Die Hard 2 star Art Evans dies as wife pays tribute to 'devoted husband'

Die Hard 2 actor Art Evans died aged 82, his agent confirmed. His wife, Babe, paid tribute to him and said he will be 'deeply missed'

Die Hard 2 actor Art Evans has died aged 82 after battling diabetes for many years, his agent revealed.

His rep confirmed he died on December 21 of diabetes, "a condition he courageously managed for many years." No further details were provided to Deadline. His talent reps LyNea Bell and Charleen McGuire hailed him as “a remarkable talent who touched many lives with his work. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”

Speaking to USA Today, his wife, Babe, said he will be 'deeply missed'. 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, from California, appeared in A Soldier's Story (1984) before he appeared in Die Hard 2 - which also stars movie icon Bruce Willis. He played an air traffic control worker called Barnes. He also had roles in TV series like Walker, Texas Ranger and The X-Files. He also starred in 70s movies Sisters and Amazing Grace.

Screenwriter LaDarrion Williams paid tribute to the actor, writing: "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." Director Steve Hughes took to his X page to pay tribute to Art.

"RIP character actor Art Evans, 82, so good in Die Hard 2, Trespass, Ruthless People, Fright Night, A Soldier’s Story, CB4, Metro, and many more," he wrote and shared a link to the news of his death. Art took a starring role in The Amen Corner which transferred to Broadway in 1965. He also had an uncredited acting performance in Claudine in 1974.

It was in 1976 that he received his first credited role in Chico and the Man. Art is also known for his roles in Youngblood, The Cracker Factori, Fright Night, Into The Night, Ruthless People, Native Son, White of the Eye, as well as TV shows M*A*S*H, Monk and Family Matters.

The actor's final role was as a voiceover actor in the Disney+ show The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder.

Art is survived by wife Babe and son Ogadae.

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