Tom Bower dies at 86: 'Die Hard 2' actor remembered for his 'one of a kind' character

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Die Hard' actor Tom Bower has died at the age of 86, his sister-in-law Mary Miller has confirmed.

The busy-character actor died in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles on May 30.

Inside Tom Bower's iconic career

Bower played the janitor Marvin in 'Die Hard 2' who helped John McClane to foil the terrorists' plot at the airport.

He also featured in hits like 'Crazy Heart' (2009), 'Out of the Furnace' (2013), 'Pollock' (2000), and 'Appaloosa' (2008).

His most recent work was playing Bob Odenkirk’s father on the limited AMC series ‘Lucky Hank,’ reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Born as Ralph Thomas Bower, he was a native of Denver, Colorado, who pursued his Hollywood career by studying at John Cassavetes’ Shadows Workshop. His first appearance on the camera was for the director’s first movie ‘Shadows’ (1957.)

The 1976 thriller 'Two-Minute Warning' was Bower’s second film which opened on almost 200 screens.

As per IMDb, the upcoming drama about Anna Nicole Smith 'Hurricanna' is Bower’s last screen credit. He plays a dentist's character along with stars Sylvia Hoeks and Holly Hunter. 

Bower is survived by his children Viveca and Rob, four grandchildren, brother Robert and sister Shirley. 

A biography written by Bower himself on IMDb calls his wife Ursula, who died in 2023, his “true love.”

Internet mourns the death of Tom Bower 

Netizens offered their condolences to Tom Bower's family.

One person commented on X, "Yes I remember him the janitor in 'Die Hard 2.' He was great in that movie."

"Dude was unique as f**k one-of-a-kind can't be duplicated," another wrote.

A person said, "Sad news. He was a great actor. Loved him in 'The Waltons'."

"A true journeyman actor. Never a huge name nor in very large roles but always a very welcome prescence on screen," another joined. 

One simply wrote, "Brilliant character in a brilliant movie."

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