Tom Bower, beloved character actor known for roles such as Dr. Curtis Willard on The Waltons and the janitor, Marvin, who lends John McClane an unexpected hand in Die Hard 2, has died. He was 86.
The actor died in his sleep on May 30 in his home in Los Angeles, his sister-in-law, Mary Miller, confirmed.
Aside from The Waltons and Die Hard 2, some of Bower’s most well-known works include the AMC series Lucky Hank, in which he portrayed Bob Odenkirk’s father, as well as Senior Love Triangle and El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie.
Tom Bower also had cameos in many popular TV series, such as The Office, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Grey’s Anatomy, and Criminal Minds.
Interestingly, Bower’s acting career came as a second choice to professional baseball. When he realized his baseball skills weren’t going to cut it in the MLB, he journeyed to New York, where he enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1956.
“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,” he said in 2012.
Fans Pay Tribute to the Late Tom Bower
Following news of Tom Bower’s passing, fans of the late actor took to social media to pay their respects.
“#RIP Tom Bower. Terrific character actor lost his job (twice) as Dr. Curtis Willard on ‘The Waltons’ when ‘he asked for a very small raise.’ Was great in ‘The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez,’ ‘Crazy Heart’ and ‘Lucky Hank’ — really, he was great in everything,” one fan wrote.
“Sad news. Great character actor,” another said. “Farewell Tom Bower. A face you were always glad to see pop up,” added a third.
A tiny but great role in Vince Gilligan’s #ElCamino as Lou. RIP Tom Bower! https://t.co/8KhnppsaO4 pic.twitter.com/eAT8FD9I5B
— Will Landman (@WillManLand) June 6, 2024