Art Evans, ‘Die Hard 2’ and ‘A Soldier’s Story’ Actor, Dies at 82

Art Evans, the actor best known for his role as Leslie Barnes in Die Hard 2, has died. He was 82.

Evans died “peacefully in his sleep” surrounded by family on Dec. 21, a rep told The Hollywood Reporter.

“We are heartbroken to share that Art has passed away,” said his wife, Babe Evans. “Please respect our privacy at this time. A memorial will be held for friends and family to attend at a later date. Thank you.”

Evans’ Leslie Barnes is an air traffic control tower employee who helps Bruce Willis’ John McClane stop terrorists. In addition to the Die Hard installment, the actor also appeared alongside Denzel Washington and Adolph Ceasar in 1984’s A Soldier’s Story as Private James Wilkie.

During his career, Evans amassed more than 120 credits. On the big screen, Evans als appeared in films such as Christine, Big Time, Youngblood, National Lampoon’s Class Reunion, Fright Night, School Daze, Bitter Harvest, Tales from the Hood and Metro. In 1983’s Christine, he played the first victim of the evil titular car for what became one of his first credited roles.

On television, Evans can be found in episodes of MASH, Hill Street Blues, Monk, The X-Files, Family Matters and A Different World, where he played Mr. Johnson, father of Ron Johnson (Darryl M. Bell).

More recently, Evans was seen in Anderson’s Cross in 2010 and in Last Man Standing in 2011. He appeared on Real Husbands of Hollywood.

Art Evans was born on March 27, 1942 in Berkeley, California. His 40-year acting career began at Frank Silvera’s Theater of Being in his home city, where he took a starring role in The Amen Corner. The show transferred to Broadway in 1965.

In addition to his wife, Evans is survived by a son, Ogadae. He was preceded in death by son Sage, who died in 2016.

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