June 6th 2024.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of beloved actor Tom Bower at the age of 86. Bower, known for his memorable performances in Die Hard 2 and The Waltons, passed away in his sleep on May 30. The sad news was confirmed by his sister-in-law, Mary Miller, who shared that Bower was at his home in LA at the time of his passing.
Marsha McManus, Bower's manager, paid tribute to the late actor, saying, "He was extraordinary in every way." The cause of his death has not been announced yet.
Bower's journey to fame was an interesting one - he initially dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player before discovering his passion for acting. In 1956, he enrolled in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and later studied at the John Cassavetes Shadows Workshop. Bower made his acting debut in Cassavetes' film, Shadows, in 1957.
Throughout his career, Bower appeared in popular TV shows such as The Rockford Files, The Bionic Woman, and The Waltons, where he played the role of Curtis Willard in season four and five. However, in 1978, Bower was written out of the show and his character, Curt, was killed off-screen during the Pearl Harbor attack. He returned to the show in 1981, but the role of Curtis Willard was taken over by Scott Hylands.
In a recent interview, Bower revealed that he had asked for a raise behind the scenes, resulting in his character's initial departure from the show. When the showrunners decided to bring his character back, Bower asked for the same raise, but was ultimately replaced by another actor.
Bower's impressive resume also includes roles in popular shows like Murder, She Wrote, Miami Vice, The X-Files, and The West Wing. He also appeared in films such as Beverly Hills Cop II, Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, and Nixon.
However, Bower's most notable role came in 1990's Die Hard 2, where he played the airport janitor who helps Bruce Willis' character, John McClane, defeat a group of terrorists. Bower's character, Marvin, even drives John and his wife, Holly Gennero, away on his airport cart in the film's climactic scene.
Bower is survived by his children, Viveca and Rob, and four grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Bower's talent and contributions to the entertainment industry will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Tom Bower.
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