Actor Art Evans, known for his role in Die Hard 2, passes away at 82 after battling health issues, with his wife fondly remembering her loyal spouse

Actor Art Evans has died at the age of 82 in Los Angeles on Saturday, following a long health battle.

His sad passing was caused by complication from diabetes, which he had suffered with for several years.

He is survived by his wife Babe and their son, Ogadae, with Babe released a heartfelt tribute to her ‘devoted husband’.

In a statement, she said: ‘Art was not only an incredible actor but a devoted husband, friend, and source of light to everyone who knew him.

The memory of his infectious laughter, unwavering passion, and zest for life will be greatly cherished. Although we are grieving his loss, we choose to honor and rejoice in the cheerful and motivational legacy he has left for us.

Art’s incredible career spanned more than four decades, with more than 120 acting roles, but his most famous was opposite Bruce Willis in Die Hard 2.

Art Evans, the talented actor, passed away at the age of 82 in Los Angeles on Saturday, following complications from diabetes, a condition he battled for several years (seen in 2018).

Throughout a remarkable career that spanned over four decades, Art portrayed over 120 roles, but he is most famously remembered for his portrayal of Leslie Barnes alongside Bruce Willis in Die Hard 2 (shown in the picture).

He is survived by his wife Babe and their son, Ogadae, with Babe released a heartfelt tribute to her ‘devoted husband’

He played Leslie Barnes in the 1990 action sequel, air traffic control tower employee who helps Bruce’s John McClane fight off terrorists at Dulles International Airport.

While he also starred in another huge blockbuster, A Soldier’s Story, in 1984, playing PVT. James Wilkie alongside Howard Rollins, Adolph Caesar and a young Denzel Washington in one of his first breakout roles.

The film is a murder mystery set during the Jim Crow era, where an African-American soldier is shot to death.

With only a budget of $6million, it went on to make more than $21million globally and was critically acclaimed, bagging three Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. 

Art also starred in films such as 1976’s Leadbelly, 1985’s Fright Night, 1995’s Tales from the Hood, and 1999’s The Story of Us.

While he also had notable roles in several huge TV shows, including M*A*S*H, The Fall Guy, Walker Texas Ranger, The X-Files, Monk, and Everybody Hates Chris.

One of his most recognisable TV parts was as the father of Ron Johnson (Darryl M. Bell)) on A Different World.

And he even starred in the music video for 1985’s Go Home by the legendary Stevie Wonder.

Art continued acting up until last year, with his last screen role being a voice actor in Disney+ show The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. 

Art also starred in films such as 1976’s Leadbelly, 1985’s Fright Night and 1999’s The Story of Us and had notable roles in several huge TV shows, including M*A*S*H, The Fall Guy, Walker Texas Ranger, The X-Files, Monk, and Everybody Hates Chris