In Memoriam: Veteran actor Art Evans (March 27, 1942 – December 21, 2024)

Longtime actor Art Evans, whose career in Hollywood spanned more than 5 decades, has died.

He was 82.

Death details

Evans died Saturday, Dec. 21 from complications of diabetes. His publicist confirmed his death to Deadline.

In a statement, Evans’ wife Babe Evans 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.”

Art Evans career as a film and television actor

Born in Berkeley, California, on March 27, 1942, Evans had a career in Hollywood spanning more than 50 years, amassing over 120 credits in film and television.

He got his start at Frank Silvera’s Theater of Being in Los Angeles, where he landed a starring role in “The Amen Corner” which eventually transferred to Broadway in 1965.

Films

One of his early credited film roles was the first victim in the John Carpenter 1983 film “Christine” based on the novel by Stephen King.

In 1984, Evans co-starred alongside actors like Adolph Caesar and Denzel Washington in “A Soldier’s Story”. He may be best known for his role as Leslie Barnes in the 1990 film “Die Hard 2,” an air traffic control tower employee who helps John McClane (Bruce Willis) stop terrorists.

Some other films he was also was featured in was “Big Time,” “Youngblood,” “National Lampoon’s Class Reunion,” “Fright Night,” “School Daze,” “CB4,” “Downtown,” “Bitter Harvest,” “Tales from the Hood” and “Metro.”

Television

In television, Evans appeared in “MAS*H,” “Hill Street Blues,” “Monk,” “The X-Files” and “Family Matters.” On the iconic show “A Different World,” he played Mr. Johnson, the father of Ron Johnson (Darryl M. Bell).

Evans also starred in the music video for Stevie Wonder’s “Go Home”.

In 2010, Evans was seen in Anderson’s Cross playing the grandfather of the lead character Nick Anderson. In 2011, Art had a guest appearance on the sitcom Last Man Standing in the episode titled “Grandparents Day”.

Evans is survived by his wife, Babe Evans, and son, Ogadae Evans.