Tom Bower, Known for ‘Die Hard 2’ and ‘The Waltons,’ Dead at 86

The entertainment world mourns the loss of Tom Bower, who peacefully passed away at the age of 86. Renowned for his versatility and depth as an actor, Bower has left a lasting impact through his roles in various film and TV classics, including “Die Hard 2” and “The Waltons.”

Tom Bower’s Emergence in Acting

Tom Bower’s trajectory into the world of acting was marked by a pivotal decision during his high school years. Opting for a senior play over baseball signaled his commitment to acting—a choice that would define his life’s work. “I started acting with more of a purpose while still in high school, and I guess when I chose a senior play over my senior season of baseball, the die was cast,” Bower said in a 2012 interview, as recounted by The Hollywood Reporter. After high school, his dedication led him to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1956, where he honed his craft and prepared for a distinguished career.

Bower’s approach to acting was further shaped by his time at the John Cassavetes Shadows Workshop, broadening his artistic perspective. Before making a name for himself, he took on an array of jobs, including working as a private investigator in Boston, each experience adding layers to his dynamic portrayals on screen.

His move to Los Angeles marked the beginning of an illustrious career, with early roles in series like “The Rockford Files,” “Get Christie Love!” and “Kojak.” His talent soon secured him a part on “The Waltons,” initially as a guest star and eventually as a series regular, playing Dr. Curtis Willard.

Tom Bower, the actor who portrayed Dr. Curtis Willard on The Waltons and the janitor, Marvin, who helps John McClane foil the terrorists at the airport in Die Hard 2, has died. He was 86. pic.twitter.com/zJzOQ7Iao4

— Movieweb (@movieweb) June 6, 2024

Beyond “The Waltons” to a Legacy of Passion

Bower’s departure from “The Waltons” came under unique circumstances, his character being sent to Pearl Harbor and later replaced by another actor—a move he later looked back on with humor. “I asked for a very small raise, so they sent me to Pearl Harbor,” Bower recounted in a 2022 talk with co-star Judy Norton. “Then, when they decided to bring the character back, washed up on a shore somewhere—which I didn’t think was a great idea anyway—I asked for the same small raise. They just cast a different actor.”

Yet, Bower’s career remained vibrant, with standout performances like the janitor Marvin in “Die Hard 2.” His final appearances, including a role in “Lucky Hank” alongside Bob Odenkirk and Mireille Enos, showcased his enduring talent and ability to engage audiences.

Tom Bower was not just an actor but a passionate advocate for his colleagues and industry fairness, with his family noting, “The three most important things in Tom’s life were His wife Ursula, Acting was second. And third was his passion for other actors and contracts for fairness.”