute to her ‘devoted husband’
Art also starred in films such as 1976’s Leadbelly, 1985’s Fright Night and 1999’s The Story of Us and had notable roles in several major TV shows including M*A*S*H, The Fall Guy, Walker Texas Ranger, The X Files. , Monk, and everyone hates Chris
Art continued to act until last year, with his last film role being a voice actor in the Disney+ show The Proud Family: Louder and Proouder.
Fans have flooded social media with poignant tributes following the news of Art’s death, praising his talent and sending condolences to his family.
Among them was playwright and screenwriter LaDarrion Williams, who worked with Art and went to X to share photos of them together.
He also wrote, “I was so honored to work with Art Evans on a play I helped write. He was sincere and did not play when it came to theatrics. Rest in peace, playa.”
While others tweeted: ‘RIP to the legendary Art Evans!! One of the great black American actors of all time.”
“My sincere condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and fans of Mr. Art Evans. May he rest in peace.’
‘RIP – Art Evans’ prominent role in Die Hard 2 made him one of those ‘that guy’ actors for me. Especially when he showed up in Bushwhacked.”
Fans have flooded social media with poignant tributes following the news of Art’s death, praising his talent and offering condolences to his family
Among them was playwright and screenwriter LaDarrion Williams, who worked with Art and took to X to share photos of them together
“He was a constant presence in so many of the films we grew up with. Rest in peace Art Evans!’; “RIP Art Evans, prayers for his family.”
“Art Evans was never a superstar, but he had so many GREAT guest and co-starring roles that you always knew he was on screen. A Soldier’s Story, Die Hard 2, Trespass and CB4 are probably some of my favourites!’
“Art was such a gentleman and forever part of the Fright Night family. Rest in peace art’; “I just saw him this morning on DieHard 2! Rest in peace and thank you, Mr. Art Evans.
“You probably know Art Evans, you’ve seen him in something… And every time you saw him, you couldn’t take your eyes off him, he was THAT actor. Deeply sorry for his death, grateful for the work. Peaceful journey, sir.’