Born Arthur James Evans in Berkeley, California, Arthur Evans initiated his acting career with a leading role in the James Baldwin production “The Amen Corner,” showcased at Frank Silvera’s Theater of Being in Los Angeles. The play subsequently graced the Broadway stage in 1965. Transitioning from some uncredited film appearances in the early 1970s, Evans landed a significant role in the 1975 television film “The Orphan and the Dude” as Curtis “The Dude” Brown, as per information detailed on the actor’s IMDb page.
Over the course of the late 1970s and early 1980s, Evans featured in a range of television shows and movies, including notable works such as “Leadbelly” (1976), “Youngblood” (1978), “M*A*S*H” (1979), “The Fall Guy” (1983), and “Hill Street Blues” (1981-1984). The passing of David Murphey at the age of 66 was also noted during this era.
Evans’s breakthrough in cinema arrived in 1984 with a role in the critically acclaimed war drama “A Soldier’s Story,” portraying Private Wilkie alongside Howard E. Rollins Jr. and Adolph Caesar. The film garnered three Academy Award nominations in 1985, including one for Best Picture. The subsequent year saw Evans joining the lineup of the television sitcom “Nine to Five,” a small screen adaptation of the popular film featuring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton. From 1986 to 1988, Evans contributed to the series alongside talents like Rachel Parton George, Rita Moreno, and Sally Struthers.
Furthering his impact on the big screen, Evans made a notable appearance in “Die Hard 2,” the sequel to the action-packed thriller led by Bruce Willis. In this film, he portrayed Barnes, an air traffic control tower staff member supporting Willis’s character, John McClane. The passing of Michael Cole, recognized for his roles in “The Mod Squad” and “General Hospital,” was also acknowledged at the age of 84.
Maintaining his presence in the entertainment industry throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Evans secured roles in popular series such as “Doogie Howser, M.D.” (1990), “Family Matters” (1994), “Walker, Texas Ranger” (1996), “The X-Files” (2000), and “Monk” (2006). A statement from Bell and McGuire celebrated Evans as a remarkable talent whose work resonated with many, emphasizing the enduring impact of his legacy.
Evans’s final on-screen appearance came through a two-episode voiceover contribution to the Disney+ animated series “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” spanning 2022 and 2023, according to IMDb records. He is survived by his wife Babe and their son, Og.
