January 1, Waltons and Die Hard 2 Actor Passes Away at 86

Tom Bower, the talented actor known for his work in “The Waltons” and “Die Hard 2,” passed away in his sleep at the age of 86 on May 30. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the news with Bower’s sister-in-law, Mary Miller. The actor died at his home in Los Angeles.

Bower’s memorable roles include the helpful janitor Marvin in “Die Hard 2” and the portrayal of the 37th U.S. president’s father in Oliver Stone’s 1995 film “Nixon.” Other notable film appearances included “Crazy Heart” in 2009, “Out of the Furnace” in 2013, and playing Bob Odenkirk’s father in the short-lived AMC series “Lucky Hank.”

On television, Bower first appeared in a 1975 episode of “The Waltons” as pilot Rex Barker. He then became a regular cast member the following season. Even in his later years, Bower continued to act in productions such as “Two Ways Home,” “Senior Love Triangle,” and the “Breaking Bad” sequel film “El Camino,” all released in 2019. In 2020, he appeared in “Fully Realized Humans” and “Raymond & Ray” in 2022. In total, Bower’s IMDb page lists an impressive 182 acting credits.

Bower’s dedication to the entertainment industry extended beyond his acting roles, as he was a strong supporter of the Screen Actors Guild. “He believed that all actors and all people should be represented in a way that was decent,” Miller told The Hollywood Reporter.

Fans and loved ones have been fondly remembering Bower and sharing their grief. The actor is survived by his children, Viv and Rob; grandchildren, Nicole, Jonathan, Lucille, and Henry; his brother, Bobby; and sister, Shirley. Bower was married to his wife, Ursula, for 51 years. According to Miller, “They never spent a day apart.”

The official cause of Bower’s death has not yet been determined.

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