Mourning Arthur James Evans

March 27, 1942 – December 21, 2024

The Alford sadly shares news that our own Art Evans, a celebrated actor best known for his roles in A Soldier’s Story and Die Hard 2, passed away in Los Angeles on December 21, 2024, at the age of 82, following a long battle with complications from diabetes.

“Art was not only an incredible actor but a devoted husband, friend, and source of light to everyone who knew him,” said his wife, Babe Evans. “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.”

Born on March 27, 1942, in Berkeley, California, Arthur James Evans began his acting career in the 1960s at Frank Silvera’s Theater of Being in Los Angeles, debuting in James Baldwin’s The Amen Corner. The play later transferred to Broadway in 1965, marking the start of Evans’ distinguished career.

Evans gained recognition with his first lead role in the 1975 TV movie The Orphan and the Dude and his portrayal of Blind Lemon Jefferson in the 1976 film Leadbelly. He made his cinematic breakout in 1984 with his role as Private Wilkie in the Academy Award-nominated A Soldier’s Story. The following year, he joined the cast of the sitcom Nine to Five (1986–1988).

In 1990, Evans delivered one of his most memorable performances as Leslie Barnes in Die Hard 2, where he played the chief engineer assisting Bruce Willis’ John McClane in stopping a terrorist plot.

Throughout his career spanning nearly four decades, Evans showcased his versatility in a wide range of film and television projects. His filmography includes Youngblood (1978), Ruthless People (1986), School Daze (1988), The Mighty Quinn (1989), Trespass (1992), CB4 (1993), Tales from the Hood (1995), and Metro (1997). He also appeared in hit television series such as Hill Street Blues, MASH,* The X-Files, Family Matters, Monk, and A Different World, where he portrayed Mr. Johnson, the father of Ron Johnson.

Evans also made his mark in music, starring in the music video for Stevie Wonder’s “Go Home.”

His final role was a voiceover performance in the Disney+ animated series The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (2022–2023).

Art Evans was a remarkable talent whose contributions to film and television touched countless lives. He will be remembered for his passion, humor, and profound impact on the entertainment industry.

Memorial service details will be shared as they become available.

Art was preceded in death by his parents; son, Sage Art Evans; siblings, Lawrence Evans, Harold Gene Evans, Cleo Evans, and Opal Delilah Evans.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah “Babe” Evans; son, Ogadae Evans; granddaughters, Tiana Rose Evans, Zyair Sage Art Evans, and Soul Naj Perry Evans; grandson, Syrus Evans; brothers, Robert Evans, and Alfred Evans, Jr.; sister, Mary Jo Evans; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Art Evans is the son of Alfred Dana Evans, Sr. & Ophelia Adams-Evans; Grandson of Delilah Jennings (sister of both Minnie Jennings-Alford and Anderson Jennings) & Sam Evans; and Great-Grandson of Joseph W. Jennings & Malinda Wofford-Jennings.