At 82, Art Evans, a talented character actor known for his vast work in film and television, passed away. His diabetes, which he had been fighting for years, caused problems that led to his death on December 21. Babe Evans, his wife, confirmed the news and paid heartfelt tribute to his life and career.
“Art was not only an incredible actor but a devoted husband, friend, and source of light to everyone who knew him,” she said. “We will miss his laugh, passion, and love of life very much.” Even though our hearts are heavy, we are proud of the joy and influence he leaves behind.
Evans began his acting career at Frank Silvera’s Theater of Being. He was born in Los Angeles on March 27, 1942. He made it to Broadway and played the lead role in “The Amen Corner” in 1965. In the middle of the 1970s, he moved on to TV, and in 1976, he got his first creditable role in an episode of “Chico and the Man.”
During his 50-year career, Evans appeared in many movies and TV shows. His role as Leslie Barnes in Die Hard 2, in which he played an air traffic controller who helped Bruce Willis’s character, John McClane, stop terrorists, is perhaps what will always stick with him. Horror fans will remember his spooky performance as the first victim in John Carpenter’s Christine (1983) and in the classic vampire film Fright Night.
In addition to “Death Wish” (1974), “Ruthless People” (1986), “School Daze” (1988), and “Tales from the Hood,” Evans has appeared in several films. He also made important impacts on TV by appearing in popular shows like “Monk,” “Hill Street Blues,” “MAS*H,” and “The X-Files.” He played a recurring role as the mailroom clerk Morgan on ABC’s “9 to 5” from 1982 to 1988. He played Ron Johnson’s dad, Mr. Johnson, in “A Different World.”
LyNea Bell and Charleen McGuire, talent agents, said Evans was “a remarkable talent whose work touched many lives.” They added, “He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”
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Evans’s wife Babe and their son Ogadae will miss him. The family has said that there will be a funeral service at a later time.
