Tom Bower, a respected character actor celebrated for his roles in “Die Hard 2” and “The Waltons,” has passed away at 86 years old.
Robert Bower, the actor’s brother, reported that Bower died in his sleep at his Los Angeles, California home on May 30. The cause of his death remains undisclosed.
Spanning over five decades, Bower’s acting career includes a broad range of film and television works. Having studied at John Cassavetes Shadows Workshop, Bower initially spent 15 years as a private investigator before making his acting debut in 1972 in “The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel” with Al Pacino.
Bower’s performance as Marvin, a janitor helping Bruce Willis’s character, John McClane, in the 1990 film “Die Hard 2,” remains one of his most notable roles. His witty portrayal and crucial plot contributions in this action film are still fondly remembered.
On the small screen, Bower was recognized for his role as Dr. Curtis Willard in the popular series “The Waltons.” He portrayed a doctor who married Mary Ellen Walton, and his character played a significant role in the show from 1975 to 1978.
Moreover, Bower’s extensive list of works includes roles in films such as “Nixon,” “A Clear and Present Danger,” “American Me,” “Raising Cain,” “Beverly Hills Cop II,” “The Negotiator,” “Hearts in Atlantis,” and “Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans.” His television appearances range from “The Office,” “The West Wing,” “Dallas,” “Hill Street Blues,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Barnaby Jones,” to “Kojak.”
Robert Bower reflected on his brother’s career, stating, “Tom was a dedicated actor who brought a unique depth to every role he played.” He further expressed, “Tom’s work was his passion, and he poured his heart and soul into every performance.”
Remembered not only for his acting prowess, Bower was also appreciated for his warm personality off the screen. A former co-star remarked, “Tom was one of the kindest, most generous actors I’ve worked with. He had a knack for making everyone around him feel comfortable and valued.”
News of Bower’s death led to an outpouring of tributes from the entertainment industry, praising his talent for adding emotional depth to even minor roles. The Screen Actors Guild released a statement, calling him “a stalwart of stage and screen who will be deeply missed.”
Bower’s career also saw significant involvement in the theatre, with over 80 theatrical productions to his name and being a founding member of the Loretta Theater in Santa Monica, California. His dedication across various mediums left an indelible impact on the industry.
