Art Evans, the actor best known for Die Hard 2, has died at the age of 82.
The actor's rep told Deadline that he died from complications caused by diabetes, “a condition he courageously managed for many years.”
Over the course of his career, the Berkeley, California native appeared in 120 different roles in movies and television. But he is most famous for the part of Leslie Barnes, an air traffic controller who helps Bruce Willis' John McClane battle terrorists in Die Hard 2.
“Art was not only an incredible actor but a devoted husband, friend, and source of light to everyone who knew him,” Evans' wife Babe said in a statement. “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.”
Evans' career launched at Frank Silvera’s Theater of Being in his hometown of Berkeley, where he had the starring role in James Baldwin's The Amen Corner.
His first credited role was in a single 1976 episode of Chico and the Man. He fell victim to an evil, possessed car in 1983's Christine, from horror maestro John Carpenter.
Evans was Private James Wilkie in 1984's A Soldier's Story, sharing the screen with Denzel Washington in one of his first notable movies.
Evans had his longest-running TV role in the television adaptation of 1980's 9 to 5. Evans played Morgan, a mailroom clerk with a Jamaican accent.
TV watchers also saw Evans in small roles in M*A*S*H, Family Matters, Walker Texas Ranger, The X-Files, Monk, Everybody Hates Chris, The Sarah Silverman Program, Last Man Standing and The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, among other shows.
On the big screen, he had roles in Death Wish (1974), Leadbelly (1976), Fun with Dick and Jane (1977), The In-Laws (1979), The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again (1979), Fright Night (1985), Ruthless People (1986), Native Son (1986), School Daze (1988), Tales from the Hood (1995) and The Story of Us (1999).
His talent reps, LyNea Bell and Charleen McGuire, called Evans "a remarkable talent who touched many lives with his work. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”
Evans was also a musician who could play multiple instruments by ear, according to IMBD. This skill helped him portray blues guitar legend Blind Lemon Jefferson in Leadbelly.
His son, Sage, predeceased him in 2016. He is survived by his wife and son Ogadae.
