Art Evans, the actor whose wide-ranging career spanned Broadway, critically acclaimed films, and beloved television shows, has died at the age of 74. His wife, Babe Evans, described him as a source of joy and light, saying in a statement that while the loss is profound, his legacy of laughter and inspiration will endure. Evans passed away peacefully surrounded by family, according to his obituary, though the cause of death has not been disclosed.

Evans’ acting career began on the stage in 1964 with a starring role in James Baldwin’s The Amen Corner at Frank Silvera’s Theater of Being in Los Angeles. The play later debuted on Broadway in 1965, marking Evans’ entry into the national spotlight. His talent quickly led to a series of roles in television and film throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including appearances in Leadbelly, Youngblood, Hill Street Blues, and MASH*. His breakthrough came in 1984 with the acclaimed film A Soldier’s Story, where he starred alongside Denzel Washington and Adolph Caesar.

In 1990, Evans delivered one of his most memorable performances in Die Hard 2, portraying Barnes, an air traffic controller who assists Bruce Willis’ John McClane in thwarting a terrorist plot. The role cemented his place in Hollywood and showcased his ability to bring depth and charisma to supporting characters. Evans continued to work steadily throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, with credits in Doogie Howser, M.D., Family Matters, The X Files, and films like Big Time and Fright Night.

Evans’ most recent role was in the Disney+ animated series The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, where he lent his voice from 2022 to 2023. The project capped a career that spanned nearly six decades and included a wide variety of genres and formats. His contributions to both stage and screen highlighted his versatility and dedication to the craft of acting.

Memorial services for Evans will be announced in the coming days, according to his family. His enduring impact on audiences and colleagues alike underscores a career marked by passion, resilience, and an unrelenting commitment to storytelling.