Actor Art Evans has died at the age of 82 following a long health battle, passing away peacefully and surrounded by his family on Saturday.
His tragic passing was caused by complication from diabetes, which he had suffered with for several years.
He is survived by his wife Babe and their son, Ogadae, with Babe released 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 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.’
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 has died at the age of 82 in Los Angeles on Saturday, due to complications from diabetes, which he had suffered with for several years (pictured 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, air traffic control tower employee who helps Bruce’s John McClane fight off terrorists at Dulles International Airport.
While he also starred in another huge blockbuster, A Soldier’s Story, in 1984, playing PVT. James Wilkie 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, where an African-American soldier is shot to death.
With only a budget of $6million, it went on to make more than $21million globally and was critically acclaimed, bagging three Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
Art also starred in films such as 1976’s Leadbelly, 1985’s Fright Night, 1995’s Tales from the Hood, and 1999’s The Story of Us.
While he also had notable roles in several huge 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 recognisable TV parts was as the father of Ron Johnson (Darryl M. Bell)) on A Different World.
And he even starred in the music video for 1985’s Go Home by the legendary Stevie Wonder.
He is survived by his wife Babe and their son, Ogadae, with Babe released a 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 huge TV shows, including M*A*S*H, The Fall Guy, Walker Texas Ranger, The X-Files, Monk, and Everybody Hates Chris
Art continued acting up until last year, with his last screen role being a voice actor in Disney+ show The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder.
Fans have flooded social media with poignant tributes following the news of Art’s death, as they praised his talent and sent 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.
Alongside, he wrote: ‘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. Rest easy, playa.’
While others tweeted: ‘RIP to the legendary Art Evans!! One of the great Black American actors of all time.’
‘My sincerest 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 popped up in Bushwhacked.’
Fans have flooded social media with poignant tributes following the news of Art’s death, as they praised his talent and sent 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 steadfast presence in so many movies we grew up seeing. Rest in peace Art Evans!’; ‘RIP Art Evans, prayers to his family’.
‘Art Evans was never a superstar, but he had so many AMAZING guest-starring and costarring roles that you always knew he was on the screen. A Soldier’s Story, Die Hard 2, Trespass, and CB4 are probably some of my favorites!’
‘Art was such a gentleman and forever a part of the Fright Night family. Rest In Peace Art’; ‘I just watched him in DieHard 2 this morning! Rest in Peace & Thank You, Mr. Art Evans’.
‘You definitely know Art Evans, you’ve seen him in something… And whenever you saw him, you couldn’t take your eyes off of him, he was THAT actor. Deeply sorry to hear of his passing, grateful for the work. Peaceful journey, Sir.’
