The entertainment world mourns the loss of Art Evans, the actor best known for his role in Die Hard 2, who passed away at the age of 82.
On December 21, 2024, American actor Arthur James Evans died due to complications from diabetes, a condition he had been battling for several years. His agents, LyNea Bell, and Charleen McGuire, confirmed the news in an email sent to USA Today.
"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," the statement read.
With Evans' passing, attention has turned to the iconic cast of Die Hard, leaving many to wonder about the current whereabouts and careers of legendary actors, including Bruce Willis, Bonnie Bedelia, Alan Rickman, and others.
A look at the Die Hard cast in 2024
As this article reflects on the legacy of Die Hard, let's take a closer look at where the cast members are today in 2024.
1) Bruce Willis as John McClane
Bruce Willis, widely known for his roles in Die Hard and the comedy-drama series Moonlighting from 1985 to 1989, has appeared in over 100 films throughout his career. However, the renowned American actor is currently facing significant health challenges.
In 2022, Willis was diagnosed with aphasia, a condition that affects cognitive abilities. His daughter, Rumer Willis, shared the news on Instagram, announcing that her father would be stepping away from acting due to his health condition.
"Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities. As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career," Rumer wrote.
Willis' eldest daughter, Rumer, is from his marriage to actress Demi Moore.
2) Alan Rickman as Hans Gruber
Acclaimed actor Alan Rickman, who made his film debut with his portrayal of the villain Hans Gruber in Die Hard, passed away on January 14, 2016, due to pancreatic cancer. Widely praised for his compelling performance in the action movie, Rickman left an indelible mark on cinema.
He was survived by Rima Horton, his longtime partner, whom he married in 2012. Rickman was also celebrated for his role as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series, a character he portrayed across all eight films over more than a decade.
3) Bonnie Bedelia as Holly Gennaro McClane
Bonnie Bedelia, who portrayed Holly Gennero, John McClane's estranged partner in Die Hard and Die Hard 2, is an acclaimed actress known for her versatile roles. She also gained recognition for her role in the 1990 hit film Presumed Innocent.
Fans of the franchise enjoyed Bedelia's portrayal of Holly. Even in her 70s, she has remained active in the entertainment industry. In 2021, she had a recurring role in the Amazon Prime Video series Panic, and in 2022, she co-starred alongside This Is Us alum Justin Hartley in the Netflix holiday film The Noel Diary.
4) Reginald VelJohnson as Al Powell
Reginald VelJohnson began his career in 1984 with a brief appearance in Ghostbusters and has since enjoyed a prolific career. He has appeared in numerous hits, including Turner & Hooch, Perfect Strangers, and the beloved sitcom Family Matters, where he played Carl Winslow.
Following the success of Family Matters, VelJohnson continued to make guest appearances in various TV shows and remains an active figure in the industry. According to IMDb, he is involved in two upcoming projects slated for release in 2025 — Easter and Roswell Delirium.
5) Others
Several other notable actors from Die Hard have left lasting legacies, though some have sadly passed away. Clarence Gilyard Jr., who portrayed Theo, remained active in the industry until he passed away in November 2022 at 66 due to undisclosed reasons.
James Shigeta, known for his role as Joseph Takagi, died in July 2014 at 85. Paul Gleason, who played Dwayne T. Robinson, succumbed to mesothelioma in May 2006. Alexander Godunov, remembered as Karl, tragically passed away on May 18, 1995, at his West Hollywood apartment.
The Die Hard franchise continues to be celebrated as one of cinematic history's most iconic action series. The original film masterfully combined thrilling action with a gripping storyline.
Set during a Christmas party at Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles, the plot follows New York City police officers' fights to save John McClane's estranged wife, Holly Gennero McClane, and other hostages from a group of terrorists.