In a somber farewell, Hollywood bids adieu to Tom Bower, a distinguished actor known for his memorable roles in “Die Hard 2” and “The Waltons.” Bower peacefully passed away in his sleep on May 30 at his Los Angeles home. The cause of death remains unknown. His brother, Robert Bower, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter.
Tom Bower leaves behind a family who adored him: his children, Viveca and Rob, and his siblings, including his sister Shirley. He was married to Ursula, a lawyer, for 51 years until her death in August. His storied career and personal dedication to his family mark him as a figure of profound respect in both Hollywood and his private life.
Bower’s career spanned decades, marked by iconic roles that left an indelible mark on American cinema and television. His portrayal of Marvin, the janitor in the 1990 action blockbuster “Die Hard 2,” remains etched in the memories of fans. Marvin, living in the basement of Washington Dulles International Airport, played a pivotal role in assisting Bruce Willis’s character, McClane, in thwarting a terrorist plot.
Equally significant was his role as Dr. Curtis Willard on the beloved TV series “The Waltons” from 1975 to 1978. Initially appearing as pilot Rex Barker in a fourth-season episode, Bower’s charm and talent led him to become a series regular. His character, Dr. Willard, not only hired Mary Ellen Walton (played by Judy Norton) as his nurse but also fell in love with her, creating one of the show’s most cherished storylines.
In a candid 2022 interview, Bower humorously recounted his departure from “The Waltons,” attributing it to a contract dispute over a modest raise. “I asked for a very small raise, so they sent me to Pearl Harbor,” Bower quipped. When showrunners decided to bring his character back, he requested the same raise but was instead replaced by another actor.
Bower’s versatility as an actor extended beyond “Die Hard 2” and “The Waltons.” He played a menacing gas station attendant in the 2006 horror film “The Hills Have Eyes” and made his final TV appearance in 2023 as Henry Devereaux Sr., the on-screen father of Bob Odenkirk’s character in “Lucky Hank.” Despite the show’s cancellation after one season, Bower’s performance was well-received.
Born Ralph Thomas Bower in Denver on January 3, 1938, Bower initially aspired to be a professional baseball player. Realizing his athletic limitations, he shifted his focus to acting, moving to New York in 1956 to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He further honed his craft at the John Cassavetes Shadows Workshop while working as a private investigator for 15 years. During this time, he also shared the stage with Al Pacino in David Rabe’s play “The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel.”
Bower eventually moved to Los Angeles, where he secured roles in popular TV shows such as “The Rockford Files” and “Kojak.” His extensive filmography includes notable appearances in “Beverly Hills Cop II” (1987), “Hearts in Atlantis” (2001), “Two Ways Home” (2019), “Senior Love Triangle” (2019), and “Raymond & Ray” (2022).
Tom Bower’s enduring legacy in the entertainment industry is marked by his versatile performances and unwavering dedication to his craft. His contributions to film and television have left a lasting impact, ensuring he will be remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike. As Hollywood mourns the loss of this remarkable talent, Tom Bower’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and entertainers.
