Hollywood is mourning the loss of Art Evans, a beloved actor known for his roles in Die Hard 2 and Fright Night. Evans passed away on Saturday while surrounded by his loved ones, as confirmed by his publicist Erica Huntzinger to Variety. Deadline reports that the 82-year-old actor’s death was due to complications from diabetes.
Art Evans carved out an unforgettable career in both film and television. Fans will fondly remember him as Barnes, the savvy air traffic control worker who aids Bruce Willis’ John McClane in the 1990 action sequel Die Hard 2. With the ongoing debate over whether Die Hard qualifies as a Christmas movie, it’s easy to imagine households revisiting Evans’ standout performance during the holiday season.
Horror enthusiasts will recall Evans’ role in the 1985 cult classic Fright Night, where he portrayed Detective Lennox, a skeptical officer grappling with the notion of a vampire terrorizing his town.
Evans’ prolific career included roles in major films like Metro and Ruthless People as well as iconic TV series such as MASH*, Hill Street Blues, Monk, The X-Files, and Mad About You. His ability to bring warmth and depth to his characters left a lasting impression across multiple generations of fans.
Art is survived by his wife, Babe Evans, and his son, Ogadae Evans. The family has requested privacy as they navigate this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Art Evans, a true talent who left an indelible mark on Hollywood.
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