Tom Bower, the accomplished character actor known for his roles in ‘The Waltons’ and ‘Die Hard 2,’ has passed away at the age of 86. His sister-in-law, Mary Miller, confirmed that he peacefully died in his sleep at his Los Angeles home on May 30.

Bower’s career spanned a wide range of roles, from playing Dr. Curtis Willard on ‘The Waltons’ to portraying Marvin, the janitor who aids John McClane in thwarting terrorists in ‘Die Hard 2.’ His talent was showcased in various films, including ‘The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez’ alongside Edward James Olmos and ‘Crazy Heart’ with Jeff Bridges.

Notable for his versatility, Bower also appeared in Oliver Stone’s ‘Nixon’ as the father of the 37th U.S. president and in Werner Herzog’s ‘Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans’ as Nicolas Cage’s character’s father. His work extended to collaborations with directors like Scott Cooper in ‘Out of the Furnace’ and Ed Harris in ‘Pollock.’

On television, Bower’s presence was felt in the short-lived AMC series ‘Lucky Hank,’ where he played Bob Odenkirk’s father. However, his most significant TV role was on ‘The Waltons,’ where he joined the cast as Dr. Curt, marrying Mary Ellen Walton and becoming a regular character until his departure in 1978.

Bower’s departure from ‘The Waltons’ was marked by a twist in the storyline, with his character supposedly perishing in the Pearl Harbor attack. Despite a brief return in 1981, the role was recast with another actor. In a 2022 interview, Bower humorously reflected on the behind-the-scenes dynamics that led to his character’s fate.

Ralph Thomas Bower, born in Denver in 1938, leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances that have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. His contributions to film and television will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.