What is Art Evans’ cause of death? Details explored as Die Hard 2 actor passes away at 82

Actor Art Evans, known for his roles in films like Die Hard 2 and A Soldier’s Story, passed away in Los Angeles on Saturday, December 21, 2024. He was 82. He is survived by wife Babe and son Ogadae.

As per a report published by Deadline on December 22, 2024, the actor died of diabetes. His wife, Babe Evans, has issued a statement asking everyone to respect their privacy at the moment and informing all that a memorial service would be held at a later date.

In a career spanning several decades, Art Evans has left an indelible mark on cinema and television history. Read on to learn more about the actor and his legacy.

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Art Evans died of diabetes

Evans as Leslie Barnes (Image via Prime Video)

The actor’s rep told Deadline that he passed away due to complications from diabetes. He had been suffering from the same for a while, and it was a condition “he courageously managed for many years.” Apart from this, not much information is available about his cause of death just yet.

USA Today published a report on December 22, 2024, that carries the following statement from Art’ wife, Babe Evans:

"Art was not only an incredible actor but a devoted husband, friend, and source of light to everyone who knew him."

The statement further says:

"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 actor’s talent reps LyNea Bell and Charleen McGuire remembered him as a “remarkable talent who touched many lives” with his work.

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Art Evans: Life and legacy

Evans was born on March 27, 1942, in Berkeley, California. His career as an actor started with Frank Silvera's Theater of Being in Los Angeles. He would then go on to take a starring role in The Amen Corner, which transferred to Broadway in 1965.

While his first uncredited acting performance in film came in 1974, in Claudine, he got his first credited role in 1976, as Bubba in Chico and the Man, in the episode Too Many Crooks. That same year, he played Blind Lemon Jefferson in the movie Leadbelly.

In 1983, Art Evans played a Detroit auto worker in the John Carpenter film Christine, based on the Stephen King novel. The next year. He had a breakthrough role in the form of Wilkie in the all-star African-American drama A Soldier's Story.

Evans’ is most famous for playing Leslie Barnes in Die Hard 2 (1990). An air traffic control tower employee at Dulles International Airport, Barnes helps LAPD detective John McClane (Bruce Willis) stop terrorists from crashing planes.

Apart from these, Art Evans starred in such films as Youngblood (1978), The Cracker Factory (1979), Into the Night (1985), Ruthless People (1986), White of the Eye (1987), School Daze (1988), Trespass (1992), CB4 (1993), Tales from the Hood (1995), and Metro (1997), among others.

Art Evans has also appeared in several TV shows over the years. His series credits include titles like M*A*S*H, Hill Street Blues, Monk, and The X-Files, among others. In Family Matters, he played a man claiming to be Santa Claus.

His most famous television role was on A Different World, where he portrayed Mr. Johnson, father to Ron Johnson, played by Darryl M. Bell. Art Evans also appeared in the music video for Stevie Wonder's Go Home.

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With Evans' demise, Hollywood has lost one of its legends. As stated by his wife, a memorial serive will be hosted for friends and family on a date yet to be announced.