Veteran actor Tom Bower, best known for his memorable roles in the action film Die Hard 2 and the beloved television series The Waltons, passed away on May 30 at the age of 86. Bower died in his sleep at his Los Angeles home, as confirmed by his brother Robert Bower to The Hollywood Reporter. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Bower is survived by his children Viveca and Rob, his brother Robert, and his sister Shirley. He was married to his wife Ursula, a lawyer, for 51 years until her death in August.
In the 1990 blockbuster Die Hard 2, Bower portrayed the character of Marvin, a janitor living in the basement of Washington Dulles International Airport who assists Bruce Willis’ iconic character John McClane in foiling a terrorist plot.
Bower also had a notable role as Dr. Curtis Willard on the popular television series The Waltons from 1975 to 1978. He first appeared on the show as pilot Rex Barker in a 1975 episode before being promoted to a series regular in the following season. His character, Curtis, hired Mary Ellen Walton (played by Judy Norton) as his nurse, and the two eventually fell in love and started a family. Bower’s character was killed off the show in 1978 during the Pearl Harbor attack storyline.
Born Ralph Thomas Bower in Denver on January 3, 1938, Bower initially aspired to become a professional baseball player. However, after realizing his limitations in the sport, he moved to New York to study acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1956. He later studied at the John Cassavetes Shadows Workshop and worked as a private investigator for 15 years before returning to acting.
Bower’s acting career spanned several decades, with appearances in numerous television shows, including The Rockford Files, Kojak, and most recently, Lucky Hank, where he played Bob Odenkirk’s on-screen father, Henry Devereaux Sr., in 2023. The show was canceled after one season.
The entertainment industry has lost a talented and versatile actor in Tom Bower, whose contributions to film and television will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
Credit: Dailymail.com
